If your house was burgled, follow these steps to ensure a smooth insurance claim process and maximize your payout:

1. Contact the Garda immediately

  • Call the Garda and report the burglary.
  • Get a crime reference number, as your insurer will need this.
  • Ask for a copy of the Garda report (if available).

2. Secure Your Property

  • If doors, windows, or locks are damaged, take steps to secure your home.
  • Keep receipts if you pay for emergency repairs (your insurer may reimburse you).

3. Notify Your Insurance Company ASAP

  • Call your insurer and report the burglary.
  • Provide them with the crime reference number.
  • Ask about their specific claim process and any deadlines.

4. Document the Loss & Damage

  • Take Photos/Videos: Capture any damage, broken locks, forced entry points, and missing items’ locations.
  • Make a Detailed Inventory: List all stolen or damaged items, including:
    ✅ Descriptions (brand, model, serial number, color, etc.)
    ✅ Purchase receipts (if available)
    ✅ Estimated value and age of each item

5. Gather Supporting Evidence

  • Receipts & Proof of Ownership: If you don’t have receipts, look for bank statements, warranty documents, photos, or emails confirming purchases.
  • CCTV or Smart Doorbell Footage: If available, share footage of the burglary with the police and insurer.

6. Get Repair & Replacement Quotes

  • Obtain estimates for repairing damage (e.g., doors, windows, locks).
  • Get replacement quotes for stolen or damaged items.

7. Work With the Loss Adjuster (If Appointed)

  • Your insurer may send a loss adjuster to assess the claim. Be prepared with all evidence.
  • If you’re unhappy with their assessment, consider hiring a loss assessor to negotiate on your behalf.

8. Negotiate If Necessary

  • If the insurer offers less than expected, challenge the offer with additional evidence.
  • Check your policy for coverage of “new-for-old” replacements.
  • Escalate complaints if necessary (ombudsman, dispute resolution).

Phone: (087) 195 8363

Email: marc@lossassessorsireland.ie

Impartial advice and support at the critical time

We offer a complete claims management service for your insurance claim providing valuable support, professional help and advice to you at the time of your loss. Acting on your behalf, Loss Assessors Ireland provide impartial advice and support at this critical time, and deal effectively and professionally with your insurer and their loss adjuster to achieve the most satisfactory insurance settlement.

Our services can be deployed at any time of your insurance claim, however please note that it is always best to bring in Loss Assessors Ireland at the initial stage of any claim, as what you do or say at the beginning may have serious implications for the eventual outcome.