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Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors

Theft, Burglary and Malicious Damage Claims

A person in black gloves forces the lock of a door
Illustrative images only.

A burglary is upsetting. The damage from a break-in can add to the loss. Vandalism can leave a property damaged and open to the weather. This page explains what a theft, burglary damage or malicious damage claim can involve.

Common causes and signs

These are the usual situations:

  • A burglary, where items are taken.
  • Damage to doors, windows and locks from a break-in, with or without items taken.
  • Vandalism, such as smashed glass, graffiti or damage to fences, gates and outbuildings.
  • A break-in at a business, where stock, tools or equipment are taken.

What the claim can cover?

Depending on your policy, a claim can include:

  • The items that were taken.
  • Repair of the damage caused by the break-in, such as doors, windows, frames and locks.
  • Damage caused by vandals.
  • For a business, stock and equipment, and sometimes the loss of income while you cannot trade.

Many policies set a limit for high-value items and for items kept outside the house. Many also require certain locks or alarms. Read the wording on these points.

What to do first?

  • Make sure everyone is safe. Do not enter the property if you think the intruder is still there.
  • Report the theft to the Gardaí. Your insurer will usually ask for the Garda report number.
  • Secure the property. Board up or fit a temporary lock so that the damage does not get worse. Keep receipts for this work.
  • Do not touch the scene until the Gardaí have seen it. Do not tidy up before you take photographs.
  • Write a list of what was taken. Give a description, the make and model, the age and the value of each item. Add receipts, photographs, serial numbers and any other proof of ownership.
  • Read your policy for notice conditions. Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and within any time limit in your policy.
  • If items are found later, tell your insurer and the Gardaí.

Where claims get difficult

Insurers often question:

  • The value and age of the items on the list.
  • Whether you have proof that you owned each item.
  • Whether the policy conditions on locks and alarms were met.
  • The limits for single items and for cash, jewellery or items kept outside.
  • Whether the scope of the repair work is fair.

An incomplete list can slow a claim. It helps to build the list with care and to keep every record. We cannot promise the outcome of any claim.

How we help

As Loss Assessors, we act for you. We report the claim to your insurer and meet the loss adjuster at your property. We put together the detailed costs of the repairs and the replacements. We deal with your insurer until the claim is settled.

Tell us what happened. Contact us.