Criminal damage and burglary claims We'll take over the claim for you.
Criminal damage is very personal. It can range from a broken window, forced locks or damaged fittings to the theft of your boiler and pipework, and all of it has real consequences. Even graffiti, vandalism and arson may fall under the criminal damage section of your policy. We understand how upsetting this is, so we take over the claim in full on your behalf.
After a break in or vandalism
- Call the policeReport it and get a crime reference number. Your insurer will need it.
- Leave things as they areIf you can, until the police have been.
- Make your home secureBoard up broken windows and change locks if needed.
- Take photos and keep receiptsBefore anything is fixed, and for any emergency work.
- Let your insurer knowMost policies ask you to report it promptly.
Criminal damage we help with
What you can claim for depends on your policy, so we go through it with you first.
Broken windows and doors
Damage caused by someone forcing their way in.
Forced locks and fittings
Locks, frames and fittings damaged in a break in.
Stolen boilers and pipework
The theft itself and the damage caused taking them.
Graffiti and vandalism
Deliberate damage to the outside or inside of your home.
Arson
Fire started deliberately.
Damage after a burglary
Anything damaged while your home was broken into.
Your crime reference number
Your insurer will almost always ask for it. Keep it safe, along with any letters from the police, and we use it to support your claim.
Securing your home
Make your home safe straight away, even before the insurer visits. Board up broken windows and change locks if needed. Take photos first, keep the receipts and we include the cost in your claim.
How the claims process works
From the first visit to the day your settlement is paid, here's what happens at each stage.
0800 689 3802Free home visit
We come and look at the damage, work out what caused it and talk you through how a claim would work, including our fee. There's no pressure to decide on the day. If you want us to go ahead, you sign a letter of authority so we can deal with your insurer for you.
We take over with your insurer
We tell your insurer we're acting for you. They will usually send a loss adjuster, who works for them, to look at the damage. We deal with the adjuster on your behalf and join the site meeting, so you're not facing it on your own.
We prepare your schedule of works
We put together a detailed schedule of works: every repair your home needs to get it back to how it was before the damage, with costs. Along with photos and reports, this is the evidence your claim is built on. We then send it to your insurer.
We negotiate your settlement
We go through your insurer's response line by line. If anything has been missed or undervalued, we challenge it on your behalf. We keep you updated throughout, and nothing is agreed without your say so.
Your settlement is paid to you
Once the settlement is agreed, your insurer pays it directly to you, less any excess on your policy. Our fee is then due, exactly as we agreed at the start. That completes our loss assessing service.
After your claim
Need doors, windows or other repairs done? Our sister company, Renova Rebuild Ltd, can carry out the work under a separate agreement with you. You are not required to use Renova Rebuild in order to use our loss assessing service.
"I would highly recommend using Beon property claims whenever you are making an insurance claim. It takes away the stress of dealing directly with insurance providers."Susan, Bark review March 2022
Criminal damage claim questions
Is criminal damage covered by home insurance?
Most buildings policies cover malicious damage and damage caused by thieves. Some exclude it if the property has been empty for a long time, so we check your policy.
Do I need a crime reference number?
Almost always. Report it to the police as soon as you can.
My boiler was stolen. Can I claim?
Often, yes. Theft of fixtures like boilers and pipework, and the damage caused taking them, can be covered. We look at your policy with you.
Can I fix the door before the insurer visits?
Yes, make your home secure first. Take photos before you do and keep the receipts.
Had a break in or vandalism? Give us a call.
We'll talk you through where you stand and what happens next.