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What Are Your Policy Requirements After a Theft?

Writer's picture: Kyle StaggsKyle Staggs

When you realize your home or business has been broken into, there’s more to deal with than just the physical loss of items. The stress of figuring out next steps, dealing with insurance, and understanding what your policy actually covers can feel overwhelming. Instead of rushing to file a claim, it’s important to take a step back and understand what your insurance company requires of you, and how to ensure your property insurance claim is handled properly. 


Whether you're a homeowner or business owner, knowing how to handle your policy after a theft is key to getting fair compensation. 


For Homeowners: Important Considerations 

As a homeowner, when your property is targeted by thieves, it can feel personal. But before jumping into the insurance claim process, there are a few things to consider: 

1. Know What’s Covered by Your Policy 

Homeowners’ policies often vary greatly, and that applies when it comes to covering stolen items too.  

You might think that everything you own is ‘fully’ covered, but many policies have specific limits, especially on high-value items like jewelry, electronics, or art. Some may even require extra policies (riders) for these types of assets with their own procedures.  

Reviewing your homeowners’ policy thoroughly is crucial to understanding what’s included—and what’s not. The last thing you want is to discover that your most valuable items are only partially insured or worse are not covered at all after the fact. 

2. Documentation and Evidence 

Before you file a claim, gathering evidence is key. Take detailed photos of the area where the theft occurred, any damages, and a full list of the stolen items. Your insurance company will likely ask for receipts or proof of purchase for certain high-value belongings, so make sure you have as much documentation as possible to avoid delays. 

It’s not just about filling out forms—it’s about making sure the process goes smoothly by providing thorough and accurate information. 

For Business Owners: What You Need to Consider 

Theft at a business can disrupt daily operations and affect your bottom line, so knowing how to properly handle the situation is essential. Business insurance policies are often more complex than homeowners’ policies, so it’s important to be prepared. 

1. Inventory and Loss of Business Coverage 

In addition to filing a claim for stolen inventory or equipment, consider whether your business has been affected beyond the initial theft. Business interruption insurance may help cover the income lost while you're dealing with the aftermath, but it's not always automatically included in every policy. Be sure to speak with counsel on whether this applies to your situation. 

Also, don’t forget about less obvious losses—like damage to doors, windows, or security systems—that may require repairs before you can get your business back up and running. 

2. Prepare Your Claim Carefully 

Just like with personal property, documentation is vital for business owners. Keeping records of your inventory, including invoices and receipts, is the best way to ensure you have the proof needed when filing a claim. But it’s not just about what was stolen—if the theft caused damage to the building or compromised equipment, that’s part of the claim as well. 


Consulting a Florida property damage attorney can help ensure your documentation is solid, and you’re not leaving any potential recovery on the table. 


Why You Should Consider Legal Guidance Before Filing a Claim 

Theft claims, whether for a home or business, can be difficult to navigate, especially when policies are filled with technical language and hidden clauses. In many cases, claims are denied or undervalued because of small missteps in the filing process. 


Working with a seasoned property damage attorney like Kyle B. Staggs, Esq. can help you: 

  • Understand the nuances of your insurance policy. 

  • Ensure your documentation is comprehensive. 

  • Prevent delays or denials in your claim. 


Before you file a claim, consulting with a professional can help make sure you're protected and fully compensated for your loss. So, be sure to give the Florida Property Damage law firm a call right away. We are here to help provide peace of mind in the face of severe property loss; choose us to help get things settled.  

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