Documenting Theft and Vandalism for Your Claim
File a police report immediately
Call the police before you touch or clean anything. A police report is typically required by your insurance company before they will process a theft or vandalism claim. The report documents the crime, the responding officer's observations, and any evidence at the scene.
Get the report number and the officer's name and badge number. Request a copy of the written report once it is available, as your insurer will need it.
Document the scene before cleanup
Photograph and video everything before cleaning up or making repairs. For vandalism, capture all damage from multiple angles. For theft, photograph empty spaces where items were taken, any signs of forced entry like broken windows or damaged locks, and the general state of the affected rooms.
The more visual evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
Create a detailed stolen property inventory
List every stolen item with as much detail as possible. Include the item description, brand, model number, approximate purchase date, and estimated replacement cost. Gather supporting documentation like purchase receipts, credit card statements, product registration emails, warranty cards, and photos of the items from social media or family photos.
Serial numbers are especially helpful for electronics.
Vandalism repair documentation
For vandalism damage, get repair estimates from licensed contractors. Photograph all graffiti, broken fixtures, smashed surfaces, and damaged landscaping. If the vandalism affected your home's security like broken locks or windows, get emergency repairs done right away and keep the receipts.
Temporary security measures are covered as part of preventing further damage to your property.
What to do
File the police report, then call your insurance company to open a claim. Provide the police report number. Submit your stolen property inventory with all supporting documentation.
For vandalism, submit repair estimates and photos. theft claims often have sub-limits on certain categories like jewelry, cash, firearms, and electronics. Check your policy for these limits and consider scheduling high-value items on a separate endorsement for future protection.
See how this applies to your property
Upload photos of your damage and get a detailed analysis showing exactly where your estimate may fall short.