If you have just discovered that you have been the victim of a burglary, it is a difficult situation to live with. But the good news is that your household insurance is there to support you in these moments.
In Switzerland, household insurance compensates the amount necessary to repurchase stolen items, as if you bought them today.
It is particularly important to declare paintings, jewelry and watches, objects that can have a high value. Be careful, however, that certain high-value items require an additional option in your insurance contract.
If the burglars have damaged your home (think broken windows or forced doors), the insurance will also cover the repair costs. And if this event has deeply affected you, know that psychological expenses can be covered to help you overcome this trauma.
If your credit or debit cards have been stolen, household insurance will reimburse the costs incurred to replace them. Be careful, however: stolen cash is generally not refunded in the event of simple theft.
Keep in mind that a minimum excess usually applies, which means that you will have to pay this amount before the insurance takes care of the rest, the amount depends on your contract.
What to do in the event of a burglary?
- Don't touch anything : Instinct may lead you to tidy up immediately, but the burglary scene may contain vital evidence for the investigation. Keep it intact for investigators.
- Call the police : Do this as soon as you discover the burglary. Responsiveness is key to increasing the chances of finding your property and the perpetrators.
- Block your payment methods : If your credit cards, checkbooks or mobile phones have been stolen, it is imperative to have them blocked immediately to avoid any fraudulent use.
- Contact your household insurance : Inform your insurance company of the damage suffered and the items stolen. Your advisor will guide you through the steps to follow and will inform you about the necessary documents to provide.
- Tidy up and repair damage : Once the police have made all the necessary surveys, you can arrange repairs. Your household insurance can cover the costs caused by these inconveniences.
How does the procedure work with household insurance?
| Stage | Action | Information |
| 1. Declaration | Quickly report the claim to your insurance to start the compensation process; we recommend doing this by telephone for greater responsiveness. | Your insurance company analyzes the file to determine coverage. |
| 2. Evaluation | An expert may be appointed by your insurance company to assess the extent of the damage and losses suffered. | The policy of most insurance companies provides replacement at replacement cost for stolen or damaged items. |
| 3. Repair / Replacement | The insurance organizes or reimburses the costs of repairing the damage suffered, as well as the replacement of stolen goods. | The costs of repairing material damage (locks, broken windows) and replacing stolen goods are covered. |
Protecting your home against burglaries
Protecting your home against burglaries often starts with simple but effective actions:
- Strengthen the security of your entrances. This involves installing multi-point locks on your doors and bolts or bars on the windows. These measures significantly deter intruders.
- Also consider purchasing an alarm system. An electronic surveillance device, visible from the outside, can discourage potential burglars. In addition to the deterrent aspect, these systems alert you in the event of an intrusion attempt, allowing rapid intervention.
- Be careful not to leave signs indicating that your home is unoccupied. During vacation periods, for example, ask a trusted person to collect your mail or to open the shutters regularly to give the impression of a presence. Light with a timer is also a simple solution to simulate presence at random times.
Contact us
If you are looking for personalized advice or if you would like to take out household insurance that meets your expectations, do not hesitate to contact us at Finwise Assurances.
Our team is at your disposal to assist you in choosing the solution best suited to your situation. Protect what is dear to you with the help of Finwise Insurance.
Conclusion
Ensuring the security of your home and opting for appropriate household insurance are complementary steps to living peacefully.
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