Experiencing theft is a nightmare for any property owner. When it does occur, it can come as a shock and leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. You might feel rushed to resolve the situation, skipping important steps in the insurance claim process, which can impact your ability to secure a fair and reasonable settlement.
At Excel Adjusters, we help guide you through the entire theft claims process, making sure every detail is handled with care so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Qualifies as Theft?
Theft is defined as knowingly and intentionally taking another person’s property. This can include:
- Stealing items from outside of your property, regardless of whether or not they were locked
- Removing an item that was located inside your property
- Looting someone else’s property
Are Theft Claims Covered Under Your Insurance Policy?
It’s important to verify if your insurance policy includes coverage for theft and vandalism. Contact your insurance provider to confirm what is covered and if there are any limitations or exclusions. For example, some policies might cap reimbursement for stolen items, which might not fully cover the value of the items taken. You’ll also want to clarify whether your policy covers the actual cash value or replacement cost of stolen items, as this can significantly affect the outcome of your theft or vandalism insurance claim.
If You've Experienced Theft, Excel Adjusters Will:
- Advocate on your behalf and communicate with the insurance company
- Negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement
- Check the damage to your building from theft and/or vandalism
- Review what your insurance policy covers
- Help arrange repair and restoration services
- Make sure you're meeting your responsibilities as a policyholder
- Investigate and measure the full extent of the damage
- Determine how much your items are worth now or what it will cost to replace them
- Review total loss claims and compare them with insurance estimates
- Speed up the claims process
- Put together a claim for business equipment, if applicable
- Gather data to support a claim for lost income, if applicable
- Prepare documents to request an advance payment, if applicable
Tips for Preventing Theft
While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of theft, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening:
- Regularly maintain the exterior of your property to keep it visible and secure
- Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious locations
- Install deadbolts on doors and secure windows and sliding glass doors
- Ensure exterior lighting is operational and cannot be easily tampered with
- Report any suspicious activity to local authorities
- Consider investing in a security system for added protection
Be Prepared: Document Your Valuables
Preparing for the worst-case scenario can help build a stronger case if theft occurs. Some proactive steps include:
- Taking photos of your property and valuables, both inside and outside
- Keeping receipts for expensive items to support your vandalism insurance claim
- Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of your belongings
- Storing important documents in a fire-proof or tamper-resistant safe
What To Do If You Are A Victim of Theft
If your property has been burglarized or vandalized, follow these steps to protect your claim and increase your chances of receiving a fair and reasonable settlement:
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Ensure Safety First
Before re-entering your property, confirm it is safe. If you suspect someone is still inside, contact local law enforcement immediately.
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File A Police Report
Filing an official police report is very important. It creates an official record of the theft or vandalism, which is necessary for theft and vandalism insurance claims.
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Take Photos
Document any damage or missing items through photos. This evidence will be vital when filing your vandalism insurance claim or theft claim.
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Contact Excel Adjusters, a Licensed Public Adjuster
Navigating the insurance claim process after a theft can be complicated. Insurance companies rely heavily on their adjusters (known as independent adjusters) to assess claims, and these adjusters are not working in your favor. They might even look for every reason not to reimburse you for the theft and/or damages.
Hiring a licensed public adjuster, such as our team at Excel Adjusters, can make a significant difference in securing a fair and reasonable settlement for your claim. We are independent and work solely for you, not the insurance company.
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Prepare a List of Stolen and Damaged Items
Once you’ve contacted the police and Excel Adjusters, it’s important to create a detailed list of all stolen and damaged items to prove ownership and substantiate value. Include:
- Purchase dates and locations
- Costs of items, along with receipts, if available
- Photos or videos showing the stolen or damaged property
- Title or ownership documentation, when applicable
How Excel Adjusters Can Help With Your Theft Claim
At Excel Adjusters, our goal is to help you navigate the insurance claims process and secure a fair and reasonable settlement for your theft or vandalism insurance claim. As independent public adjusters, we work for you—not the insurance company. Here’s how we can assist:
Notify Your Insurance Provider
We communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf, making sure that all necessary information is submitted correctly and promptly. While it’s possible to handle a theft claim on your own, having a public adjuster on your side ensures the complexities of the insurance policy are understood, and your interests are protected.
Guide You Through the Entire Insurance Claims Process
From filing your initial theft claim to negotiating the settlement, we are with you at every stage. We handle the paperwork, attend inspections with field scoping agents, and make sure the insurance company follows through on their commitments.
Assist at Every Stage of the Theft Claim
Whether you’re just starting your insurance claim process or need help with a denied claim, Excel Adjusters is here to support you. We make sure the claim is handled according to your policy’s terms, fighting for the full amount of coverage you’re entitled to receive.
- If your insurance company is refusing to cover ALE or Loss of Use expenses, we can work with your insurance company in an attempt to get you reimbursed for any living costs you incurred in your temporary home.
- If property damage occurred during the theft, your insurance company might try to cut corners in your repairs in order to reduce costs on their end. This can sometimes result in poorly done repair jobs and unprofessional damage restoration companies. If you are not happy with the repairs done, we can help negotiate with your insurance company in order to get the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy. If your insurance policy includes these terms, you are entitled to receive a payout from your insurance company that covers the entire cost to replace items of the same quality as what you previously owned. Each situation is unique to your specific insurance policy.
- We can speak with your insurance company if your insurance claim has been denied. We will provide evidence and reasoning as to why your vandalism claim or theft claim should be covered by your carrier.
Let us advocate for you and handle the complexities of your theft or vandalism claim while you focus on restoring your property.
What We Charge
At Excel Adjusters we charge a small percentage based on what we settled for our policyholders. If there is no recovery amount on your claim, then we do not charge any expenses or fees. We also offer free consultations and guidance on your claim.
Your Rights
If your commercial property has experienced theft and you need to file a theft claim, we can help.
Under the regulation of the State Department of Insurance, you have the right to receive a fair adjustment on a claim. The insurance company is obligated to compensate you for your losses. You have no obligation to accept a low-ball offer and/or delays in processing your claim. Our team at Excel Adjusters can help protect you, the policyholder, and uphold the insurance company’s obligation to make proper payments where liability is reasonably clear.
For the attention and devotion your case deserves, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your particular circumstances with your theft claim.
If You’ve Experienced Vandalism Or Theft And Need To File A Vandalism Claim Or Theft Claim In Los Angeles, We Can Help.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation*According to the Insurance Information Institute
