Summer is prime time for thieves, with burglaries rising 4.5% in June, July and August. If your home is burgled, you’re likely wondering: what does home insurance cover? We’ll answer your questions.
According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, nearly 250 home burglaries occur daily. Having a reliable alarm system and good home insurance is more essential than ever, especially given Spain’s current squatting problem.
What does home insurance cover?
When reviewing a policy, it’s important to distinguish between two often-confused terms: burglary and theft. While both involve loss of belongings, insurers treat them differently.
- Burglary: this involves the use of force or violence to gain entry to a home or intimidating the people inside. Breaking down a door or window to enter a home falls under the heading of burglary.
- Theft: the theft of property without violence or force. For example, if a door is left open and someone comes in to steal something, it is considered theft.
Why does this difference matter? Because insurance coverage is generally more generous for theft than for burglary. Some policies don’t cover theft at all, while burglary is usually covered up to 100% of the stolen items, within policy limits.
What does insurance cover in case of burglary?
Most home insurance policies cover both the stolen contents and any damage caused during a break-in, such as forced doors, broken windows or damaged locks. However, it’s essential to review the general and specific terms of your policy to understand the exact scope of your coverage.
When it comes to insured contents, there are often limits to be aware of. Valuables like jewellery, cash, electronics or professional equipment may require explicit declaration. Insurers may ask for invoices, photos or appraisals to verify their existence and value before offering full coverage in the event of theft.
If you acquire new assets, you must add them to the policy so that they are covered.
Although most home insurance policies primarily cover tangible assets (contents) and the property’s structure (buildings), many also include additional cover that protects against less obvious, but equally important, risks and situations.
What if I've been robbed outside my home?
Some insurers offer cover for personal belongings being robbed outside the home, provided it involves intimidation or direct violence against the policyholder, whether on the street or at the entrance to the building. Items typically covered may include:
- Bags
- Mobile phones
- Computers
- Watches
- Jewellery
Not all insurance policies offer the same coverage, so it's a good idea to check which items are covered and which are excluded.
Key points to ensure your insurance covers burglary
Although home insurance is a valuable safeguard against burglary, it does have its limits. Some insurers may not cover burglary or damage if:
- Stolen valuables were stored outside of safes when required by policy.
- Alarm systems are not activated unless the policy requires it.
- The goods are located outdoors, such as in patios, terraces or storage rooms, without additional security.
Another important point: many insurers impose specific coverage limits on certain categories of items or apply a deductible per claim. Therefore, before signing a policy, it’s wise to review the contract carefully, ensure that the insured amount accurately reflects the value of your possessions, and avoid cutting corners on coverage if it could prove crucial in the event of a burglary.
In addition to insurance, implementing security measures, such as reinforcing doors and windows, installing surveillance cameras or fitting an alarm system, can greatly reduce the risk of a break-in. In fact, many insurers offer discounts on premiums for homes equipped with such systems.
How much does home burglary insurance cost?
The price of a home insurance policy with anti-theft coverage depends on the insurer and the coverage offered, including the location of the home. The greater the protection, the higher the premium. Basic policies can be found from around €100 per year. The most comprehensive policies can cost around €300.