Theft or Burglary Loss Assessor for Northern Ireland Homeowners
You’ve come home to find your property has been broken into.
Beyond the shock of the burglary itself, you’re now facing an insurance claim; working out what’s been taken, what’s been damaged, and what your policy actually covers. Insurers may query high-value items, ask for proof of ownership you don’t have to hand, or query why certain items weren’t listed on your schedule of contents.
PCLA helps homeowners across Northern Ireland prepare, evidence and negotiate theft and burglary insurance claims. We act for you, not the insurer, so the full extent of what was stolen and damaged is properly assessed and presented from the start.
Thinking about making a claim? Speak to PCLA first. A short call costs nothing.
- No Win, No Fee
- 25+ years' claims experience
- FCA regulated, FRN 933781
- 270+ five-star Google reviews
What Theft & Burglary Cover Usually Includes
Theft and burglary are standard insured perils under most home contents and buildings insurance policies in the UK, though what’s covered, and any conditions attached (such as evidence of forced entry, or requirements around unoccupied periods), depends on your specific policy wording.
For a full explanation of what’s covered, how contents and buildings cover work together, and what counts as proof of ownership, see our theft and burglary claims guide. This page explains how PCLA handles the claim for you.
Assess, Evidence, Negotiate
Your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim on their behalf. A loss assessor works for you. Our job is to make sure your theft or burglary claim is properly prepared from the start.
Free initial claim review
Tell us what happened and where the claim stands. We’ll give you an honest view of whether a loss assessor is likely to help.
Assess the claim
We inspect the property in person and review your policy. We identify the full extent of what’s been stolen and any damage caused during the break-in, including forced entry, damaged doors, frames, locks and internal fixtures.
Evidence the damage
We prepare a detailed schedule of stolen and damaged items, gather supporting evidence for ownership and value where possible, and document the property damage with photographs and reports.
Negotiate the settlement
We handle all correspondence with your insurer and their appointed loss adjuster, address any disputes over valuations or missing proof of ownership, and negotiate the settlement on your behalf.
Settlement
Once settlement is agreed, you receive the funds and can move forward with replacing possessions and repairing the property.
A Lisburn Burglary Claim
A homeowner in Lisburn suffered a burglary while the family were away for the weekend. The offenders forced entry through the front door before searching every room of the four-bedroom detached property.
Items stolen included a diamond engagement ring and other jewellery, cash, three laptops, tablets, games consoles, cameras, designer handbags and small electronic devices. The intruders also caused significant damage throughout the home, including to the front door, door frame, locks and security hardware, internal doors, bedroom furniture, kitchen cupboards and decorative finishes.
PCLA were appointed to manage the claim, preparing a detailed schedule of losses, documenting the damage to the property, and negotiating directly with the insurer.
“We felt completely overwhelmed after the burglary. Between dealing with the police, trying to work out what had been taken and speaking to the insurance company, it was incredibly stressful. PCLA handled the claim from start to finish and made the whole process much easier. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without them.”
Case details shared with the permission of the policyholder.
Support for Homeowners and Landlords
Homeowners
If your home has been broken into, we manage the claim for stolen items and property damage so you don't have to.
Landlords
A burglary at a rental property adds tenant liaison and, in some cases, loss of rent to the mix, alongside building and contents damage. We handle the claim end to end.
Why Theft & Burglary Claims in Northern Ireland Can Become Complicated
A few things commonly make these claims harder to settle. Knowing them early puts you in a stronger position.
Proving what was taken
As in the Lisburn case, burglary claims often involve jewellery, electronics and other items that are hard to evidence after the fact, particularly where receipts weren’t kept.
Damage isn't limited to what's stolen
Forced entry commonly damages doors, frames, locks and internal fixtures, all of which can form part of the same claim alongside the stolen items.
Security and unoccupied-property conditions
Many policies attach conditions around alarm systems, locks or how long a property can be left unoccupied. Whether these apply, and whether they affect your claim, depends on the policy wording.
Police reference numbers
Insurers will usually expect a crime reference number from the PSNI as part of the claim; reporting the burglary promptly matters for the claim as well as the investigation.
Valuation disputes
Insurers may query the value placed on stolen jewellery, electronics or other high-value items, particularly without receipts or valuations on file.
If Your Theft or Burglary Claim Is Disputed
A reduced offer or a dispute over specific items isn’t always the end of the matter. Insurers sometimes query claims where receipts or proof of ownership are missing, or dispute the value of stolen items. Our theft and burglary claims guide covers the common reasons these claims are challenged, and what evidence helps. If your claim has been reduced or you’re being asked for proof you don’t have, speak to us before you settle.
Theft & Burglary Claim Types We Handle in Northern Ireland
Stolen contents
Jewellery, electronics, cash and personal possessions.
Forced-entry property damage
Doors, frames, locks and internal fixtures.
Damage from a search of the property
Furniture, cupboards, decorative finishes.
Valuation and evidence disputes
Items challenged for value or proof of ownership.
Buildings and contents dual claims
Managing both elements together.
Alternative accommodation claims
Where the home isn't safe or secure to stay in.
When to Call PCLA
There are two moments to speak to us.
Before you claim
Appointing PCLA before your insurer’s loss adjuster visits gives us the chance to carry out our own inspection first and help you prepare your schedule of losses. This is the strongest position to start from.
Before you settle
If your insurer has already inspected and made an offer, you don’t have to accept it straight away. A settlement isn’t final until you’ve agreed it.
No Win, No Fee
No-win, no-fee loss-assessing services are available for most domestic property damage claims. PCLA's standard fee is 10% of the settlement plus VAT. The rate on an individual claim can be higher or lower depending on its size and complexity, and your exact fee is agreed with you in writing before you appoint us. There is no upfront cost, and there is no obligation from an initial call.
Customer reviews
Over 270 homeowners across Northern Ireland and Scotland have rated PCLA five stars for taking the stress out of their insurance claims.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have receipts for what was stolen?
Insurers commonly ask for proof of ownership, but a missing receipt doesn’t automatically end a claim. Photographs, bank statements, warranty records and other evidence can all help. See our theft and burglary claims guide for more on proving a claim without receipts.
Does the property damage from a break-in get claimed alongside the stolen items?
Yes, typically. Damage to doors, frames, locks and fixtures caused during the burglary is usually part of the same claim as the stolen contents.
What is the difference between a loss adjuster and a loss assessor?
A loss adjuster is appointed and paid by your insurer. A loss assessor, such as PCLA, is appointed by, and acts for, the homeowner. See our guide to the difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjuster.
Does PCLA cover my area of Northern Ireland?
PCLA covers Belfast and across Northern Ireland, including Co. Antrim and Co. Down. Call 028 9581 5318 if you’re unsure whether we cover your area.
Do you guarantee a higher settlement?
No. No ethical claims company should guarantee an outcome. We make sure your claim is properly evidenced, costed and negotiated so the settlement reflects the true scope of the loss.
For coverage details, proving ownership without receipts, the claims process, and a full breakdown of why theft claims are challenged, see our theft and burglary claims guide.
Thinking about making a theft or burglary claim? Speak to PCLA first.
If your home has been broken into, PCLA gives you your own independent expert before the claim begins.
No Win, No Fee · No upfront cost · No obligation from an initial call
Request a Free Claim Review
Tell us what happened and we’ll be in touch. A short call costs nothing.