Theft Cover: Exterior fixtures and fittings

(Updated 22 August 2024)

Traditionally, standard buildings insurance policies only responded to claims where damage to the building was accompanied by forced entry into or exit from the property. For instance, claims would be valid where security gates, doors, windows, or bars were forcibly breached, resulting in damage to internal fixtures and fittings during the theft. This coverage was strictly conditional on evidence of forced entry or exit.

Material damage insurance policies typically did not automatically cover theft of exterior fixtures and fittings. Examples of such items include gates and motors, air conditioning units, intercom systems, security surveillance cameras, aerials and masts, satellite dishes, exterior pipes and taps, pumps, and borehole equipment.

If theft coverage for these items was desired, it had to be requested under “All Risk Cover.” However, underwriters often declined this extra coverage, particularly where the risk was high. For example, brass handles and fittings on exposed gates in areas known for frequent theft were often excluded from coverage.

With the growing incidence of criminal activity linked to the scrap metal trade, theft of metallic and other valuable items from buildings has become increasingly common. Fixtures containing copper piping or wiring are particularly targeted by opportunistic criminals.

In recent years, most sectional title policy wordings have evolved towards all-risk type coverage, where most damages are covered, subject to a comprehensive list of exclusions. These policies often limit theft coverage for exterior fixtures and fittings to a certain value. Some policies further restrict or exclude specific items, such as solar panels, which must still be individually noted and insured for an additional premium.

Given these potential restrictions, we recommend listing higher-value exposed items on your policy and applying for specific coverage, even under all-risk policies. On any traditional perils-based policy, it would be necessary to apply for all-risk cover to ensure theft coverage, anyway.

Pay particular attention to items such as extensive electric fencing, mounted security camera equipment, air conditioning units, larger metal gates, flagpoles, intercom goose necks, and similar fixtures. You can watch a short video showing an actual theft in action below.