The Increasing Demand for Heat Pumps Leads to Rising Theft Rates: Why Insurance Companies Often Don’t Pay

The demand for heat pumps is increasing – and with it theft. But in many cases the insurance does not pay. How to secure the devices additionally.

Munich – More and more owners and house builders are now using heat pumps as a climate-friendly alternative to gas heating. The demand is high, as are the costs and current delivery times. At the same time, prices on the black market are rising, which attracts criminals. This is followed by a rude awakening for owners: thieves simply dismantle the heat pumps. And in many cases, the insurance does not pay.

Heat pump theft: why insurance companies often don’t pay

Sea Mirror online the LKA records nationwide increases in thefts of heat pumps. There are still isolated cases, but it is a lucrative business for thieves. The heat pumps are located on the outside of the building or would be stolen from construction sites and building shells. Police believe the perpetrators were using trailers or larger vehicles. To the surprise of the owners, insurance companies often do not want to pay for the loss.

In many cases, the reason for this is residential building insurance, as consumer advice centers report. Since the heat pump is usually located outside the building, insurance cover does not apply here. The owners are then left with the costs, usually in the five-digit range.

Protection against theft: How owners can protect their heat pumps

According to the Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center, it is important to contact the insurance company at an early stage and check whether the heat pump is included in the insurance cover. If this is not the case: be sure to record it and have it confirmed in writing. It is also recommended to ask about so-called duties to cooperate, i.e. what the insured person has to do to keep the damage as low as possible. This can include fences or installing the heat pump at a height that is difficult to reach, according to the consumer advice center.

Police advise video surveillance: additionally secure heat pumps

In order to protect the heat pumps well, the police advise loudly Mirror online to take additional safety precautions. She recommends installing video surveillance or an alarm system. Lamps with motion detectors or even GPS systems for protection are also proposed. The LKA Lower Saxony advises to label individual components individually and to attach fittings that are difficult to dismantle Mirror online. (eike)