By Burglary claim in 60 seconds
Right away
- Don't touch anything : preserve evidence for the police.
- Call 17 (police) and file a "plainte" within 24 hours.
- Photograph everything : break-in point, missing items, mess.
Within 2 working days
- Notify your insurer with the police-report number.
- Provide an inventory of stolen and damaged items, with proof of value.
- Repair break-in damage (door, lock) : insurer reimburses with receipts.
What does the theft guarantee cover ?
Theft cover (garantie vol) is optional in MRH contracts but bundled by default in most. It covers :
- Theft after a forced entry (effraction) : broken lock, broken window, false keys, picked lock ;
- Theft after climbing or entry through a hidden access (escalade) ;
- Theft using a duplicate key obtained without your knowledge ;
- Theft with violence or threat (home invasion) ;
- Vandalism associated with the theft : damage caused by burglars during the break-in ;
- Damage to the structure (broken door, window, lock) caused by the break-in.
Generally not covered :
- "Vol simple" without break-in : items taken from an unlocked apartment, garden, balcony ;
- Theft by family members or roommates ;
- Loss (forgotten, mislaid items) ;
- Cash and valuables above the contract limit (typically €1,000-€2,000 : declare high-value items separately for higher cover) ;
- Theft during prolonged vacancy (60-90 days continuous absence often suspends cover unless declared).
Step by step : what to do
Don't touch anything : preserve evidence
As tempting as it is to clean up, don't move anything. The police need to gather fingerprints and document the scene. Step around the mess, preserve break-in points especially. If burglars are still there or just left : leave the apartment immediately, call from a safe place.
Call 17 (police) within hours
For active or recent burglaries, dial 17 (police nationale or gendarmerie). They send a team to document the scene. For a discovery hours later, file the report at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
File a formal "plainte"
At the police station, file a written complaint (plainte avec dépôt). You'll receive a "récépissé de dépôt de plainte" with a reference number : keep it carefully. Without this number, your insurer will refuse the claim.
Photograph everything
Wide shots of disturbed rooms, close-ups of break-in point (broken lock, door, window), missing items' empty places, any damage. Multiple angles. Time-stamped photos help establish the chronology.
Notify your insurer within 2 working days
Article L113-2 of the Code des assurances. Send by app, email, or registered letter. Include the police-report number. Even a brief notification on day 1 starts the clock.
Make an inventory of stolen items
List everything missing or damaged, with original purchase receipts, photos, serial numbers, model numbers. For valuables : appraisal certificates, warranty cards. Without proof, the insurer pays based on standard valuations : usually less.
Make your home safe
Replace broken locks, repair broken doors/windows immediately. Insurer reimburses with receipts. Make a temporary fix at minimum if you can't replace right away : for security and to avoid insurer accusing you of negligence on subsequent damage.
Expert visit and indemnification
For damage above the franchise, the insurer sends an expert. Indemnification within 30-60 days of agreement. Stolen items often paid as "valeur d'usage" (depreciated value) : declare them at "valeur à neuf" (replacement value) at subscription if you want full reimbursement.
Anti-burglary requirements (read your conditions générales !)
Most theft contracts require minimum security measures. Failure to comply can void the claim. Common requirements :
- Reinforced front door (porte blindée) for ground-floor flats and houses ;
- Three-point lock (serrure 3 points minimum) : A2P-rated, sometimes A2P*, A2P** for high-value coverage ;
- Window grilles (barreaux) for ground-floor windows in some configurations ;
- Alarm system for high-coverage contracts (above €30,000 declared value) ;
- Locked windows when leaving : even for short absences ;
- No keys hidden outside (under doormat, in flowerpots) : insurer can refuse if found ;
- Anti-theft alarm engaged when leaving if you have one.
High-value items
The standard MRH theft cover applies a per-item cap for valuables : typically €1,000 to €2,000 per item. For higher-value items :
- Declare them individually at subscription with appraisal certificate, photos, serial numbers ;
- Subscribe an "objets de valeur" guarantee with a higher cap ;
- Keep them in a safe bolted to the floor ;
- Update declarations when buying new valuables (Rolex, paintings, designer bags).
Common items requiring separate declaration : jewellery above €1,000, watches, art, designer handbags, professional cameras, audio equipment.
Preventing burglaries
- Reinforced lock and door : single biggest deterrent. Burglars typically give up after 5 minutes of resistance.
- Connected alarm : €200-€500 to install, alerts you and police via app when triggered. Some MRH contracts give a discount for installation.
- Smart cameras covering entry points (Ring, Arlo). Visible cameras alone deter many casual burglars.
- Don't post holiday photos in real time : burglars track social media. Post when you return.
- Use a lighting timer when away : gives the impression someone is home.
- Trusted neighbour or friend who collects mail, opens shutters during long absences.
- "Opération Tranquillité Vacances" : free police service : declare your absence at the local police station before leaving on holiday, they patrol your street more frequently.
Frequently asked questions
Declaration deadline ?
2 working days with the insurer after the discovery, plus a police report within 24 hours. Article L113-2 paragraph 4 of the Code des assurances.
Theft without break-in covered ?
Generally no. Most contracts cover only "vol par effraction" (with break-in). Items taken from an unlocked apartment, balcony or garden are not covered without a specific "vol simple" guarantee (rare and expensive).
What if items are recovered later ?
If recovered before indemnification : the insurer pays only for damage. If recovered after indemnification : the insurer takes ownership (you keep the cash already paid). If you want to keep the items, refund the indemnity.
Jewellery and high-value items ?
Standard MRH caps jewellery at €1,000-€2,000 per item. For higher-value pieces : declare individually at subscription with appraisal certificate. Some insurers also require keeping them in a bolted safe.
Theft by Airbnb guests ?
Generally not covered by standard MRH (excludes occupants). Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts has limited theft cover. Declare the holiday-let activity to your insurer for proper cover : see second-home insurance.