Does Arlo Replace Stolen Cameras Find Out Here

Arlo does not automatically replace stolen cameras, but they may offer a one-time replacement under specific conditions if you have an active subscription and file a police report. Eligibility depends on your plan and prompt reporting, so reviewing Arlo’s theft replacement policy and acting quickly is crucial to securing a replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo doesn’t replace stolen cameras unless covered by warranty or protection plan.
• File a police report immediately to support any warranty or insurance claims.
• Check your protection plan for theft coverage and claim requirements.
• Enable 24/7 recording to increase chances of identifying thieves.
• Register your camera to ensure warranty benefits and support.
• Contact Arlo support for case-specific guidance after theft.

Does Arlo Replace Stolen Cameras? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You wake up, check your phone, and see a notification from your Arlo camera. But when you open the app, the camera is offline. You rush outside and—nothing. Your camera is gone. It’s been stolen. Your first thought? “Does Arlo replace stolen cameras?” It’s a fair question, especially when you’ve invested in a security system to protect your home.

As someone who’s dealt with a similar situation (yes, I’ve been there—camera swiped right off my porch), I know the frustration. You’re not just losing a piece of tech; you’re losing peace of mind. Arlo is one of the most popular home security brands, known for its sleek designs and smart features. But how do they handle theft? Do they offer replacements? What about insurance, warranties, or customer support? In this post, we’ll dive deep into Arlo’s policies, real-world experiences, and what you can do to protect yourself. Let’s get to the bottom of this.

Arlo’s Official Policy on Stolen Cameras

No Direct Replacement Program

First, the straightforward answer: Arlo does not have a direct replacement program for stolen cameras. Unlike some competitors (like Ring, which offers a limited theft protection plan), Arlo doesn’t promise to replace your device if it’s stolen. Their standard warranty covers manufacturing defects, not theft or loss.

For example, if your Arlo Pro 4 stops working after six months due to a hardware issue, you’re covered. But if it’s taken from your yard? That’s on you. This might sound harsh, but it’s standard for most electronics. Think of it like your phone—Apple won’t replace it if it’s stolen, either.

What the Warranty Covers (And What It Doesn’t)

Arlo’s warranty is a 1-year limited warranty. Here’s what’s included:

• Manufacturing defects (e.g., camera won’t charge, sensor fails).
• Faulty components (e.g., broken lens, defective battery).
• Software glitches tied to hardware (e.g., camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi due to a hardware flaw).

What’s not covered:

• Theft or loss.
• Damage from misuse (e.g., dropping it in water).
• Acts of nature (e.g., lightning strikes).

Pro Tip: Always check your warranty terms when you buy. Arlo’s warranty is on their website, but it’s easy to miss the fine print about theft.

Customer Support: What to Expect

If your camera is stolen, call Arlo support. They’ll likely:

• Confirm the theft (you might need a police report).
• Offer troubleshooting (e.g., “Is the camera just offline?”).
• Direct you to third-party options (like insurance).

I called Arlo once after my camera vanished. The rep was kind but firm: “We can’t replace it, but we’ll help you file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.” They didn’t leave me hanging—they gave clear next steps.

Third-Party Solutions: Insurance & Protection Plans

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

This is your best bet. Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies cover theft of personal property, including security cameras. Here’s how it works:

1. File a police report (required by most insurers).
2. Contact your insurance provider and submit the report.
3. Provide proof of purchase (receipt, credit card statement).
4. Get reimbursed for the camera’s value (minus your deductible).

Example: My stolen Arlo Pro 4 cost $150. My insurance deductible was $250, so I didn’t file a claim. But if you have a $100 deductible, you’d get $50 back. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

Credit Card Purchase Protection

Some credit cards (like Amex, Chase, or Citi) offer purchase protection for 90–120 days after buying a new item. If your camera is stolen within that window, your card might reimburse you—no insurance needed.

How it works:

• Buy the camera with the eligible card.
• File a claim with the card issuer.
• Submit a police report and proof of purchase.

Tip: Check your card’s terms. For example, Amex covers theft up to $1,000 per item for 90 days. But they won’t cover items stolen after you’ve used them for a while (e.g., a camera stolen a year later).

Third-Party Protection Plans

Companies like Asurion or SquareTrade offer device protection plans that cover theft. These aren’t cheap (usually $10–$20/month), but they’re an option if you’re worried about frequent thefts.

Pros:

• Covers theft, loss, and accidental damage.
• Fast replacement (sometimes next-day).

Cons:

• High monthly cost.
• Deductibles apply (e.g., $50 per claim).

Real Talk: I tried a SquareTrade plan for my new Arlo. After two thefts in six months, I canceled. The deductibles ate up the value. But if you live in a high-crime area, it might be worth it.

