What is the definition of burglary in the context of insurance?

In the context of insurance, burglary is defined as the unlawful entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. By focusing on the aspect of unlawful entry and the intent to commit a crime, this definition encompasses key elements that are significant for insurance purposes, as it establishes a clear connection between the act of entry and criminal intent, which are crucial for determining coverage under property and casualty insurance policies.

When an insurer encounters a claim related to burglary, they will look for evidence of unlawful entry to validate the claim and ensure that it aligns with the definitions stipulated in the policy. This understanding is essential because it dictates coverage scenarios and helps both the insured and insurer understand what constitutes a burglary in legal and insurance contexts.

The other options do not fully encapsulate the necessary elements of unlawful entry combined with the intent to commit theft, which is why they do not represent the correct definition of burglary in the insurance realm. For example, simply stealing from a vehicle does not include the aspect of entering a building, while legal entry with the intent to retrieve items does not align with the criminal intent required for burglary.