Does home insurance cover theft and burglary?
Theft and burglary cover is a standard part of contents insurance, and damage caused by break-ins is usually covered on the building side too.
There are conditions, though — around forced entry, security, and limits on high-value items — that are worth understanding before you need to claim.
Typically covered
- •Theft of contents from your home following a break-in
- •Damage to the building caused by a burglar gaining entry
- •Theft following forced or violent entry/exit, in most policies
Typically not covered
- •Theft where there’s no sign of forced entry (varies by insurer)
- •Theft by someone lawfully in your home (e.g. a tenant or guest), in many policies
- •Items above the policy’s single-item or category sub-limits, unless specified
- •Theft from a home left unoccupied beyond the policy’s limit
How it works in Australia
Many insurers require reasonable security — locked doors and windows — and apply sub-limits to valuables like jewellery, watches and cash. High-value items often need to be individually "specified" to be fully covered, so list them when you set up the policy.
General information only — cover, limits and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before deciding.
Frequently asked
Does theft cover need forced entry?+
Often yes — many policies require evidence of forced or violent entry. Theft without forced entry may be limited or excluded; check the PDS.
Are jewellery and valuables fully covered?+
Usually only up to a sub-limit per item or category, unless you specify them individually. Listing valuables ensures they’re fully covered.