Would insurers payout if building left unlocked

[Nosha123]

At work - someone forgot to lock up the back door. The alarm was set and over the weekend was somehow activated (at the very same door that had not been locked)

My question is - if someone had been trying to get in and set off the alarm - would an insurance company pay out for theft of computers and laptops etc?

I reckoned they wouldnt - since they will use any excuse to not cough up - and that since the building wasnt even locked then we hadnt taken due care to prevent the burglary.

One of my bosses reckons that we WOULD be covered and that had it happened he would have 'dared' them to NOT pay out to us. That any burglary regardless of whether the building is locked or unlocked would be deemed as trespass etc etc.

What do you think?

I know insurers require certain locks be fitted to doors and windows etc - why would they then continue to insure you in the instance that these locks were not locked??

[squarebear]

I doubt they would pay out as you hadn't taken due care to protect your belongings.

I could insure my car then leave it unlocked on the street with the door open and then try to claim when someone took it! Some responsibility must lie with the owner.

[Nosha123]

thats exactly what I said to them in the company meeting when they gave a rollicking for improper locking up procedures...

Why would an insurance company pay out THOUSANDS if they could get round it...

My boss actually said "I bet they would pay out" I said "Well I bet they wouldnt!!" he said ' Well I would dare them NOT to pay out - thats what we pay our insurance for'

Would it cover employees who accidentally forgot to lock a door???

[R1Geezer]

They'd definately use it as a stick to try and not or at leat reduce the payout. Depends what it says in the policy but I'd imagine they'd major on security.

From a house insurance point of view a burglar can throw a paving slab through the front window but they'll not pay out because a small kazi window on the third floor was open. Not sure how that works for businesses but I'd imagine they'd not be too keen to payout if a door was left unlocked.

[squarebear]

"Would it cover employees who accidentally forgot to lock a door??? "

No it wouldn't, as your company had not taken care in protecting the building.

[Nosha123]

Thanks chaps...

I can now swan around in the knowledge that I was right!! he he he

[ladyalex]

I too doubt that you would be paid.
I think it says in my home insurance that there must be evidence of 'forced entry' or something like that. I'm also think that if you are in your home, this does not apply, ie you can leave your doors unlocked if you are inside your home and they will pay up if someone burgles you without 'forcing an entry'.
Not sure , though.
What I am certain of is that the insurance company will certainly refuse to pay in the first instance....if they ever do pay out, it will be after a lot of arguing.

[joko]

im afraid i would be suspicious of the person who 'forgot' to lock it...seems somewhat fishy that the very door left unlocked was the one that triggered it

most bugulars dont just walk along randomly trying door handles...especially on the backs of buildings...

no doubt the insurance would suspect this too...

[twix123]

Assuming that your employers have a Commercial Combined insurance policy, the insurers probably wouldn't pay out due to employee negligence unless this is specifically covered, but if the premiums are very high it may be possible to negotiate a settlement figure should the company and insurers enjoy a good relationship and the insurers wish to retain the business.