Which type of theft is commonly excluded from coverage in household contents policies?

The type of theft that is commonly excluded from coverage in household contents policies is theft of unattended property. This exclusion is often in place because unattended property is inherently at greater risk of being stolen without the property owner being present to protect it. Insurers recognize that items left unattended in public places or even within one's own property—if not adequately secured—can be easily targeted by thieves.

In contrast, losses due to burglary, which involves breaking into a premises to commit theft, are typically covered under household contents policies because this scenario involves a forced entry with the intent of theft, which is seen as a more serious risk that needs coverage. Similarly, theft of personal belongings and losses during transit, depending on the specific policy terms, may also be covered, as they involve circumstances where the policyholder is still managing or has recent control over the items in question.

Typically, insurance policies aim to cover risks that are beyond the control of the policyholder, while exclusions like theft of unattended property reflect a recognition of risk management and personal responsibility. Thus, insurers seek to avoid providing coverage for scenarios where adequate precautions and attentiveness could have prevented the theft from occurring in the first place.