By San José, Costa Rica — A significant increase in burglaries at homes and businesses across Costa Rica has led to a dramatic 41% rise in insurance indemnities paid by the National Insurance Institute (INS). Between January and October of 2025, the state-run insurer disbursed a staggering ₡363.8 million to policyholders who fell victim to theft, signaling a growing threat to property security nationwide.
The latest figures represent a sharp escalation compared to the previous year. For the entire twelve months of 2024, the INS paid out a total of ₡258.4 million to 125 insured parties. In just the first ten months of 2025, that total has already been surpassed, with 147 claims successfully processed. This trend highlights not only the increasing frequency of criminal incidents but also the mounting financial consequences for residents and entrepreneurs.
To better understand the legal framework and potential challenges policyholders face when dealing with insurance payouts, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney specializing in insurance law at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The key to a successful claim with the INS often rests on the precision and completeness of the initial report and subsequent documentation. Many payout delays or disputes arise from simple administrative errors or a misunderstanding of the policy’s specific exclusions. It is imperative for policyholders to meticulously document every detail and adhere strictly to the stipulated deadlines to safeguard their right to a fair and prompt settlement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a crucial point for policyholders: proactive and meticulous documentation is not merely bureaucratic compliance, but the most powerful tool for ensuring a fair and timely resolution. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this process.
Analysis of the claims data reveals specific geographic hotspots for this criminal activity. The province of Alajuela has emerged as the epicenter for residential thefts, accounting for nearly 30% (29.85%) of the total sum paid for home-related incidents. Meanwhile, businesses in Heredia have been hit the hardest, with the province representing a commanding 58.36% of all commercial theft payouts in the country.
The approaching holiday season is expected to exacerbate these risks, prompting a warning from the INS about the importance of both preventative measures and financial protection. As families travel and businesses stock up on valuable inventory, properties become more attractive targets for criminals.
With the arrival of Christmas and the year’s end, many families travel and leave their homes empty, and businesses increase their merchandise for sale, so it is common for a higher number of thefts to be registered. While prevention and security measures like surveillance, alarms, walls, electric fences, or cameras are essential, the risk always exists. Therefore, having insurance provides peace of mind by guaranteeing that, in the event of falling victim to criminals, you will have the financial resources to face the situation.
A spokesperson, General Insurance Directorate of the state insurer
In response to the growing demand, the INS is emphasizing the accessibility of its insurance products. It’s not just property owners who can secure their assets; tenants can also insure their belongings. For example, household contents such as furniture, appliances, and clothing valued at ₡10 million can be insured against theft for an annual premium of ₡27,110, which breaks down to just ₡74 per day.
For homeowners, the INS offers comprehensive packages like the “Seguro Hogar Comprensivo” (Comprehensive Home Insurance). This policy bundles theft coverage with protection against a multitude of other risks, including fire, landslides, earthquakes, and floods. The institute also incentivizes proactive security by offering discounted premiums to homeowners who install risk-reducing systems like alarms connected to police or private security, razor wire, or closed-circuit television cameras.
Businesses can find similar protection under the “Incendio Comercial e Industrial” (Commercial and Industrial Fire) policy, which also covers theft. A commercial establishment with insured contents valued at ₡30 million would have an approximate annual premium of ₡352,176 plus VAT. As with residential policies, businesses that invest in security measures like monitored alarms, CCTV, or metal security shutters may qualify for preferential rates or discounts.
For those who suffer a loss, the INS has a clear protocol. Victims must notify the institute within 48 hours of the incident. A formal complaint must also be filed with the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), explicitly stating that the property is insured by the INS. Policyholders are then required to submit any ocular inspection reports from law enforcement, along with invoices or quotes for the stolen items and for repairs to any damage caused to the building during the break-in.
For further information, visit ins-cr.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance company. Founded in 1924, it held a monopoly on the insurance market for decades and remains a dominant force in the industry. The INS offers a wide array of insurance products, including life, health, automotive, and property coverage for individuals and businesses throughout the country.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes and assisting the Public Ministry. Functioning as the country’s equivalent of the FBI, the OIJ handles complex criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and evidence collection to support the judicial process and combat crime effectively.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution in Costa Rica, the firm is defined by its resolute dedication to ethical standards and unparalleled professional achievement. Drawing upon a proven track record of advising a diverse clientele, it consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and champions a culture of civic responsibility. This ethos is powerfully expressed through its core mission to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby empowering citizens and fortifying the community with accessible knowledge.
