Does tenant insurance cover theft?

A break-in is always unexpected. Whether it’s in your own home, a locked vehicle, or a storage unit you thought was safe, theft of this nature can leave a lasting impression. While tenant insurance can’t stop you from becoming a victim, it’s a useful way to put some of the power back in your hands – at least when it comes to your finances. 

Having a tenant insurance policy could allow you to recoup some of the losses you face when your items are stolen. But knowing how and when it applies is important. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the relationship between tenant insurance and theft. From what may or may not be covered, to how to make a claim, here’s what you should know. 

Does tenant insurance cover theft? 

Yes, tenant insurance does cover theft. But how that works, how much you may get paid out, and what level of coverage you have will depend on a number of factors:

What kinds of theft are covered by tenant insurance?

Every provider will have different rules for what is or isn’t considered a covered peril or insured event. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of incidents which will usually be covered, either as part of a basic package or an enhanced add-on:

• Home break-ins.The most common type of theft covered by tenant insurance is that which happens in your apartment. If someone has forced entry into your home, and there’s visible signs of it, you will almost always be covered in some capacity. 

• Vehicle break-ins. If you leave something valuable inside your car, truck, or another kind of locked vehicle, you might also be covered if someone smashes the window to steal from it. 

• Off-Premises theft. This is the term used when valuables are stolen while you’re traveling, commuting, or temporarily staying somewhere that isn’t your home. Some providers include this in a basic package, while others might make it an enhanced add-on. Also be aware that off-premises theft could have different policy limits for how much you can claim.

• Storage unit theft. Belongings stolen while stored in a commercial storage unit might also be covered. A recent investigation into our claims data at APOLLO** revealed 86% of all storage locker losses in Canada were as a result of theft – totaling an average of $1,385 per successful claim*. 

• Identity theft. You may sometimes also be covered for expenses incurred (like legal fees or administrative costs) to restore your identity after it’s been stolen. Again, this isn’t a given in all basic packages. 

• Credit and debit card fraud. Similarly, you may be able to claim back some financial losses if your cards are stolen and used fraudulently. 

Remember, every provider is different. Always check the terms and conditions of your tenant insurance agreement to fully understand what you are or aren’t covered for when it comes to theft. 

*Based on theft claims on tenant insurance policies issued by APOLLO, Jan 1 2021, to Jan 1 2026. Insurance products are arranged by Apollo Insurance Agency Ltd., a licensed insurance intermediary. Coverage is underwritten by third-party insurers 

When might I not be covered for theft with tenant insurance?

Not every situation will be covered by your tenant insurance policy. There may be times where your personal belongings are stolen, but your insurance can’t step in to support you. Examples of when this may be the case are: 

• No proof of forced entry. Without clear evidence that someone forced their way into your home, a provider might not be able to guarantee theft took place. Things like a broken lock or a damaged door are key indicators that a robbery happened. Without them, it’s hard to prove someone didn’t leave them unlocked. 

• Unreported or abandoned properties. Leaving your belongings in communal areas, or leaving them behind at a building you no longer rent, means they likely won’t be covered. 

• Business items. If the equipment you’re using is for business purposes, it may not be covered. Most policies are designed with your personal liability and belongings in mind. That means if a laptop or smart device doesn’t belong to you, it’s less likely to be covered if it’s taken. 

• High-value items. It’s not that higher value or more expensive items won’t be covered – just that there’s usually a limit on how much you can claim back. This is usually laid out as a specific sub-limit within your policy. Make sure to know what your claims limits are for things like artworks, jewellery, collectibles, and bikes. 

• Your vehicle. While items stolen from within your vehicle are normally covered, the theft of the vehicle itself won’t be. At least, not under your tenant insurance specifically. You can get auto insurance policies which could cover this.

• Roommates. While tenant insurance provided by APOLLO can cover roommates if you choose to, not all insurance providers include them as part of your policy. That means if their items are stolen, they won’t always be covered under your insurance. 

