FAQs Regarding Break-ins At Your Property

If you have experienced a theft or a break-in at your home, you will understand the trauma it can cause. So, before an unwanted incident happens, it pays to review the exclusions, exceptions and restrictions in your home contents insurance policy, which could cause your claim to be rejected. Here are some of the more common questions - and the answers:

If my house keys are stolen, will the cost of a locksmith and new keys be covered?

Generally, your policy will cover the cost of replacing or fitting new locks and keys for external doors, windows, safes or alarm systems in your home, if your keys have been stolen. A standard policy may cover replacement locks for amounts up to £500.

Is the cost of replacement windows or doors covered after a forced entry?

Most standard home insurance policies will cover the doors, windows or locks of your home if they are damaged following a forced entry.

Will I pay more for contents insurance in a high crime area?

Unfortunately yes, you will. If your postcode is one with a higher than average instance of recorded burglary, this can result in a higher premium being charged. The postcode is the key; you can research month-by-month statistics for crimes including burglary in your local areas at the police.uk website. Insurers may use different statistics to decide on postcode premiums; so it pays to shop around.

Will my insurance provider replace cash or money used on credit cards stolen from the property?

Home contents insurance policies will typically protect you from financial loss if your credit card has been lost or stolen and used by someone else. However, you must report the loss or theft to your credit card company and to the police within 24 hours as a general rule. In addition, you must not have contributed to the compromising of your card, by disclosing your PIN number for example.

Is the theft of satellite equipment outside of the house covered?

Standard contents insurance policies will cover you for loss or damage to a satellite dish due to a fire, theft or storm. Your Buildings Insurance policy will protect you from damage to your house caused by a satellite dish ... but it will not cover the cost of the dish itself.

Is a bike locked up outside the house covered against theft?

Generally, if a bicycle has been stolen from within your home or from secured premises (e.g. a garage or shed) within your home’s boundaries, you will be covered by standard Contents Insurance policies. However, some policies exclude bikes from coverage, locked or unlocked, once they are outside the home. In addition, the maximum amount of coverage relating to bicycles may be lower than the value of an expensive bike. Check your policy carefully; if you want to insure your bike outside the home, then a specialist Bicycle Insurance policy may be needed.

What can I do to reduce the risk of theft and thus my premiums?

There are at least four key things you can do to improve your home's security while reducing your premium costs.

1. Fit key-operated locks to your windows.
2. Install five-lever mortice deadlocks to all external doors.
3. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
4. Install an approved, monitored burglar alarm.

Your insurer should be able to offer you a reduced premium if you make these improvements and your home will be safer as a result.

What might prevent me from claiming after a theft?

Broadly speaking, you might be unable to claim if your loss was in any way caused by you. Specifically, this can mean:

• if you have the home unoccupied for a long period of time (the definition of "unoccupation" should be in your policy).
• if you were in the house and left a door or window open for a burglar to come in, without any violent entry.
• if the theft is caused by a tenant, paying guest or (at times) a family member.
• if the loss has been by deception (unless force or violence has been used to gain access to your home), where you allowed someone voluntarily into your home.
• loss of money if no forced or violent entry has been made.

Obviously, each policy contract is different and should be examined carefully.