Clear the Way for Your Finances: Current Tips for Railroad Employees, 2026
10. February 2026
Valuables in DEVK Home Contents Insurance – What Is Actually Covered?
22. February 2026Clear the Way for Your Finances: Current Tips for Railroad Employees, 2026
10. February 2026Valuables in DEVK Home Contents Insurance – What Is Actually Covered?
22. February 2026The Importance of Theft in Home Contents Insurance
Theft can happen in the blink of an eye—but whether your home contents insurance actually pays out depends on one crucial detail: the type of theft. Many policyholders assume that all thefts are automatically covered. In practice, however, insurers make a clear distinction between burglary and simple theft.
In this article, you'll learn why this distinction is so important and what you should look for when it comes to insurance coverage.
Benefits of Home Contents Insurance at a Glance
- Coverage for Burglary
- Coverage for fire, water damage, windstorms, and hail
- Reimbursement of the replacement value of damaged or stolen items
- Protection for furniture, clothing, electronic devices, and valuables
- Coverage for vandalism following a break-in
- Coverage through third-party insurance (household property is also covered while traveling)
Difference Between Theft and Petty Theft
Burglary – Covered by Home Contents Insurance
Burglary occurs when the perpetrator forcibly enters your apartment or house. This can happen, for example, through:
Breaking down doors or windows
Forced entry using a wrong key or tool
Forcing open a locked container (e.g., a safe)
Example:
A burglar breaks into the patio door at night and steals a laptop, jewelry, and cash.
In this case, the home contents insurance covers the loss in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.
Simple theft—usually not covered by insurance
Theft is considered " simple " when no force is used and there is no breaking and entering.
Typical examples include:
The apartment door was unlocked
The smartphone is stolen from my bag at the café
A bicycle is stolen from the street
Garden furniture is disappearing from the property
Under standard household property insurance, coverage is generally not provided in this case unless an additional rider has been added.
What types of theft are covered by home contents insurance?
Home contents insurance protects your personal property inside your apartment or house—such as furniture, clothing, appliances, or valuables. The policy covers certain risks, including:
- Fire
- Tap water
- Storm and Hail
- Burglary, Robbery, and Vandalism Following a Break-in
Important: Not every type of theft is automatically considered an insured loss.
Special Provisions & Additional Coverage Options – Practical Protection for Everyday Life
Depending on the provider and plan, additional services may be included.
For example, in DEVK's Premium plan:
Theft from locked motor vehicles, watercraft, or passenger ships
Petty theft of laundry, clothing, and patio furniture
Extended Coverage in Cases of Gross Negligence
Bicycle theft coverage 24/7 (for an additional premium)
Insurance coverage amount selectable in increments of 10 euros
Minimum amount: 200 €
A maximum of 10,000 €
Bicycle theft, in particular, is a common type of claim. Since bicycles are considered household property, they are covered at the insured location—but outside of it, coverage is usually only available with an additional rider.
Customized insurance coverage protects you from unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.
Tips for Preventing Theft at Home
Even with good home insurance, preventive measures should go without saying:
Always lock your doors and windows—even if you're only gone for a short time
Do not leave valuables in plain sight
Take Advantage of Neighborhood Help During Extended Absences
Always secure your bicycles with certified locks
In the event of a claim, insurers assess whether gross negligence was involved. Modern insurance policies often offer expanded coverage in this regard—but it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
What should you do if you're a victim of theft?
If, despite all precautions, a theft occurs:
Call the police and file a report
Create a list of stolen items
Gather photos or receipts
Report the claim to the insurance company immediately
Prompt and complete documentation significantly speeds up the claims settlement process.
Conclusion: It's Worth Taking a Close Look at Your Home Contents Insurance
The difference between burglary and simple theft is one of the most important aspects of home contents insurance—and is also one of the most common sources of misunderstanding when a claim is filed.
Our recommendation:
✔ Carefully review your policy terms
✔ Look for useful additional coverage options
✔ Tailor your insurance coverage to your life situation
Those who are well-prepared in this area can avoid financial risks and are optimally protected in the event of an emergency.