Home Burglary / Theft
Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes
1
Do not touch anything in the burgled area before the police arrive — disturbing the scene can compromise the police investigation and the insurance survey.
2
Call the police (100) immediately and file an FIR. The FIR is a non-negotiable requirement for a burglary insurance claim — without it, the claim cannot proceed.
3
Photograph the scene: the point of entry (broken window, damaged lock, forced door), the disturbed areas, and any visible damage.
4
Notify your home insurer immediately after filing the FIR — report the claim and provide the FIR number. Time-sensitive notification is required under most policies.
5
Make a preliminary list of all stolen items with estimated values, purchase dates, and any available purchase receipts or photographs.
Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours
1
Compile a detailed inventory of stolen items: photographs from previous occasions (social media, WhatsApp, cloud storage), purchase receipts, valuation certificates for jewellery, warranty cards for electronics. This evidence directly determines your claim amount.
2
Get the damaged entry points repaired — burst locks, broken windows — and keep the repair receipts. These are claimable as part of the burglary claim.
3
Submit the insurance claim with: FIR copy, list of stolen items with values, photographs of damage, and any available purchase evidence.
4
For jewellery claims: most home insurance policies have a specific sub-limit for jewellery (often 10–25% of the contents sum insured or a fixed amount). A valuation certificate from a certified jeweller strengthens the claim.
5
Inform your bank of any stolen documents (passbook, cheque book) or cards and get them replaced.
Resolution Steps — Next 2–4 Weeks
1
The insurer will send a surveyor and may also verify with the police. Cooperate fully and provide all requested information promptly.
2
The claim settlement for stolen items is typically at the current market value (not replacement cost) minus depreciation, unless you have a ‘new for old’ or ‘reinstatement value’ policy.
3
If the insurer disputes the list of stolen items (common for cash claims — insurers are sceptical of large cash amounts): the burden is on you to establish what was kept at home. Bank withdrawal records showing large cash withdrawals before the burglary can help.
4
Cash claims under home insurance are typically limited to a small sub-limit (₹5,000–₹50,000 depending on the policy) — large cash holdings at home are generally not covered above this limit.
5
Track the police investigation — if they recover any stolen property, it may need to be returned to the insurer (if already settled) or taken back by you (if not yet settled).
Prevention — How to Avoid This in Future
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Install good quality locks on all doors and windows — minimum ISI-marked 5-lever locks. Deadbolts add a further layer.
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Install CCTV cameras covering entry points — this deters burglars and provides evidence if they do enter.
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Keep a detailed photographic inventory of valuables (jewellery, electronics) stored in the cloud — dated photos and purchase receipts are invaluable at claim time.
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Do not keep large amounts of cash at home — use a bank account. Home insurance sub-limits for cash are low.
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Store jewellery in a bank locker for extended absences. Inform your insurer if you have a bank locker — some policies allow jewellery to be covered at the locker location too.
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Your Rights
Burglary is a standard covered peril under comprehensive home insurance. The insurer cannot reduce your claim without documented grounds. For jewellery, they cannot apply depreciation if you have a current valuation certificate. The police FIR is both an investigative tool and your legal protection — do not delay filing it.
Key Contacts & Portals
| Who / What | Contact / Action |
|---|---|
| Police FIR | 100 — file immediately, do not disturb scene first |
| IRDAI Bima Bharosa | bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in | 155255 |
| Insurance Ombudsman | irdai.gov.in/web/guest/find-ombudsman |
| Who / What | Contact / Action |
|---|---|
| Cyber Crime (for digital theft) | cybercrime.gov.in | 1930 — if electronic devices used for fraud |
| Local locksmith / security | For emergency lock replacement — keep receipt |