Home & contents claims

Break-in or theft at home: what to do and what to gather

Leave things as they are, then list everything that's gone with its value.

If you think someone may still be inside, don't go in. Call 000 from somewhere safe.

Do this first

1. Don't enter if you think someone's inside, and call 000 Once police say it's safe, you can go in.
2. Don't tidy up yet Photograph the home and the damage before cleaning, so the evidence isn't lost.
3. Secure the home and keep receipts Board up a broken window or fit a temporary lock. Reasonable emergency costs are usually covered.
4. Write down what's missing while it's fresh Your Contents Register makes this quick.
5. Report to police, then tell your insurer

Who to tell

• The police: A police report number is expected for theft claims.
• Your insurer: Start your claim promptly.
• Your bank and card providers: If cards or ID were taken, so they can be cancelled.
• Your phone provider: If a phone was taken, so it can be blocked.

What to gather

• Police report number. Insurers need it for a theft claim.
• Photos of the damage where they got in. Shows how the home was entered.
• Photos of the rooms as you found them. Shows what was disturbed before anything was cleaned up.
• A list of the missing items with values. The core of a contents claim.
• When you last knew the home was secure, and who else has keys. The first questions an assessor asks.
• Receipts, photos or serial numbers for valuable items. Proof of ownership helps, especially for jewellery, electronics and tools.
• Older photos showing the items at home. Holiday and party photos often show what you owned.
• Repair quotes or receipts for the damage. For doors, windows and locks.
• CCTV or doorbell footage. Can help police and your insurer.

Things that catch people out

• Cleaning up first can destroy evidence. Photograph first.
• Policies often limit what they pay for a single valuable item unless it's listed separately. Check your limits.
• Only claim for what was actually taken, at a fair value. Inflated claims can void the whole claim.

General guidance only. It isn't your insurer's requirements or financial advice. Always check your policy documents and your insurer's instructions.