A lot of providers now offer enhanced levels of coverage or different insurance options to account for some of these circumstances. However, in the case of something like a property which has been left abandoned, you’re rarely likely to ever be covered. 

How much might I be able to claim back with tenant insurance? 

Each and every circumstance is unique. That means there’s never a specific amount you will or won’t be able to get back. How much you might need to claim for will be dependent on the nature of your claim, and the value of the items stolen. 

In order to get a better idea of what you might get back with tenant insurance after your items are stolen, here are a range of recent, successful claims which APOLLO have processed:

• $6,782 for the theft of personal property in New Brunswick 

• $4,276 after a storage unit break-in in Alberta 

• $3,250 in Ontario after property was stolen from a vehicle 

• $27,450 combined after a resident in Ontario had both their vehicle and apartment broken into 

APOLLO data based on theft-related claims reported between January 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026

Again, every tenant insurance claim is different. Remember to use these figures as a guidepost, rather than what you can expect as a payout if the same situation happens to you. 

Will the full value of my belongings be covered? 

Whether or not you’re able to claim back the full value of your items depends on a number of factors. Similarly to our breakdown of what’s actually covered by theft, how much money you might get back depends on different parts of your policy, and what you agreed to. 

• ACV vs RC. The way in which your provider pays out will play a part in how much you can expect to get back. Those with a RC option are more likely to see a higher value offered, as they’ll be able to replace items with a current market equivalent price tag. 

• Your deductible. How much you choose as a deductible could also impact the total value you get back. Whatever amount you pick, this will almost always be taken off the figure you’re paid out in indemnity. The higher your deductible amount, the lower your premiums tend to be – but a higher deductible also means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you do make a claim.

• The value of your items and your claims limits. Sometimes the actual value of your belongings also affects how much you might be able to claim back. Some specific items will have sub-limits, while the total amount of contents coverage you chose when setting up your policy may also play a part in how much you might be able to claim for. If their value exceeds your limits and sub-limits, the chances of getting total financial compensation are lower. 

• If your claim is successful. Perhaps most importantly of all, your claim needs to be successful for you to recoup any of the value of what was stolen. 

Will I be covered if the theft happens while I am away from home?

The good news is that theft can sometimes also be covered even if you’re away from your home. Just be aware this is not always the case. Just as with any aspect of your tenant insurance policy, there are limits and other factors you need to keep in mind.

For one, off-premises theft is normally capped at a percentage or amount. That could be a flat number, or something like 10% of the total contents coverage you have. How this is decided will again be something which differs between providers. 

Sub-limits are also likely to come into play for theft which happens outside of the home. A deductible will almost always be taken from any claim you make as well. 

Also remember that insurers do expect you to be responsible with your belongings. If you leave them somewhere unprotected, such as in a hotel room where you didn’t lock the door, you may see your claim denied. 

Examples of where theft outside the home might be covered are places like: 

• Your vehicle

• While you’re travelling 

• A storage locker

• Your work or school 

Filing a tenant insurance claim after a theft 

In an ideal world, you won’t ever have to make a claim. But, if you do, it can be handy to know what your approach might look like. If a theft occurs, taking the right steps quickly should mean a smoother claims process. 

• Contact the police. Report the theft immediately to the police. Also try to get a police report number which you can use as a reference, and to check in on how the case is progressing. Insurance providers often ask for this too. 

• Document the evidence. Take photos of any forced entry, broken locks, or rooms which have been gone through. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove your case when making a claim. Try to gather this first, before going to a provider. 

• Create an inventory list. Providing an itemized list of the stolen belongings, ideally with receipts, serial numbers, and photos to support your claim's value, is another way to improve your chances of a successful result. This provides evidence, while also making it quicker for a provider to work out what your payout size might look like. 

• Notify your insurer. Once you have all your evidence ready to go, call your insurance provider to start the claims process. They’ll probably link you up with a claims adjustor, who’ll be your point of contact throughout the process. 

**Apollo Insurance Agency Ltd. o/a APOLLO is a licensed insurance intermediary operating across Canada (excluding Quebec and the territories). Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.