Every year, there are close to 30,000 burglaries across New York State, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. As part of their measures to protect against the dangers of burglary, many people purchase homeowners’ insurance to at least limit their financial losses from this shocking criminal act. But will your insurance actually cover the damage from a burglary, and how do you know if that will be the case?
What is a Burglary, in Legal Terms?
Legally speaking, a burglary refers to any time that someone breaks into a private residence for the purposes of committing a crime. Usually, this means they broke in to steal valuables, but it can also include other crimes, such as assault or arson. While certain places are at a higher risk of being burglarized than others, theoretically anyone may be a victim of a burglary at any time.
How Might Your Home Be Damaged in a Burglary?
When burglars break into a building, they are typically not very respectful of your personal property or the state of your home. This means that, in addition to any property they may steal, they often cause damage as they rummage through your home for things they can take. It is not uncommon for them to break windows or doors, overturn furniture, shatter glass, or cause other damage, leaving your home a mess. Worse, broken windows and doors can leave your home exposed to the elements, putting you at risk of additional damage from rain, snow, or other inclement weather.
Will Your Homeowners’ Insurance Cover You?
Unfortunately, whether or not damage from a burglary will be covered is going to depend on the terms of your homeowners’ insurance policy. Depending on how high risk your home is, there is a chance that your insurer may have intentionally excluded burglary from the types of damage it will cover. In addition, even if they do cover burglaries, they will often work hard to exempt themselves from covering damage by claiming it is not directly related to the burglary.
What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of a Burglary?
If you have been burglarized, your first priority should be to contact the police and get a police report. You should document all damage done by the burglars, and board up broken windows or doors to prevent any further damage. You should also re-secure your home and hide any valuables to protect against future burglaries. After that, you should contact a public insurance adjuster, who can give you a fair assessment of the damage your home has suffered.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.