I posted a “Collection Tour 2026” video on TikTok. It went viral. Three days later, my house was hit. The thieves knew exactly which closet to go to and ignored the guest bedroom. When I filed the claim, the investigator pulled up my video and asked: “Did you invite this theft by broadcasting the layout of your home and the value of your goods?”
Key Takeaways
- Social Media is Public Record: Adjusters use AI tools to scrape your social media immediately after a theft claim.
- The “Targeting” Defense: While posting isn’t a crime, insurers may argue you failed to exercise “reasonable care” by geotagging your home or showing entry points (windows/doors) in the background.
- Privacy Settings Matter: If your profile is “Public,” you have less defense than if it is “Private/Friends Only.”
- Date Verification: Ironically, your posts are also your best friend—they prove you actually owned the items on specific dates.
The “Why” (The Trap): Negligence vs. Promotion
You want to flex. The insurer wants you to be a ghost.
The trap here isn’t usually an explicit exclusion, but a rigorous investigation into “Moral Hazard.” If they suspect you coordinated the theft for clout or insurance money (fraud), the viral video is Exhibit A.
However, they cannot deny a theft claim just because you posted a photo, unless the policy explicitly excludes “property publicly displayed for commercial purposes.”
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I asked agents: “If I’m an influencer, does that hurt my coverage?”
1. Lemonade
- Response: “We cover theft. But if you run a monetized channel, that is a business.”
- The Risk: If you make money from the views on the collection video, they classify your collection as “Business Property,” capping coverage at ~$2,500.
2. Wax Insurance
- Response: “We expect you to show them off.”
- The Benefit: They understand the culture. As long as you have the required security (alarms), posting is fine.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Personal Policy (Standard) | Influencer/Business Policy |
| Posted for fun (0 followers) | Covered | N/A |
| Posted for Clout (100k views) | Risk (Business Classification) | Covered |
| Geotagged Home Address | Risk (Negligence argument) | Risk (Security breach) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Scrub the Geotags: Go to your IG map. Remove your home location. Never tag “My House.”
- Background Check: Watch your videos. Can you see the alarm keypad code? Can you see which window has a broken latch? Blur it.
- The “Business” Toggle: If you monetize your sneaker content, you must get a Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy or a specific endorsement. Standard homeowners insurance will deny you for running a media business from home.
FAQ
Q: Can the thief sue me if he gets hurt breaking in?
A: In some states, yes. This is why you need Liability coverage, not just Property coverage.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of an Instagram post with a “Location” tag circled in red, next to an insurance “Risk Assessment” report.]