Insurance in the event of a burglary
Burglars often strike under the cover of dusk. But which insurance pays out in the event of a burglary? How can I protect my home contents? Comparis answers the key questions and provides tips for burglary protection at home.
iStock / D-Keine
1. Burglary: Which insurance pays out?
As a rule, the home contents insurance covers damage caused by burglary and theft. Insurance companies distinguish between different types of theft:
Simple theft
This type of theft is also referred to as «Entwendung». The perpetrator faces no major obstacles. Example: Someone enters your flat through an open window.
There is the «Simple theft at home» and the Simple theft away from home».
The «Simple theft at home» is included in the basic coverage of home contents insurance. This includes, for example, the theft of a bicycle from the garage.
However, coverage restrictions: Unsecured cash and other monetary assets such as securities or precious metals are not covered, for example.
If you include the «Simple theft away from home» add-on in your home contents insurance, you are also insured against theft when you’re out and about. Lost or misplaced items are usually not replaced. Cash and other monetary assets are also not covered.
For the supplementary insurance «simple theft away from home», a separately defined maximum sum insured. It is usually between 2,000 and 5,000 francs.
Burglary
In the case of a burglary the perpetrator breaks into into a room or forces open a container (e.g. a safe). Theft by unlocking with the correct keys or codes is considered equivalent to burglary if the perpetrator acquired them through burglary or robbery.
Damage of this kind is included in the basic coverage of household contents insurance. It pays out for stolen and damaged items at replacement value. Jewellery and cash are generally only covered up to a certain amount. To insure valuable items such as jewellery, a valuables insurance is worthwhile.
Robbery
Thefts committed under threat or use of force fall under the term robbery. They are included in the basic coverage of household contents insurance included.
2. How do I protect myself from a burglary?
Even if you are away for a short time, you should always lock the front door. Also make sure that the doors to the seating area are closed.
Close all windows when you’re away. A tilted or ajar window is considered an open window by the insurance company. If an incident occurs with the windows open, this is considered simple theft.
A trusting relationship with your neighbours is particularly helpful. Inform them of longer absences so that they can keep a watchful eye on your home.
Overflowing mailboxes are a sign of an empty apartment. Therefore, have your mailbox emptied regularly by a trusted person if you’re away for a long time. You can also have mail delivery suspended.
Thieves like to look under doormats, in flower pots or in mailboxes for keys. Instead, deposit the keys with a neighbour.
Criminals communicate with each other by means of so-called «crook’s marks». These are a series of simple symbols. An X means there’s something to be gained here.
If you notice markings on house walls, doors or letterboxes, photograph them and report them to the police. You should then remove the marking.
Anyone who observes anything suspicious or catches burglars in the act should do so as soon as possible call the Police via emergency number 117. Very important: Do not clean up the crime scene, as this could erase important traces.
Staying at home is the best protection against burglary. If you are absent, you can simulate presence. For longer absences, timers, smart light bulbs or TV simulators.
Many burglary attempts can be prevented at an early stage with motion detectors at the front entrance, on the terrace or in the garage. A good solution is also smart home security equipment, which you can conveniently control via an app.
A standard screwdriver is enough to open unsecured windows and doors. Check whether your door lock is state-of-the-art. Additional door locks make burglary considerably more difficult.
Criminals use social media to obtain information about your presence. Therefore, do not share on Facebook, Instagram & Co. if you are currently on holiday.
3. Consequential damage from burglary: Who pays?
The home contents insurance also pays for the consequential damage of a burglary: broken door lock, broken window and the like. The maximum compensation for these costs is usually set separately – you can find this in your contract.
Do you live in a rented apartment? For damage to the apartment or building caused by burglary, your landlord or your liability insurance policy.
Tip: check the sum insured
Adjust the sum insured of your household contents insurance to the value of your household contents. For example, if you buy an expensive bicycle, increase the coverage amount in the supplement «simple theft away from home». This way, you avoid underinsurance.
4. Insurance in the event of a burglary: Frequently asked questions
Home contents insurance generally pays out in the event of simple theft, burglary and robbery. However, there are situations in which the insurance excludes coverage:
Gross negligence: e.g., the window or balcony doors were open when you left the house open or left ajar.
No detectable break-in: the door was unlocked during your absence, so no signs of a break-in can be detected.
Burglary by flatmates or known individuals
Items not covered: during the break-in, for example, securities, cars or professional equipment were stolen.
The sum insured is too low (Underinsurance).
Yes, cash is generally insured. It generally falls under the insured home contents in the event of a burglary. However, special compensation limits. This means that you will only be reimbursed up to the maximum amount specified in the contract. The compensation limit varies greatly depending on the insurer.
Most Swiss home contents insurance policies cover cash up to a maximum of around CHF 2,000 to CHF 5,000, if it isn’t in a certified safe.
Effective defences against break-ins are mechanical security devices, lighting,alarm systems and a vigilant neighbourhood. More tips on how to protect yourself from burglary can be found here.
This article was first published on 30.09.2020
