It takes years of effort for creating assets, however, one theft or any other loss/damage can cripple you financially. Burglary insurance is the right policy to keep your property safe and gets peace of mind. It covers losses or damages to property due to burglary and housebreaking. Though burglary insurance is meant to offer comprehensive coverage, there are some instances where the insurer will not offer coverage. Burglary insurance can be purchased by those who have office insurance policy as the insurance policy will offer compensation in case of theft of office items.
Burglary insurance doesn’t cover the following:
- The amount of the excess as specified in the policy document
- Gold or silver articles, precious metals, and any other articles which are made of precious metals, medals, coins, sculptures, rare books of any kind
- Loss or damage caused by wear and tear or gradual deterioration
- Loss or damage caused by the sack, loot, pilferage, etc.
- Unexplained losses or damages due to errors, omissions
- Theft or attempted theft from open spaces, gardens, yards, etc.; unless the contents thereof are specifically mentioned in the policy document
- Loss or damage directly or indirectly caused by or arising from any corruption, destruction, or distortion
- Goods held in trust, cash, jewelry, title deeds, or business books, unless they are specifically insured
- Loss, damage, or expense of whatsoever nature directly or indirectly by any act of terrorism or war
- Loss or damage caused to the insured property due to breach of trust or misfeasance by the insured
- Loss of money from safe following the use of the key unless such key has been obtained by violence
- Any loss or damage directly or indirectly happens to the premises from the nuclear weapon material
- Any loss or damage to glass, plate, or any decoration thereon
- Consequential loss or damage or legal liability of any type
- Loss or damage caused by loot, sack, spillage, or pilferage
Read More: What are the Requirements to purchase a Property Insurance Policy?
Further, the burglary insurance policy will not cover losses or damages if the premise is left unattended for five or more consecutive days. Moreover, if the material alteration is made on the premises, whereby the risk is increased, the insurer will not cover any loss or damage that may arise due to alterations. Also, if the insurable interest has passed from the policyholder to the other party otherwise by will, the burglary insurance will not offer coverage. Any loss or damage to the insured property which has been removed from the premise in which it is stated to be safe as far as expressly provided in the policy, will not be covered.
As burglary insurance is part of property insurance, and therefore, the exclusion list of the property insurance policy will be applicable to burglary insurance as well.
Note: It is not an exhaustive list and for more information, read your burglary insurance policy document or property insurance policy document or contact the insurer.
Read More: Who should buy Property and Casualty Insurance?
Case on Property Insurance
A few years ago, Mrs. Rajni Sharma bought burglary insurance to cover her house content worth Rs 10 lakh. Last year, she left for Australia to surprise her daughter on her birthday who was studying mass communication there. As it was the first time that Rajni was going to Australia, she decided to stay there for one month. While Rajni informed her friends and relatives about her travel plans, she forgot to inform her insurance company. When Rajni was away in Australia, burglars kicked in a panel in her house’s back door and stole many valuable items. During that time, her neighbor, Mr. Rajiv Saxena was also going to Shimla to attend one of his relative’s marriages. The thieves did not break the locks of the house and as no one was at home, they easily stole items. When, after one month, Rajni came back to India, she found some of her items missing. The burglary was captured on Rajiv’s CCTV cameras. Then later she filed a claim with her insurance company refused to settle it as she left her house unattended for more than seven consecutive days and did not inform her insurer about this.
