Two misconceptions surround burglary cover. The first is that every theft counts as burglary – whereas insurance definitions draw a sharp line between burglary, sneak-in theft, and robbery. The second is that the insurer "will find a way out anyway" – in reality, the policy sets out in advance what protection is expected, and if you have it, the cover works. Let's look at the definitions and the expectations.
- Burglary: the perpetrator gets in by force, verifiably from the traces left behind – force against property is the key element.
- Robbery: property taken through force or threats against a person – a separate category, covered under its own rules.
- Security requirements typically scale with the sum insured: a higher sum calls for stronger protection – your own policy wording is always the benchmark.
Burglary, sneak-in theft, robbery: what's the difference?
Burglary requires force against property: a forced lock, a pried-open door, a broken window – the break-in leaves traces. Sneak-in theft – through a door or window left open – doesn't count as burglary under most policies, so it typically isn't paid, or only to a limited extent. Robbery means force or threats against a person, and is covered under separate rules, typically within a defined scope that can also include incidents away from home. This three-way split isn't hair-splitting: at claim stage, the police report and the traces at the scene determine which category applies – and with it, what the policy pays.
Security requirements: typically tiered
Insurers expect a certain level of protection for burglary cover – and this is typically tiered: the higher the contents sum and the more valuables involved, the more substantial the requirement. The scale can run from a suitable security lock cylinder, through a multi-point locking door, up to an alarm system – but exactly what your policy requires depends on the product and the sum insured, so it's not worth keeping a blanket rule in mind: the security section of your own policy wording is the benchmark. It's worth checking this against reality before you sign – our home security self-check helps with that. If the required level is missing, the payout can be reduced at claim stage – better to know this in advance than to discover it afterwards.
The case of the open window, and the case of the key
Two recurring situations. The window left ajar or open: policies handle entry through this differently – with many policies, valuables taken through an open window or door aren't paid as burglary. The key: entry using a lost or stolen key is a separate definitional question, and lock replacement is an add-on cover or an assistance item with many policies. Valuables – jewellery, cash, artwork – are also subject to category limits: cover doesn't grow just because there's more value at home, but because the policy has been adjusted to match it.
If it happens: the police and the claims line
With a burglary, reporting it to the police is part of the claims process – the insurer typically asks for confirmation of the report, and later the investigation records. Report the claim via the insurer's claims line or online portal; leave the scene undisturbed if possible until the loss adjustment, and make a list of what's missing – a home inventory prepared in advance is a huge help here. The after a burglary article walks through the steps in order; if the case gets stuck or becomes disputed, your broker can help with that. For questions before you sign, there's the free consultation.
A question about your own home? Run the numbers in minutes with the online calculator (in Hungarian), or book a free 20-minute consultation →
