When Break-Ins Happen: Is Your Home Insurance Ready?
Nobody wants to imagine coming home after a family vacation to discover a broken window and missing valuables. Unfortunately, property crime remains a reality in communities across Middle Tennessee. The good news? Your homeowners insurance likely provides some protection against theft—but the details matter more than you might think.
At Benton White Insurance, we regularly help homeowners understand exactly what their policies cover when it comes to theft and burglary. Let’s break down what you need to know to ensure you’re properly protected.
The Basics: How Theft Coverage Works in Your Policy
Most homeowners insurance policies in Tennessee include theft protection as part of your personal property coverage. This means if someone breaks into your home and steals your belongings, your insurance can help replace what was taken.
However, “some coverage” doesn’t necessarily mean “complete coverage.” Understanding the nuances can save you from unpleasant surprises if you ever need to file a claim.
What’s Typically Protected
Your standard homeowners policy generally covers:
Personal belongings stolen from your home – This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and most household items taken during a burglary.
Items stolen from other locations – Many policies extend limited coverage to belongings stolen from your car, hotel room, or even while you’re traveling. The coverage limit for off-premises theft is usually lower than for items stolen from your home—often around 10% of your personal property limit.
Damage from the break-in – If thieves break your door, shatter windows, or damage your home while stealing, your dwelling coverage typically pays for repairs.
Common Coverage Limitations
Here’s where many homeowners get caught off guard:
Cash and negotiable instruments have very limited coverage—often just $200 to $500 total. This includes currency, bank notes, coins, and gift cards.
Jewelry, watches, and furs are typically capped at $1,000 to $1,500 total. If you have an engagement ring worth $8,000, your standard policy won’t come close to replacing it.
Firearms often have limits around $2,000 to $2,500 total.
Electronics and computer equipment may have sub-limits, though these vary widely by policy.
Collectibles, artwork, and antiques frequently need additional coverage to be fully protected.
Real Scenarios We’ve Seen in Middle Tennessee
The Jewelry Box Surprise
A homeowner in Brentwood had $25,000 worth of jewelry stolen during a break-in. She assumed her policy would cover the full amount. Unfortunately, her standard policy only covered $1,500 for jewelry. She ended up with a $23,500 out-of-pocket loss because she hadn’t scheduled her valuable pieces separately.
The Electronics Theft
A family in Murfreesboro lost three laptops, two tablets, a gaming system, and a TV in a burglary while they were at their child’s soccer tournament. Between the electronics and other stolen items, they had about $12,000 in losses. Their policy covered most of it, but they hit sub-limits on electronics that left them short by several thousand dollars.
The Good Outcome
A homeowner in Spring Hill had properly scheduled her jewelry and maintained a home inventory with photos and receipts. When thieves stole items from her home, the claims process went smoothly, and she received full compensation for her losses within weeks.
The difference? Proper planning and documentation.
How to File a Theft Claim: The Right Way
If you experience a theft, taking the right steps immediately can make your claim process much smoother.
Step 1: Call the Police First
Before you touch anything or contact your insurance company, call local law enforcement. They need to document the crime scene, and you’ll need a police report for your insurance claim. Don’t clean up or move items around until officers give you the all-clear.
Step 2: Contact Benton White Insurance
Reach out to us as soon as possible after notifying the police. We can guide you through the next steps and help you understand what your specific policy covers. Time matters—most policies require prompt notification of losses.
Step 3: Document Everything
Create a detailed list of what was stolen. For each item, note:
- Brand and model
- When you purchased it
- Approximate purchase price
- Serial numbers (if you have them)
- Any unique identifying features
Take photos of any damage to your home from the break-in.
Step 4: Gather Proof of Ownership
The more documentation you have, the better. This might include:
- Purchase receipts
- Credit card or bank statements
- Photos showing the items in your home
- Appraisals for valuable items
- Warranty information
- User manuals
Step 5: Don’t Dispose of Evidence
Keep any damaged items until the claims adjuster has seen them. Throwing things away prematurely could complicate your claim.
Understanding the Claims Process
After you file your claim, here’s what typically happens:
Initial Review – Your insurance company assigns an adjuster to your case who reviews your police report and documentation.
Assessment – The adjuster may visit your home to inspect the damage and discuss the stolen items with you.
Valuation – The company determines how much to pay based on your policy type. If you have replacement cost coverage, you’ll receive what it costs to buy new items today. With actual cash value coverage, you’ll get the depreciated value.
Settlement – Once approved, you’ll receive payment minus your deductible. For replacement cost policies, you may get an initial payment based on actual cash value, then additional funds after you actually replace the items.
The entire process typically takes a few weeks, though complex claims can take longer.
Should You File a Claim? Consider These Factors
Not every theft warrants an insurance claim. Here’s what to think about:
Your deductible – If you have a $1,000 deductible and lost $1,200 worth of items, you’d only receive $200. It might not be worth the potential premium increase.
Potential rate impacts – Filing claims can affect your future premiums. One claim might have minimal impact, but multiple claims over a few years could lead to significant increases or even policy non-renewal.
Item value vs. premium cost – Calculate whether the reimbursement is worth the potential long-term cost increase.
We can help you analyze these factors and make an informed decision about whether to file.
