Does homeowners insurance cover stolen property

Finding out that personal belongings have been stolen is stressful—and one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: will my homeowners insurance cover this? The answer is generally yes for theft of personal property under your homeowners policy, but important limits and conditions apply.

🟩 Quick Definition 

Homeowners insurance typically covers stolen personal property under your policy’s personal property (Contents) coverage, up to your limits and subject to any sub-limits or exclusions.

What Theft Coverage Includes

• Standard homeowners policies include Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C), which covers your belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, sports gear—against theft or burglary. 

• If your home’s structure or detached structures (like a garage or shed) are damaged during a break-in, your Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) or “Other Structures” coverage may help pay for repairs. 

• Theft coverage often extends beyond your home—many policies cover items stolen while you’re traveling, from a car, hotel room or storage unit (though off-premises coverage may be limited). 

What to Watch Out For: Limits & Exclusions

• Limits for high-value items: Items like jewellery, art, collectibles, furs or firearms often have special sub-limits unless you schedule them or purchase a rider/endorsement. 

• Off-premises coverage limitations: Theft outside the home is often covered but subject to lower limits (for example, 10% of your personal property limit) and policy terms. 

• Exclusions for certain property types: Vehicles, business inventory, items used in commerce, and sometimes property in long-term rental may not be covered under the standard homeowners theft coverage. 

• Deductibles and claim impact: You’ll pay your deductible before the insurer pays, and the payout may be based on actual cash value (ACV) rather than full replacement cost unless you purchased replacement cost coverage. 

What You Should Do After Theft

• Report the theft to the police immediately and get a copy of the report.

• Take inventory of the stolen items—make a detailed list, gather receipts, take photos and provide serial numbers when possible.

• Review your policy to check your personal property limit, whether you have replacement cost vs ACV coverage, and any applicable sub-limits.

• File your claim with your insurer as soon as possible and provide documentation requested (police report, item list, proof of ownership).

• Consider scheduling valuable items in advance or increasing your coverage if you have jewellery, art, collectibles or high-end electronics.

FAQs

Q1. Will all my stolen items be replaced at full value?
Not always. If your policy uses actual cash value (ACV) you’ll get the item’s value less depreciation. If you have replacement cost value (RCV) coverage you may get the cost to replace the item new. Your deductible will still apply.

Q2. If my laptop is stolen from my car or while travelling, is it covered?
Possibly yes—many homeowners policies cover personal property stolen off your premises, but you must check your policy’s terms, off-premises limits and whether the event qualifies.

Q3. Do I need to schedule high-value items to be covered?
Yes—high-value items like expensive jewellery, art, furs or collectibles often have lower default limits unless you add a schedule/rider naming them and their value.

Q4. What happens if business inventory or equipment is stolen?
Standard homeowners theft coverage usually excludes business property or inventory. You may need a separate business policy or endorsement.

Q5. Will filing a theft claim raise my premium?
It may. Any claim can affect your risk profile and premiums at renewal. Consider whether the theft loss significantly exceeds your deductible before filing a claim.

Final Thoughts

Yes—your homeowners insurance can cover stolen property, but coverage is subject to your policy’s personal property limits, sub-limits for valuables, deductible and whether the theft meets the terms. Review your policy, create an inventory of your belongings, and consider additional coverage for high-value items to ensure you’re fully protected.

Want help reviewing your personal property limits, scheduling valuables or filing a claim for stolen items? Fill out the form below for personalized guidance and support from our experienced team.