Do I have to tell the insurance company ?

scaldyflash

My Father-in-Law was burgled yesterday. It looks as though the git/s didn't take anything (may have been disturbed) some minor damage to the window and a bit of a mess in the house. The Police came and done DNA swabs etc.

My question is does he have to tell the insurance company that he was burgled even though he does not intend to make a claim ?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

staffie1

Usually some clause in the contract of insurance, and certainly when proposing new isurance, there is a question such as "Have you suffered a loss in the last # yrs, whether or not you made a claim".

I don't think I would personally in these circumstances. The knowledge that the house was broken into would certainly affect next year's premium even if no claim was made..?

jamie1234_2

No, you have not made a claim so there is no need to. The term 'sufferd a loss' relates to you making a claim on an insurance policy. Basically becuase if you have made a claim you have sufferd a loss.

ben500

You most likely do! You should check your policy wording carefully almost all will require you to notify your insurance company of any material facts that may affect the decision to cover you, whether you claim or not despite the previous posters claim you have still suffered a loss, ie: you will need to replace the window will this be done free of charge?

The burglary irrespective of whether or not you choose to make a claim WILL affect your insurers in that they may well view it as an increase in risk, for example you mentioned you think they were disturbed because they didn't take anything, frequently thieves return at a later date having made themselves aware of what exactly is at the location to return for. If they get a good haul they will often keep an eye on the property and wait for the inevitable pile of boxes to appear for the refuse collecter as you replenish your goods, this is then viewed as a cue to return and repeat the process, check your policy carefully if you are reluctant to just call them and let them know, remember if you withhold such informatiion a future claim could well be declined based on your failure to advise the insurer of the incident.

slh4283

In theory, this does need to be notified to insurers - could be deemed something that the insurers may wish to know to make a decision of whether to offer renewal.

However, bearing in mind the circumstances I would suggest noting this as attempted theft and confirm that no claim will be made.

Unfortunately it really depends on the insurer whether they will take any action or not, however if it happened again and the insurer found out (eg if someone contacted the police and the other incident was established) the insurers may avoid the policy entirely (refund the premium) however you would then effectively have no cover and no claims would be paid for that period. The problem is then getting someone else to insure you if they have cancelled your policy as this is definitely a question all insurers ask