| First steps: If you come home to find you've been | | | | insurance. Check with your provider about what you |
| burgled, contact the police immediately, and remember | | | | need to do to make a claim, such as photographing |
| these dos and don'ts. | | | | damage and keeping receipts for replacement items. |
| Don't: | | | | Putting things right: |
| -Touch anything more than you have to or attempt to | | | | You need to work closely with your insurer to make |
| clear up any mess. You could destroy important | | | | sure your claim goes smoothly. If the police recover |
| evidence. | | | | any of your lost property you must tell your home |
| Do: | | | | insurance company. They will take this into account |
| -Check your home for damage and make a note of | | | | when calculating your claim. |
| what's missing. | | | | Preventative measures: |
| -Report stolen credit cards or check books to your | | | | There are several things you can do to prevent a |
| bank or building society. | | | | burglary and protect your property if you are burgled:o |
| -Report stolen passports or driver's licenses to the | | | | Install a burglar alarm - this may also make your home |
| organizations that issue them. | | | | insurance cheaper. It's worth noting that many |
| -Contact your home insurance company. They may | | | | providers will add endorsements onto your policy, for |
| want to take your details immediately or wait for the | | | | example, if you go out and don't put the alarm on and |
| police to make a report. | | | | are broken into, you may have to pay a higher |
| -Check with your home insurance company whether | | | | excess.o Secure your doors and windows - and |
| emergency locksmiths and repairs are covered under | | | | never leave keys in locks or on windowsills where |
| a home emergency section of your insurance policy. | | | | they are in plain view.o Note down serial numbers - |
| What happens next? | | | | most electronic goods have them. They make it easier |
| Call the police: | | | | to proveownership if the police find your property.o |
| When the police arrive they will take your details and | | | | Keep valuation certificates and receipts - it helps your |
| help you make sure your home is secure. | | | | insurer settle your claim if you have proof of |
| The police will give you a crime reference number and | | | | ownership and value.o Take photographs - for items |
| an official police report. Your home insurance company | | | | without serial numbers, such as furniture and jewellery, |
| will need to see it when you make a claim. | | | | a photograph is a good substitute. A photograph of a |
| Secure your home: | | | | unique or rare item can help your insurance company |
| If you call an emergency locksmith or glazier, keep the | | | | repair or replace that item. |
| receipt. You may be able to claim for it on your home | | | | |