If you have been the victim of a theft and seek compensation, contact Lacey Lyons Rezanka today by calling 321-608-0890. We can help you learn more about your rights and how to file a claim.
What Is a Theft Claim in Florida?
A theft claim is a civil action brought by an individual who has had their personal property stolen. In order to make a valid theft claim, the individual must be able to prove that they are the rightful owner of the property and that it was stolen from them without their consent. The individual must also be able to prove that they have suffered damages as a result of the theft, such as the value of the property that was stolen.Burglary vs. Robbery vs. Theft
In order to file a theft claim, it is essential to understand the difference between burglary, robbery, and theft.- Burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime. This can be either a home or a business.
- Robbery is defined as taking property from another person by force or threat of force.
- Theft is defined as taking property without the owner’s permission with the intent to deprive them of the item permanently.
Does Florida Property Insurance Cover Burglary, Robbery, or Theft?
Most standard Florida homeowners insurance policies cover burglary, robbery, and theft. However, there are some limitations and exclusions. For example, most policies have a limit on how much they will pay for cash or jewelry that is stolen. If you have items worth more than the limit, you will need to purchase additional coverage. Some policies also exclude certain types of property from coverage, such as unsecured items that are left outside or in a car.
Commercial property insurance may cover burglary, robbery, and theft, but similar limits and exclusions also apply, such as how much they will pay for cash or stolen inventory. If you are concerned about whether your policy will cover burglary, robbery, or theft, you may contact your insurance company to discuss your coverage options or contact Lacey Lyons Rezanka today at 321-608-0890 for assistance in reviewing your policy.
What Stolen Items May Be Covered?
The items covered under a theft insurance policy can vary depending on the insurer. However, some common valuable items are typically covered, such as:- Luxury items such as furs, watches, jewelry, or any precious or semi-precious metals or stones
- Electronics
- Firearms and similar equipment
- Cash
- Personal records (such as passports, credit cards, securities, account information, deeds, tickets, and stamps)
- Property used for your business
What If I Don't Have Theft Insurance?
If you don't have theft insurance, you may still be able to recover some of the value of your stolen belongings if you have other types of insurance, such as homeowners' or renters' insurance. These policies typically cover personal belongings in the event of a fire, natural disaster, or burglary. However, they also often have limits on the amount they will pay out for stolen items.Filing Requirements for Theft Claims
To make a claim, you will need to provide your insurance company with a police report, proof of ownership, and a list of the items that were stolen. The claims process can take several weeks, so it is important to be patient.- The first step in filing a theft claim is to report the theft to local law enforcement. The purpose of this step is to create a police report, which will be necessary to file a claim with your insurance company. It is also critical to get a police report in case the thief is caught, and you need to provide evidence to the authorities. In this scenario, any video surveillance footage may help your case.
- Once you have filed a police report, the next step is to contact your insurance company. You will need to provide them with a copy of the police report, as well as proof of ownership for the items that were stolen. Proof of ownership can be in the form of receipts, credit card statements, or photographs.
- Your insurance company will then investigate the claim and determine whether or not you are covered.
What Happens After?
If your claim is approved, you will receive reimbursement for the value of the stolen items covered under your policy. If your claim is denied for any incorrect reason, you may have to file a lawsuit against your insurance company to get the coverage that you deserve.
The statute of limitations for filing a property theft claim in Florida is four years from the date of the loss. This means that you must file your claim within four years of the date that your belongings were stolen to be eligible for compensation. In addition, witness testimony can be crucial in proving your case, so it is essential to gather any witnesses who may have seen the theft occur or who may have information about the stolen items.