Having your home or apartment broken into can be one of the most disrupting and stressful occurrences in life. It's not only devastating to have personal objects stolen, but also the feeling of violation and loss of privacy which can result in feelings of insecurity.
Please review the following checklist to ensure you take the right steps after a home burglary:
- If you arrive home and it appears to have been broken into: do not enter the house. Call the police from your cell or a neighbour's home. The burglars might still be inside.
- Do not touch or disturb anything.
- Check on family pets.
- Call your insurance company immediately.
- The insurance company will require the police report to validate your claim. Be sure to save a copy for your personal record.
- You may consider hiring a company to help with the restoration of your home.
- It may be quite emotional dealing with the losses and damages, speak to your insurance professional before your finalizing your claim.
- The insurance company may want to send out an adjuster, in this case you might be required to still not disturb the home and you may need to stay elsewhere until their visit.
- Carefully document all the missing items (your home inventory will be a very helpful and time saving resource) as well as any damaged items.
- To help feel more secure and for peace of mind you may want to consider installing or upgrading a home security system. With a new system you may be eligible for a discount on your home insurance premium.
The financial and emotional impact of a burglary can be felt for a long time, but by being prepared you can lessen the stress involved. Take the time to review your insurance documents to ensure you're fully covered and create an inventory of your possessions to help make the chance of a break in less devastating.
If you'd like a review of your home insurance needs, please feel free to call us: 519-736-8228. We'd be happy to help you.