Homeowners insurance covers theft-related losses, including reimbursement of personal belongings and repairs for break-in damage to your home. There are three home insurance coverages that can help after a theft incident:
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Theft?
Updated: October 28, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance covers theft incidents by paying to replace stolen belongings and fix damages to your property caused by a break-in.
You’re covered even while on the move, as home insurance pays to replace belongings that are stolen from your car, at the park or on vacation.
Not all items are covered by home insurance, as standard policies typically cover up to a certain limit per item. High-value belongings need a scheduled personal property endorsement.
Is Theft Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage pays to repair any damages caused by a break-in, such as a broken window or door. Any structural damage to your home after a theft falls under dwelling coverage.
Other Structures Coverage
If detached structures, such as your pool house or shed, are damaged after a thief breaks down the door, other structures coverage pays to repair those buildings.
Personal Property Coverage
Any personal belongings stolen from you, including furniture, appliances and clothing, will be reimbursed by personal property coverage.
EVEN THEFT OUTSIDE YOUR HOME IS COVERED
Home insurance covers theft even outside the home, whether it’s a home burglary, a car break-in or a pickpocketing incident while on a walk, your belongings will be reimbursed.
Which Stolen Items Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Homeowners insurance covers most stolen personal belongings, including, but not limited to:
- Furniture and appliances such as sofas, tables, washers and dryers
- Electronics, including TVs, laptops, gaming consoles and speakers
- Clothing and accessories such as shoes, apparel and handbags
- Jewelry and watches up to a sublimit in your policy (ranges between $1,500 to $2,500)
- Sporting goods and tools, such as power tools or gym equipment
- Personal items outside the home, including items from your car, stolen luggage during a vacation or a pickpocket during a walk
Which Stolen Items Are Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Some losses fall outside standard homeowners insurance protection. Items that are not covered or have limited coverage include:
- Cash or currency, typically capped at $200 or excluded entirely
- High-value jewelry, artwork or collectibles, unless insured through a scheduled personal property endorsement
- Business property kept at home, such as office equipment or inventory
- Vehicles, including cars, boats or ATVs, which require separate coverage
- Misplaced or mysteriously missing items, or losses without clear evidence of theft
- Thefts by household members, tenants or roommates
HIGH-VALUE SUBLIMITS
While home insurance also covers jewelry, there are limits for each claim, as high-value items often have lower coverage caps. Depending on around $1,500 to $2,500. If you own expensive jewelry, art or collectibles, consider adding a scheduled personal property endorsement to fully insure those items against theft or loss.
How Much Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Stolen Items?
The amount homeowners insurance pays for stolen items depends on whether your policy reimburses you based on actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV).
Definition | Pays the depreciated value of the stolen item based on its age and condition. | Pays the full cost to replace the stolen item with a new one of similar kind and quality. |
Payout Example | If a 5-year-old TV originally cost $1,000, ACV might reimburse $400 to $500 after depreciation. | The same TV would be reimbursed at the current cost of a new one, about $1,000. |
Out-of-Pocket Cost | You’ll likely pay more out of pocket to replace items. | You’ll pay less out of pocket since depreciation isn’t deducted. |
Premium Cost | Policies are generally cheaper since payouts are lower. | Policies are more expensive but offer greater protection. |
How Your Deductible Impacts Theft Coverage
A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your homeowners insurance begins to cover the loss from theft. It can range between $500 and $2,000, depending on the options from the provider.
Your deductible directly affects how much you receive after a theft. If the total value of your stolen items doesn’t exceed your deductible, your insurer won’t issue a payout. Choosing a higher deductible usually leads to more affordable home insurance, but also means you’ll pay more upfront if you file a claim.
For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible and the thieves steal $800 worth of items, you’d cover the full amount yourself. However, if you have $3,500 worth of belongings stolen, your insurer would subtract the $1,000 deductible and pay out $2,500.
How to File a Homeowners Insurance Theft Claim
Filing a home insurance claim after a theft involves several key steps, from reporting the incident to finalizing your payout.
- 1Contact the Police
Report the theft to law enforcement as soon as possible and request a copy of the police report. Insurers almost always require this document to verify the loss and start processing your claim.
- 2Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer’s claims department or file online to report the theft. The best homeowners insurance providers make this step simple with 24/7 customer service and online claim tracking.
- 3Document the Loss
Create a detailed list of stolen items, including photos, receipts and serial numbers when available. Keeping thorough records helps speed up your claim.
- 4Prevent Further Damage
Secure broken doors, windows or locks to protect your home from additional loss. Keep receipts for temporary repairs, as your insurer may reimburse you for these costs.
- 5Work With the Claims Adjuster
An adjuster will review your documentation and may visit your home to inspect any damage. The best homeowners insurance companies communicate clearly throughout this step, helping you understand what’s needed to move your claim forward.
- 6Review Your Settlement
Once approved, your insurer will issue a payment based on your policy’s coverage (ACV or RCV) minus your deductible. Your provider should offer clear, itemized settlement details so you know exactly how your payout was calculated.
Tips to Avoid Theft
While homeowners insurance can reimburse you for stolen property, preventing theft is always better than filing a claim. Taking a few precautions can protect your home, valuables and peace of mind.
- 1Install a Home Security System
A security system with cameras, alarms or smart sensors can deter burglars and alert you to suspicious activity. Many systems can also connect to your phone, letting you monitor your home even when you’re away.
- 2Reinforce Doors and Windows
Use deadbolts, strike plates and window locks to make entry points more secure. Strengthening these areas reduces the likelihood of forced entry during a break-in attempt.
- 3Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Avoid leaving expensive items near windows or in plain view. Store jewelry, electronics and important documents in a safe or hidden location to reduce temptation for thieves.
- 4Be Cautious on Social Media
Avoid posting vacation plans or photos while you’re away from home. Sharing your location in real time can alert potential burglars that your house is empty.
- 5Light Up Your Property
Install motion-activated lights around entryways, driveways and dark areas. A well-lit property makes it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.
- 6Get to Know Your Neighbors
An active neighborhood watch or simply looking out for one another can help prevent break-ins. Strong community awareness is one of the simplest and most effective theft deterrents.
Does Home Insurance Cover Theft: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance covers theft both inside and outside your home, reimbursing you for stolen belongings and damage caused by a break-in. How much you receive depends on your policy’s coverage type, whether it’s actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV), and your deductible. Reviewing your coverage limits and securing valuable items can help ensure you’re fully protected before theft occurs.
Theft Insurance Policy: FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about coverage limits, claims and what’s excluded in home insurance after a theft.
Does homeowners insurance cover theft outside the home?
Yes. Homeowners insurance typically covers stolen items even when they’re taken from your car, luggage or while you’re traveling, up to your policy’s personal property limits.
Does homeowners insurance cover stolen cash?
Only up to a small limit. Most policies cap cash reimbursement, so it’s best to keep minimal cash at home.
How long do I have to file a theft claim?
Most insurers require you to report theft as soon as possible, within 30 to 60 days of discovering the loss. Check your policy for the exact deadline.
Are high-value items like jewelry or art fully covered?
Not always. Standard homeowners policies set sublimits for high-value items, so you may need a scheduled personal property endorsement for full coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover a stolen car?
No. Auto theft is covered by comprehensive car insurance, not homeowners insurance.
Will my premium increase after filing a theft claim?
It might. Filing a claim could raise your rate, especially if you’ve made multiple claims in recent years, as insurers may see you as a higher risk.
Home Theft Insurance: Related Pages
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.