Theft Losses and Public Adjusters
Homeowners and business owners are no strangers to the threat of theft, whether it’s a break-in by burglars or looters taking advantage of a natural disaster. While theft can be a traumatic and distressing experience, it’s important for policyholders to understand how their insurance policies work when it comes to theft and property damage. Unfortunately, many insurance claims involving theft are met with delays, denials, or underpayment.
What are the most common types of property stolen during thefts? What types of property damage are caused by thieves? And how do insurance companies complicate, deny, delay, or underpay theft claims?
At Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc., we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve after a theft has caused damage to your property. Whether personal belongings are stolen, or the damage to your home or business is extensive, we help policyholders like you navigate the complexities of their insurance claims and fight for an optimal settlement.
Common Personal Property Stolen During Break-Ins
When it comes to theft, certain types of personal property are more frequently targeted by thieves. These items are typically of high value, easy to transport, or simply attractive to thieves looking to make a quick profit. Here are some of the most commonly stolen items from homes:
Cash and Personal Documents
Cash is often one of the first things thieves look for during a burglary. Along with cash, thieves often target documents such as passports, birth certificates, and other personal identification items that can be used for fraud or identity theft.
Firearms
In Florida, firearms are commonly stolen in burglaries. Gun owners should take special care to ensure their firearms are secured in a safe or locked compartment to reduce the risk of theft. A stolen firearm can be a significant loss, and it can also pose a serious risk if used in a future crime.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications, especially narcotics, are valuable on the black market, making them a target during home break-ins. Thieves may specifically search for medications in cabinets or personal storage spaces.
Jewelry
Jewelry is another highly sought-after item during a break-in. Thieves often target:
- Rings
- Necklaces
- Watches
- Bracelets
- Precious metals and jewels
- Other expensive items and heirlooms
Jewelry is small, easily concealed, and often has significant value, making it a prime target for theft.
Electronics
Electronics are one of the most common categories of stolen items. These include:
- Smartphones, laptops, and tablets
- Televisions
- Game consoles
- Cameras and other high-tech gadgets
Electronics are highly portable and often easy to resell, making them prime targets for thieves. Many homeowners may not realize the full value of their electronics until they are taken, which can make filing an insurance claim for their replacement more complicated.
Common Property Damages Caused by Thieves
In addition to the theft of personal belongings, thieves often cause significant damage to your property during the burglary. The types of damage caused by thieves can vary widely, but some of the most common damages include:
1. Forced Entry
One of the most obvious types of damage is the destruction caused by forced entry. Burglars often break windows, doors, or locks to gain access to your home. This can lead to expensive repair costs for doors, windows, and frames, as well as any damage to surrounding areas.
2. Ransacking and Messes
Thieves may not only steal items but also ransack your home in the process, leaving a trail of destruction. This can include drawers and cabinets being emptied, furniture being overturned, and personal belongings being scattered. Even if items are left behind, the damage done to your home’s interior can be significant, leading to costly repairs and cleaning.
3. Damage to Security Systems
If your home is equipped with a security system, thieves may try to disable or destroy it to avoid detection. Damage to security systems, including cameras, alarm panels, or motion detectors, can add an additional layer of loss and may not always be fully covered under a basic homeowner’s insurance policy.
In some cases, thieves may engage in vandalism as part of the theft. Vandalism can include graffiti, broken fixtures, or intentionally damaged property. This type of damage can be hard to quantify, but it can significantly affect the value and aesthetics of your home.
Theft vs. Vandalism: Understanding the Key Differences
Theft
The unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This includes burglaries, home invasions, and stealing personal items such as electronics, jewelry, and firearms. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover theft-related damages, including the loss of stolen items, as well as damage to your home resulting from the break-in (such as broken doors or windows).
Vandalism
The intentional destruction or defacement of property, typically without the intent to steal. It can include actions like breaking windows, spraying graffiti, or damaging personal property. Many insurance policies will cover damages from vandalism, but the coverage for stolen items due to vandalism can vary depending on your policy.
How Theft and Vandalism Affect Insurance Claims:
When it comes to filing an insurance claim, the key distinction is whether the damage was caused by theft or vandalism.
For example, if your property was damaged during a burglary but no items were stolen, your claim may be categorized as vandalism, which can result in different payouts or exclusions. Additionally, many policies have specific coverage limits for vandalism or theft-related damages. Understanding the nuances of your policy is essential to ensuring that you receive the full compensation for your loss.
How We Can Help
Dealing with a theft can be emotionally and financially draining. The last thing you want to worry about is fighting with your insurance company over the value of your claim. That’s where we can help.
We specialize in helping homeowners navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring that every aspect of your loss is accounted for and that you receive the maximum settlement possible.
Here’s how we can assist you:
1. Detailed Loss Assessment
Our team of experienced public adjusters conducts thorough assessments of both the stolen property and any damage caused by the burglary. We document all aspects of the theft, including the value of stolen items and the cost to repair any property damage. This comprehensive assessment ensures that no detail is overlooked and helps support your claim with clear evidence.
2. Review of Policy Coverage
We review your homeowner’s insurance policy to identify all applicable coverage for theft, vandalism, and property damage. We examine the fine print of your policy to ensure that you’re not missing out on critical coverage and that you’re not being unfairly denied or underpaid. If necessary, we can challenge any insurance company decisions that limit your claim.
3. Negotiation with Insurance Providers
Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements or avoid paying out claims altogether. We handle all negotiations with your insurer, advocating for the compensation you deserve. Our team is skilled at handling complex claims, working hard so that you get the best possible settlement for both stolen items and property damage.
4. Pursuing Fair Payouts for Vandalism and Theft
Whether your claim involves theft, vandalism, or a combination of both, we categorize your damages appropriately and fight so that your policy’s terms are honored. We work to get you the highest payout for both stolen property and repair costs.
5. Support Every Step of the Way
From filing the claim to resolving disputes, we’re with you at every stage of the process, reducing your stress and allowing you to focus on restoring your home.
Why Choose Us?
If you’ve experienced a theft or break-in in your Florida home, we are here to help.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed Professionals: Our team is fully licensed and bonded in Florida and Colorado, giving us the knowledge and advanced training to represent you with confidence.
- Deep Industry Knowledge: With years of experience in Florida’s and Colorado's unique insurance landscapes, we understand the challenges homeowners face on theft claims.
- Client-Centered Approach: Unlike the carrier's field adjusters, we work exclusively for policyholders — your best interests are always our #1 priority.
- Proven Track Record: We've helped countless homeowners recover fair settlements, even in complex claims involving theft and vandalism.
We will always offer the following:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- Experienced, licensed public adjusters
- Thorough, accurate damage assessments
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers
- Complete claim management, from start to finish
Don’t let your insurance company minimize your claim or deny your rightful compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your claim. With our expertise, we’ll ensure that you get the maximum settlement possible for your loss.
Call us at (888) 518-5678 or admin@floridastatepa.com to get started!