Strengthening Your Theft Protection
Add Scheduled Personal Property Coverage
For high-value items like jewelry, fine art, musical instruments, or collectibles, scheduled personal property coverage provides significantly better protection. With this coverage:
- Each item has its own dedicated coverage limit
- There’s no deductible on scheduled items
- Coverage often extends beyond just theft to include accidental loss or damage
- You don’t have to prove the item’s value at claim time if you have an appraisal on file
Maintain a Home Inventory
One of the most valuable things you can do is create and maintain a detailed home inventory. Walk through your house room by room and:
- Photograph or video record your belongings
- Keep receipts for major purchases
- Note model and serial numbers
- Store this information somewhere secure outside your home (cloud storage works well)
Update your inventory annually and after major purchases.
Consider Replacement Cost Coverage
Many standard policies pay actual cash value, which factors in depreciation. Replacement cost coverage costs more but pays to replace your items with new ones of similar quality. For most homeowners, this additional coverage is worth the premium difference.
Theft Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
While insurance provides financial protection, preventing theft saves you the hassle and emotional toll of dealing with a break-in.
Security Measures That Work
Home security systems – Modern systems are more affordable than ever, and many insurers offer premium discounts for having one. Even visible cameras and alarm company yard signs can deter thieves.
Quality locks – Deadbolts on all exterior doors should be standard. Consider reinforcing door frames and upgrading to smart locks.
Window security – Ground-floor windows are common entry points. Add locks, security film, or sensor alarms.
Outdoor lighting – Motion-activated lights around your home’s perimeter eliminate hiding spots and draw attention to anyone approaching.
Neighborhood awareness – Build relationships with neighbors and look out for each other’s properties.
When You’re Away
Thieves often target homes that appear vacant:
- Use timers for lights and TVs to simulate occupancy
- Hold mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect them
- Don’t announce your vacation on social media until you return
- Have someone park in your driveway occasionally
- Keep your yard maintained
Secure Your Valuables
For items you can’t adequately insure or that have sentimental value:
- Use a quality home safe bolted to the floor or wall
- Consider a bank safe deposit box for rarely-used valuables
- Don’t leave expensive items visible from windows
Questions Tennessee Homeowners Ask Us
“Does my policy cover theft from my car?”
Maybe. If personal belongings are stolen from your vehicle, your homeowners policy might provide coverage—but it’s usually limited. Your auto insurance typically covers theft of the car itself and permanently installed equipment, but not personal items inside. Review both policies to understand where coverage overlaps and where gaps exist.
“What if I can’t prove what was stolen?”
This is why documentation is so important. Without proof of ownership or value, the claims process becomes much more difficult. The insurance company may limit payment to items you can verify or use general estimates that might be lower than your actual losses.
“Are there items that aren’t covered at all?”
Most policies exclude certain property types or have very limited coverage for things like motor vehicles, aircraft, business property kept at home, and property illegally acquired or possessed.
“What about identity theft?”
Many insurers now offer identity theft coverage as an add-on or endorsement. This helps cover expenses related to restoring your identity, such as legal fees, lost wages, and credit monitoring. It’s worth considering in today’s environment.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Working with a local independent agency like Benton White Insurance offers distinct advantages when it comes to theft coverage:
We know the local risk landscape – We understand crime patterns in Middle Tennessee communities and can advise on appropriate coverage levels.
We have multiple carrier options – As an independent agency, we’re not tied to one insurance company. We can shop multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price for your specific needs.
We’re here when you need us – If you experience a theft, you’re not just a claim number. We’re local, accessible, and committed to helping you through the process.
We provide ongoing policy reviews – Your needs change over time. We proactively review your coverage to ensure it keeps pace with your situation.
Take Action to Protect What Matters
Your home and belongings represent years of hard work and investment. Making sure you have adequate theft coverage—and taking steps to prevent theft in the first place—protects both your financial security and your peace of mind.
Here’s what to do next:
- Review your current policy – Check your personal property limits and sub-limits for valuable items
- Create or update your home inventory – Document what you own while you still have it
- Identify coverage gaps – Do you have jewelry, collectibles, or other valuables that exceed standard limits?
- Schedule a policy review with Benton White Insurance – Let’s ensure your coverage matches your actual needs
Don’t wait until after a theft to discover your coverage isn’t what you thought it was. A proactive conversation today can prevent significant financial hardship tomorrow.
Contact Benton White Insurance today to schedule your comprehensive home insurance coverage review. Let’s ensure your home is properly protected for its full value.At Benton White Insurance, we ask that you call us BEFORE you file a claim. We can save you money and time. – almost every time. We can help you cut through all of that.
THANK YOU for your trust in what we do. We’re here to help. Let us help you if you have a claim. We will make it much easier on you for sure.
TEXT or CALL us at 615.377.1212 or EMAIL us at info@BentonWhite.com. Also, on our website – BentonWhite.com, you can get more claim information and file a claim from the site. Let us know how we can help you as we ‘earn’ your business!
Benton White Insurance
Protecting Middle Tennessee Homes and Families with Comprehensive, Customized Coverage
Insurance coverage varies by carrier and policy. This information is for educational purposes only. Contact Benton White Insurance to discuss your specific coverage needs and available options in Tennessee.
