Burglary protection: These mistakes will cost you insurance coverage!

Burglary protection: These mistakes will cost you insurance coverage!

A burglary can not only lead to considerable psychological stress for those affected, but also to financial losses. The hope of compensation through household contents insurance is often disappointed, especially if the insured did not act with sufficient caution before and after the incident. T Online reports that misunderstood insurance coverage can quickly result in the loss of valuable claims.

A common misunderstanding is open doors or windows during short absences, such as when taking out the trash or ventilating. Such negligence seriously jeopardizes insurance coverage. Leaving keys in accessible places, such as under the doormat or in a flower pot, is also considered negligent. In addition, a break-in is classified as negligent if the stolen key was easily accessible.

Behavior before and after a break-in

Another critical point is how the homeowner reacts after a break-in. The insurance only provides protection against the financial consequences of a burglary if the burglar uses force to get into the home. When using smart home systems, insured persons should inform their insurance company about electronic access and take appropriate security measures. Damage caused by hacking or manipulation of smart door locks cannot be claimed without evidence of a break-in Transparent advice notes.

After a break-in, the police and insurance company must be notified immediately before anything is changed in the apartment. A precise inventory of stolen or damaged items should be drawn up and given to both the police and the insurance company. Photos of the devastation can also provide valuable evidence to help insurance companies evaluate claims. An expert is usually sent by the insurance company to determine the damage, which can take up to two weeks.

Home contents insurance coverages and limits

Household contents insurance covers the replacement value and repair costs for damaged items. However, there are compensation caps for certain valuables. Jewelry and cash are often only insured up to specific limits: jewelry up to around 10,000 to 15,000 euros and cash up to around 1,000 euros. It is important to note that there is no insurance coverage for negligent behavior, such as leaving windows open or hiding keys.

Anyone who breaks into a hotel room can also rely on household contents insurance, but only for stays of up to three months. The insurance also offers protection in the event of significant damage, such as forced entry into doors or windows. In addition, the costs for overnight stays in the hotel can be covered if the apartment becomes uninhabitable.

To ensure adequate protection against burglary, it is recommended to always close windows and doors, not to hide any keys openly and to inform neighbors of long-term absences. Comparing the different household contents insurance policies can also help you find the best tariff for your needs.