Theft and Vandalism Claims: The Evidence That Actually Matters

The police report comes first

Call the police before you touch anything. Don't clean up. Don't straighten the mess.

Don't try to figure out what's missing yet. The police need to see the scene as is. A police report is typically required by your insurance company before they'll process the claim.

The report documents the crime, the officer's observations, and any physical evidence at the scene. Get the report number and the officer's name and badge number. Request a copy of the written report once it's available.

Your adjuster will need it.

Photograph the scene like a detective

After the police have processed the scene, photograph everything before cleanup. For vandalism, capture all damage from multiple angles with close-ups. For theft, photograph the empty spaces where items were taken: the wall bracket with no TV, the jewelry box with open empty drawers, the empty shelf where electronics sat.

Shoot every sign of forced entry: broken windows, damaged locks, kicked-in doors, pried frames. Capture the general state of ransacked rooms. This visual evidence supports both the police report and your insurance claim.

Building your stolen property inventory

List every stolen item with as much detail as you can document. Brand. Model number.

Color. Size. Approximate purchase date.

Estimated replacement cost at today's prices. Then back each item up with whatever proof you have: purchase receipts, credit card or bank statements showing the transaction, product registration emails, warranty cards, Amazon order history, serial numbers for electronics. Photos from social media or family photos showing items in your home are surprisingly effective evidence.

The more specific your documentation, the harder it is for your insurer to dispute the claim.

Sub-limits that catch people off guard

Most homeowner policies cap reimbursement for specific categories regardless of what you lost. Jewelry and watches are commonly limited to $1,500 to $2,500 total. Cash is typically capped at $200.

Firearms may be limited to $2,500. Electronics may have per-item or category limits. If your stolen jewelry was worth $10,000 and your policy caps jewelry at $1,500, that's the most you'll get.

Gone. Check your policy for these sub-limits. If you own high-value items, talk to your agent about scheduling them individually with an endorsement that provides full coverage.

Secure your home immediately

Broken locks, smashed windows, and damaged doors need emergency repair right away. This prevents further theft or weather damage and shows your insurer you took reasonable steps to protect the property. Call a locksmith or board-up service.

Keep every receipt. These emergency security costs are part of your claim. For vandalism damage to the structure, get repair estimates from licensed contractors.

Submit photos of the damage and contractor estimates to your adjuster.