Theft claims guide
Personal property limits and sublimits catch most homeowners off guard
Theft claims are limited by personal property sublimits that most homeowners don't know about until they file.
What to document
A police report — file one immediately, even if recovery seems unlikely. Carriers require it.
A detailed list of every stolen item with description, approximate age, and estimated value
Receipts, photos, serial numbers, or appraisals for high-value items
Photos of any forced entry — broken locks, damaged doors or windows
Your policy declarations page and personal property schedule if you have one
Bank or credit card statements showing recent purchases of stolen items
What adjusters look for
Sublimits for jewelry, firearms, electronics, cash, and collectibles — standard policies cap these categories
ACV vs. RCV for personal property — many policies pay actual cash value (depreciated) for contents
Proof of ownership — adjusters will scrutinize high-value claims without documentation
Whether the theft occurred on or off premises — off-premises theft has different limits
Common mistakes to avoid
Not having a home inventory — without documentation, high-value claims are hard to substantiate
Not knowing your sublimits — jewelry is typically capped at $1,500–$2,500 on standard policies
Forgetting to schedule high-value items separately before a loss occurs
Delaying the police report — carriers may deny claims without one
Need help with a claim in progress?
The RightQuote team can review your claim situation, connect you with a public adjuster if needed, and make sure you're not leaving money on the table.