Theft by Forcible and Violent Entry Clause
The clause limits theft cover to cases where the perpetrator gained entry to the insured building by force, leaving visible signs of forcible and violent entry, and typically excludes simple theft without evidence of a break-in.
- Clause type
- Condition
- Origin/Market
- International programme
- Favours
- Insurer
- Negotiability
- Negotiable
Purpose
Theft losses are difficult to prove in practice where there are no outward signs of a break-in, since it then becomes hard to distinguish genuine theft from mere loss or dishonest reporting by the policyholder. The theft by forcible and violent entry clause therefore limits cover to theft accompanied by visible signs of force or forcible entry to the building, its doors, windows or security fittings.
Effect and limits
In the event of a claim, the policyholder must typically prove that the perpetrator entered the building by force and by overcoming security measures, for example by breaking locks, smashing windows or damaging walls. Theft committed by persons with legitimate access (such as employees or cleaning staff) or theft without visible signs of a break-in (for instance, through an unlocked door) is generally excluded, or is covered only under a separate extension, such as one addressing fidelity or dishonesty losses.
Negotiation and practice
For operators of warehouses and logistics centres with high volumes of goods in transit, the precise definition of “forcible entry” is of considerable practical importance, particularly in relation to modern access systems (key cards, biometric systems), where circumvention does not always leave physical traces. It is advisable to align the evidential requirements for signs of forcible entry with the security standard actually installed at the insured premises.