I came home to find my front door unlocked and my safe empty. The lock had been picked (or bumped). There was no broken glass, no splintered wood. My insurance denied the theft claim because their policy requires “visible marks of forcible entry” for certain categories of theft, or they classified it as “Mysterious Disappearance.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Forcible Entry” Clause: Some policies, especially for safes or specific theft limits, require visible physical damage to the entry point. Lock picking leaves no visible marks to the naked eye.
- Electronic Locks: Smart locks record how they were opened. A “manual override” log at 2 AM is evidence of entry, even without damage.
- Cameras are Mandatory: In 2026, relying on physical marks is outdated. Video footage of a stranger entering is your proof of “Force” (unauthorized entry).
- Police Report Classification: Ensure the police classify it as “Burglary,” not “Larceny.” Burglary implies entering a structure illegally.
The “Why” (Inside Job Risk)
Insurers suspect you gave a friend the key. “No forced entry” often equals “You let them in.”
“We cover theft… provided there are visible marks of entry or exit.”
The Investigation: Proving the Pick
I looked at how to fight this denial.
1. Forensic Locksmith
- Action: Hire a locksmith to disassemble the lock. Picking leaves microscopic scratches on the pins.
- Cost: $200.
- Result: A written report stating “Lock was manipulated.” This satisfies the “evidence” requirement.
2. Smart Home Logs
- Action: Download the Yale/August lock logs.
- Result: Shows entry was not via a user code.
3. Alarm History
- Action: Did the alarm go off? If the door opened while armed, that is proof of unauthorized entry.
Comparison Table
| Evidence Available | Claim Probability |
| Broken Door | 100% |
| Picked Lock (No Video) | Low (Denial Risk) |
| Picked Lock + Video | High |
| Forensic Lock Report | High |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Touch the Lock: If you suspect picking, don’t put your key in. You destroy the microscopic evidence.
- Call Police & Locksmith: Get the police to dust for prints. Get the locksmith to analyze the cylinder.
- Check the Windows: Maybe they came in a window and left through the door. Look for disturbed dust on sills.
FAQ
Does a bumped lock count as force?
Yes, bumping is a forceful attack. A forensic locksmith can prove it.
[IMAGE: Close up photo of a lock cylinder with a lock pick tool inserted]