How to make a home insurance claim after a break-in

If you’re a homeowner, the thought of someone breaking into your home is probably a scary one. Unfortunately, home break-ins are more common than you might think. According to the latest data from the FBI, there were more than 1.1 million burglaries in the U.S. in 2019. Of those burglaries, more than 55% involved forcible entry.

Even though there are ways to reduce the risk of a home break-in, such as by installing a home security system, it’s impossible to prevent them entirely. Fortunately, standard homeowners insurance policies cover theft. If someone breaks into your home and steals anything or damages your home, it’s likely covered under your policy. 

In this article, we’ll explain the process of filing a home insurance claim after a break-in, and what losses are typically covered.

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What does homeowners insurance cover in a break-in?

In the event of a break-in, most home insurance policies cover damage to your home, as well as stolen personal belongings, like clothing, furniture, and electronics.

The dwelling insurance portion of your policy will cover any structural damage the burglar causes, like a broken window or a picked door lock. The personal property...