A break-in leaves two losses behind: what was taken, and the damage done getting in. Here’s what to do today, what your homeowners policy usually covers for theft and vandalism, and where these claims get underpaid. We’re GB Claims, a licensed public adjuster working for homeowners across Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties, the NYC metro area, and throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. We work for you, not the insurance company. That also means no kickbacks from contractors or mitigation companies – you are the only person we work for.
One thing before anything else: call us before you file the claim. You can call us after too – but it makes a huge difference whether we file it for you or it goes in without us. Filing it the wrong way is a common mistake that costs real money, and it happens for no good reason. Get us in first and it gets filed correctly.
What to do in the first 24 hours after a break-in
- Call the police first. Get a police report number. Your carrier will require it for a theft claim, and the report starts the paper trail.
- Don’t touch anything until the police clear the scene. Then photograph and video everything: the point of entry, broken doors, windows, locks, damaged rooms, and every area items were taken from.
- Secure the property. Board up broken windows and doors. Keep the receipts – emergency repairs to prevent further loss are usually covered.
- Report the claim to your carrier. Get the claim number and write down every call: date, name, what was said.
- Start the inventory now. List everything missing with what it cost, when and where you bought it, and any proof you have: receipts, card statements, photos, serial numbers, warranty cards. Don’t throw away damaged items the thieves left behind.
- Don’t sign a quick settlement or release before you know the full extent of what was taken. People remember items for weeks after a break-in.
What a homeowners policy usually covers for theft and vandalism
Theft and vandalism are covered perils on standard homeowners policies. That generally includes stolen personal property, damage to the home from the break-in itself (doors, windows, locks, frames, interior damage), and vandalism or malicious mischief to the building. Detached structures like garages and sheds are usually covered too, and many policies cover property stolen from your car or while you’re traveling, up to limits.
The fine print that matters: jewelry, watches, firearms, silver, cash and collectibles usually carry low sublimits – often far below what they’re worth – unless they were scheduled on the policy. Most policies pay actual cash value for contents unless you carry replacement cost on personal property. And most policies limit or exclude theft when the home was vacant for an extended period, commonly 30 or 60 days. Your declarations page and policy language decide what’s owed.
Where theft and vandalism claims get underpaid
- Proof of ownership. Carriers reject or lowball items that aren’t documented. A household inventory built carefully – with photos, statements, serial numbers and reasonable replacement pricing – is often the whole difference.
- Depreciation. Without replacement cost coverage, contents are paid at actual cash value, and depreciation is often taken too heavily. A five-year-old laptop is not worth nothing.
- Sublimits. Jewelry and watches are the classic trap: a $15,000 loss under a $1,500 sublimit. What applies depends on your policy, and it’s worth reading before accepting the math.
- Building damage scoped too small. A kicked-in door often means the frame, jamb, trim and locking hardware, not just a slab. Matching flooring or wall finishes damaged in the break-in gets skipped.
- Forgotten items. Garage, basement, attic and outdoor items get left off. So do the costs of rekeying locks and restoring security.
Why theft claims get denied
Common denial reasons: no signs of forced entry, the carrier calling it “mysterious disappearance” instead of theft, vacancy beyond the policy’s limit, late notice to the police or the carrier, or questions about who had access to the home. Some denials are right under the policy. Some aren’t. If you got a denial letter, read the exact policy language it quotes and don’t assume it’s final. We handle denied and underpaid claim appeals regularly – a denial is often where our work starts.
When does a public adjuster pay for itself on a theft claim?
A public adjuster is licensed by the state to represent the policyholder. We build the contents inventory with you, document building damage, price the loss properly, and deal with the carrier – including the recorded statements and document requests that make theft claims heavier than most.
It usually makes sense when:
- The loss is large or the inventory is long
- The carrier is disputing proof of ownership or calling items unsubstantiated
- The claim was denied over forced entry, vacancy or timing
- The offer comes back far below what was lost
Public adjuster fees are regulated state by state – in New York they’re capped at 12.5% of the recovery, and New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut have their own rules. The fee is always in a written contract before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover theft in NY, NJ, PA and CT?
Usually yes. Theft and vandalism are standard covered perils. The gaps are sublimits on valuables like jewelry, depreciation on contents, and vacancy exclusions. Your policy language controls.
What if I don’t have receipts for stolen items?
You can still prove ownership other ways: photos, card or bank statements, serial numbers, warranty registrations, original packaging, and sworn statements. A well-built inventory carries real weight.
My theft claim was denied. What now?
Get the denial in writing, read the policy section it quotes, and keep every piece of evidence, starting with the police report. Denials based on forced entry, vacancy or late notice can often be challenged with better documentation. A public adjuster can review it.
Are items stolen from my car covered?
Usually by your homeowners or renters policy, not your car’s own policy – up to your policy’s limits and deductible. Damage to the car itself is a separate claim.
Do I need a public adjuster for a theft claim?
Not always. For a small, well-documented loss the carrier is paying fairly, probably not. For a large inventory, a proof-of-ownership fight, or a denial, a public adjuster usually earns the fee.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster
Had a break-in or vandalism in NY, NJ, PA or CT? Call (845) 456-6699 or text (845) 422-4444. Tell us what happened and where the claim stands. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can help. We work only for you – never for the insurance company, and with no kickbacks from contractors or mitigation companies.
GB Claims LLC – Licensed Public Adjuster: NY, NJ, PA, CT