Many property owners assume their theft insurance covers every kind of theft. It doesn't. The standard theft policy in Zambia covers loss following forcible and violent entry - meaning the thief had to break in to access your property. If theft happens another way - by an employee, a trusted visitor, or through an unlocked door - the standard policy may not respond.
What Is Theft Insurance?
Theft insurance provides cover for loss of or damage to property as a result of theft, where there is evidence of forcible and violent entry (or exit) from the premises. A standard policy typically covers:
- Property stolen following a break-in (broken windows, forced doors, damaged locks)
- Damage to the building caused during the break-in (cost of repairing the entry point)
- Loss of contents, stock, equipment, or other covered property items
What Isn't Covered by a Standard Policy?
Understanding exclusions is as important as understanding what's covered:
- Theft by employees or people lawfully on the premises (requires a separate fidelity guarantee)
- Theft through an unlocked door or open window (no evidence of force)
- Mysterious disappearance or stock shortages without evidence of a break-in
- Theft of cash (money insurance is a separate class)
- Theft of motor vehicles (covered under motor policies)
Extended Cover Options
Standard theft cover can be extended to cover additional scenarios:
- Robbery - theft involving violence or threat of violence against a person (not just break-in)
- All theft - removes the requirement for forcible entry; covers theft by any method
- External theft from unattended vehicles (useful for field-based businesses)
Money Insurance: A Related but Separate Cover
Theft insurance does not cover cash on your premises. Money insurance is a separate class that covers:
- Cash on the premises (in and out of safe hours)
- Cash in transit between your premises and a bank
- Loss of money by fraud or dishonesty of employees (in some wordings)
Tips to Protect Your Property (and Your Premium)
- Fit adequate locks, deadbolts, and security grilles - insurers may decline claims if entry was through a substandard lock
- Install a monitored alarm - this often qualifies for a premium reduction
- Keep a current inventory of insured items with photographs and serial numbers
- Report break-ins to the police immediately - a police report number is required for most claims
- Review your sum insured annually - replacement costs for electronics and equipment rise over time
Getting the Right Theft Cover
Insizwe places theft insurance for individuals, businesses, and commercial properties across Zambia. Whether you need basic cover for household contents or a comprehensive theft and money policy for a retail operation, we'll find a policy that fits - and explain exactly what it covers.
Insizwe Private Brokers
Licensed insurance broker, Zambia
