A green door sits slightly open, showing what you should do if your house has been broken into

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to keep your home secure, a break-in just happens. Learn some common signs that an intruder may have entered your home and find out what you should do next.

Signs your home may have been broken into

Some burglars are pretty good at covering their tracks, meaning they can enter and exit your home without being detected until you realize something is missing. Others aren’t so smooth and leave plenty of evidence. Here are some common signs that your home may have been broken into:

  • Your door is unlocked or open when you return home, but you’re sure you locked it when you left the house
  • There are new scratches, dents, or other signs of tampering on your locks or doorframes
  • Some of your belongings are missing or have been moved from their usual locations
  • One of your windows is open or broken, but it wasn’t like that when you left the house
  • There are unusual marks on your floors or carpets

What to do if you believe your home has been broken into

If you return home and see signs that an unwelcome guest may have been inside your house, follow these steps:

  1. Stay calm. It might be easier said than done…but try your best to stay calm and remember that you won’t be left alone to deal with this yourself — your home insurance has your back. Keeping your cool now could be crucial to getting things back in order nice and quickly.
  2. Don’t go inside. If you believe your home has been broken into, don’t go inside. Not only could it be dangerous (if the burglar is still inside or has caused significant damage, for example), but you could accidentally destroy important evidence. Stay somewhere safe until you take the next step…
  3. Call 911. Tell the operator that your home has been broken into, and then wait for an officer to come investigate. Keep a copy of the police report for your insurance company.
  4. Make a list of items that are missing. Once the police have confirmed it’s safe to reenter your home, take a walk around and make a list of anything that is missing or damaged — and take pictures, too. If possible, write a detailed description of each item, including the make and model number, where and when you purchased it, and how much you paid for it. If you have a copy of your receipt, keep that on hand as well.
    Bonus tip: A thorough home inventory document can come in handy after a break-in. Print off one of our fillable home inventory sheets or use a home inventory app to keep a detailed record of your belongings.
  5. Call your home insurance broker. Tell your broker what happened in as much detail as possible and provide a list of items that have been stolen. Your broker will guide you through the next steps of the claims process and help coordinate repairs to your home, as well as the recovery or replacement of your stolen belongings. If it’s outside of business hours or you can’t reach your broker, call your insurer’s emergency line to start the claims process.
  6. Stay somewhere safe. If you can’t stay at home during the investigation or while repairs are being made, your home insurance could cover additional living expenses like meals and a hotel stay. Be sure to ask your broker what’s covered before you make your arrangements.

If you believe your home has been broken into, don’t go inside. Not only could it be dangerous, but you could accidentally destroy important evidence. Call 911 right away.

Does home insurance cover break-ins?

Most home insurance policies cover break-ins. Your home insurance could not only help replace your stolen belongings, but it could also cover any necessary repairs to your home, provide a safe place to stay while repairs are being completed, and even pay rewards for tips that lead to the arrest of the person who broke into your home. Home insurance has you covered when you need it most, and your broker will be there to guide you every step of the way.

To make sure you have the coverage you need to protect you in the event of a break-in, reach out to your licensed broker today.

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