insurance
Theft and Fire Investigation: Verification of the Circumstances
When a theft or fire leaves some areas unclear
Theft and fire claims account for a significant portion of insurance litigation. Claims are often filed before police investigations are complete; the fire department’s report is brief; and the technical expert focuses on the physical cause or the estimation of the loss.
There remains considerable scope for factual verification: the actual determination of the reported circumstances, the consistency of the claimed property, the history of the insured parties and the locations, and the classification of suspicious entries and exits. This is what our firm objectively assesses in its report, in addition to the technical findings already on file.
The financial stakes are often high, particularly in cases of fire damage to business premises and reported thefts at jewelry stores, watch shops, or specialty retailers. A thorough investigation may reveal a reality very different from the initial report, or, conversely, confirm the validity of the claim; in either case, the claims adjuster has solid evidence on which to base a decision.
Warning Signs on a ”
” Policy for Theft or Fire
- No signs of forced entry or only minor signs (lock intact, windows unbroken).
- An inventory of the stolen goods was compiled retroactively, without any prior invoices or photos.
- An incident that occurred during the prolonged absence of the insured or employees (vacation, weekend, closure).
- The premises were found to be strangely empty at the time of the incident, with inventory levels lower than usual.
- Known financial difficulties of the insured or the affected company.
- Plans to sell, close, or transfer ownership of the property in the months leading up to the incident.
- A fire that breaks out in several places at once or in unlikely areas.
What the theft and fire investigation covers
Our services cover factual verifications that typically fall outside the scope of public authorities and technical experts. Under no circumstances does our firm act as a substitute for public investigators: we operate exclusively on behalf of the client company.
On-site inspection as soon as possible after the incident, including a dated and geotagged photographic record.
Witness interviews: neighbors, security guards, emergency responders, and employees present at the business premises.
Verification of the consistency between the reported break-in and the evidence actually found at the scene.
Verification of ownership of the claimed items (invoices, previous photos, traceability of valuables).
Cross-checking with police or gendarmerie reports provided by the insured.
Identification of any signs that the incident was staged or intentionally caused.
Investigation into the insured’s financial situation: financial difficulties, plans to sell the business, and claims history.
Verification of the actual use of the premises and the physical presence of the declared goods or property.
ANONYMIZED CASE STUDY
Fire at a logistics warehouse in
A warehouse was partially destroyed by a fire described as “accidental” in the claim. The insured claims the loss of inventory valued at €280,000. Our rapid on-site investigation found no debris consistent with the volume of goods claimed. Interviews with neighbors and regular delivery drivers revealed an increase in outgoing shipments during the ten days preceding the incident. Cross-referencing with customer invoices from the same period showed a sharp drop in reported revenue. The report documents the discrepancy between the claimed inventory and the observable physical reality, without prejudging the legal classification of the incident.
The Process of a Theft or Fire Investigation
In cases like these, a rapid response is critical. Our five-step methodology takes this requirement into account.
01
Reception
Receipt of the case file (report, complaint, fire department report, photos, inventory of claimed property).
02
Instruction
Internal review within two business days and prioritization of the verification points most susceptible to time-related degradation.
03
Deployment
On-site deployment as soon as possible after the disaster, ideally before the site is cleaned up and restored.
04
Hearing
Interviews and cross-checking of documentation: witnesses, neighbors, bills, and tracking of assets.
05
Restitution
Delivery within two weeks at most; a report admissible in court, including photographic evidence and transcripts.
Our five-step survey methodology is detailed on the dedicated page.
Why should you entrust your theft or fire investigation
to the Aquila Group?
The Insurance Investigation Division is headed by Victor de Villeblanche, who personally drafts each report. Our firm is AFNOR pre-certified and an ALFA affiliate, ensuring compliance with the methodological standards expected in the field of insurance investigations.
Our integrated network spanning five regions enables us to respond quickly on-site—a critical requirement for this type of incident, where evidence deteriorates rapidly. In the case of a fire, each passing day makes it more difficult to document the physical evidence: cleanup, restoration, debris removal, and return of the premises to their original condition.
When it comes to theft claims—particularly in the jewelry and watch industries—our experience has prepared us to handle even the most complex schemes: staged break-ins, inflated inventory reports, and employee collusion. The firm has handled 232 cases and boasts a documented success rate of 98%.
- We can respond quickly to a newly reported incident, ideally within 48 to 72 hours.
- 232 cases processed, with a documented success rate of 98% across the division.
- AFNOR pre-certification, ALFA membership, CNAPS accreditation.
- A detailed report within a maximum of two weeks, admissible in civil and criminal courts.
- Proven experience with the most complex types of properties: specialty stores, warehouses, and commercial spaces.
The standards for property and casualty insurance investigations are governed byALFA.
To file a case with our firm regarding theft or arson, please use our dedicated form.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A prompt on-site assessment, before any cleaning or debris removal takes place, significantly increases the value of the findings. Ideally, this should be done within 48 to 72 hours of the incident.
No. We are a private investigation firm hired by the insurance company. Our work is strictly conducted in parallel with the judicial investigations and does not replace them in any way.
Our report documents the physical and circumstantial evidence we have observed. It is then up to the company to decide on the contractual consequences—whether to invoke the termination clause for false statements, file a complaint, etc.
Yes. Theft and fires at business premises account for a significant portion of our work. The financial stakes and the complexity of the circumstances fully justify an investigation in these cases.
Yes. Our reports are drafted to stand up in court. They comply with the requirements for fair presentation of evidence established by the Court of Cassation.
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