Theft Claims Guide

Report quickly, prove ownership and value, and navigate limits or exclusions for stolen property.

Authority Guides › Theft Claims Guide

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    Overview

    Theft claims depend on prompt police reporting, evidence of forced entry or theft, and proof of ownership/value for stolen items. Sublimits may apply to jewelry, firearms, cash, and business property.

    Key Rules & Requirements

    • Police report: Usually required; provide the incident number to the carrier.
    • Proof of ownership: Receipts, photos, serial numbers, or appraisals help confirm items and value.
    • Sublimits: Categories like jewelry, watches, firearms, cash, and securities often have lower caps unless scheduled.
    • Vacancy/unoccupancy: Extended vacancy can limit theft coverage in some policies.
    • Sworn proof of loss: Carriers may request detailed inventories under oath; accuracy is critical.

    Step-by-Step Guidance

    1. Contact police immediately and obtain the report number.
    2. Secure the property and photograph forced entry or damage.
    3. Create a stolen items inventory with descriptions, age, source, and replacement cost.
    4. Provide proof of ownership (receipts, photos, serial numbers, appraisals, bank statements).
    5. Submit the claim with the police report and inventory; ask about any applicable sublimits.
    6. If requested, complete a sworn proof of loss and provide supporting documents.
    7. Request payment of undisputed amounts and discuss scheduling or endorsements for future coverage.

    Required Documentation

    • Police report, incident number, and officer contact if available.
    • Photos/video of entry points and damaged areas.
    • Inventory spreadsheet with replacement pricing sources.
    • Receipts, appraisals, or serial numbers for high-value items.
    • Proof of occupancy to counter vacancy exclusions.
    • Any alarm or camera footage and monitoring logs.

    Common Insurer Tactics

    • Applying low sublimits broadly to unrelated items.
    • Questioning ownership for items lacking receipts despite other proof.
    • Demanding excessive documentation for everyday items to slow payment.
    • Suggesting non-forced entry to reduce coverage.

    Red Flags to Watch For

    • Denials that ignore provided proof of ownership.
    • Requests for repeated sworn statements without new issues.
    • Sublimits applied where items were scheduled or endorsed.
    • Delays tied to unrelated investigations after police cleared the scene.

    Best Practices for Policyholders

    • Keep digital copies of receipts and serial numbers for future claims.
    • Schedule high-value items to avoid sublimits and valuation disputes.
    • Provide multiple proofs (photos + bank statements) when receipts are missing.
    • Ask the adjuster to confirm coverage categories and limits in writing.
    • Request partial payments for clearly proven items while others are reviewed.
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