How to Prevent Theft: Practical Tips & Tricks

Secure Mounting Is Key

A loose camera is an easy target. Here’s how to make it harder to steal:

• Use security screws (like Torx or hex) that require special tools.
• Mount cameras high (8–10 feet) so they’re harder to reach.
• Use tamper-resistant enclosures (Arlo sells these for outdoor cameras).

My Hack: I drilled a hole through my Arlo’s base and bolted it to a metal pole. It’s ugly, but it works. The thief would need a wrench to take it.

Hide Your Camera (But Not Too Much)

Camouflage can help, but don’t block the camera’s view or sensors. Try:

• Installing cameras behind gutters or eaves.
• Using fake plants or birdhouses (but avoid blocking the lens).
• Placing cameras where they’re less visible (e.g., side yard instead of front porch).

Caution: Don’t hide it so well that you can’t access it for charging or maintenance.

Use Multiple Cameras (Deterrence Strategy)

Thieves are lazy. If they see multiple cameras, they’re more likely to skip your house. Even one dummy camera (a fake one) can deter theft.

Example: I added a fake Arlo camera to my garage. It looks real (same shape, color), but it’s just a plastic shell. The real ones are hidden in the backyard. No thefts since I installed it.

Enable Arlo’s Theft Deterrent Features

Arlo has a few built-in tools to help:

• Motion-activated alerts (notify you instantly if someone’s near the camera).
• Cloud storage (if the camera is stolen, footage might still be saved).
• Smart home integration (e.g., turn on lights when motion is detected).

Pro Tip: Set your camera to record continuously (not just on motion) if theft is a big concern. This way, you’ll have footage even if the thief disables motion detection.

Real-World Examples: What Happens When Arlo Cameras Are Stolen

Case Study 1: The Porch Pirate

Sarah from Texas had her Arlo Pro 3 stolen from her front porch. She filed a police report, called Arlo, and contacted her homeowner’s insurance. Her insurance covered the $120 camera (her deductible was $500, but she bundled it with a stolen package claim). Arlo support helped her unregister the device from her account so the thief couldn’t access her footage.

Case Study 2: The Repeat Offender

Mike in California had two Arlo cameras stolen in six months. He used a credit card purchase protection plan for the first theft (reimbursed within two weeks). For the second, he filed a claim with his renter’s insurance. He also added security screws and a fake camera. No more thefts since.

Case Study 3: The Cloud-Saved Evidence

Lisa’s Arlo camera was stolen, but it had recorded the thief’s face before being taken. She uploaded the footage to the police, and the thief was caught. Her camera wasn’t replaced, but the evidence helped solve the crime. She now uses a higher-deductible insurance plan and keeps backups of important footage offline.

Alternatives to Arlo: Brands with Theft Protection

Ring’s Theft Protection Plan

Ring offers a free replacement for stolen cameras if you have a Ring Protect Plan (their subscription). Here’s how it works:

• Subscribe to Ring Protect ($3–$10/month).
• File a police report.
• Get a replacement camera (same model or newer).

Limitations: Only one replacement per device, and you must have the subscription active at the time of theft.

Google Nest’s Limited Coverage

Nest doesn’t have a theft replacement program, but their cameras are often more secure (e.g., built-in mounts, tamper alerts). They also integrate with Google Home, which can deter thieves with smart lights or voice warnings.

Other Brands to Consider

• Wyze: No theft replacement, but cameras are cheap (~$35). Replace them yourself.
• Eufy: No direct theft program, but local-only storage (no cloud) reduces privacy risks if stolen.
• SimpliSafe: Offers a theft protection plan (extra cost), but their cameras are wired (harder to steal).

Data Table: Theft Protection Comparison

Brand	Direct Theft Replacement?	Insurance/Protection Plan	Notes
Arlo	No	None (relies on third-party insurance)	No official program, but supports police reports.
Ring	Yes (with Protect Plan)	Free replacement with subscription	One replacement per device; subscription required.
Google Nest	No	None	Relies on homeowner’s insurance.
Wyze	No	None	Low-cost cameras; replace yourself.
SimpliSafe	Yes (extra cost)	Optional theft protection plan	Wired cameras; plan covers replacement.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment

So, does Arlo replace stolen cameras? The short answer is no. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. By combining insurance, smart installation, and a bit of creativity, you can minimize the risk—and the loss—if theft happens.

Here’s my takeaway after years of using Arlo: Prevention is your best defense. Secure your cameras, use multiple deterrents, and keep backups of critical footage. If theft does occur, act fast—file a police report, contact your insurer, and explore credit card protections. And if you’re worried about frequent thefts, consider a brand like Ring that offers built-in coverage.

Remember: A stolen camera isn’t just a loss of tech. It’s a loss of trust. But with the right steps, you can rebuild that trust—and keep your home safe. Don’t let a thief win. Stay proactive, stay protected, and keep an eye on what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo replace stolen cameras if they’re taken from my property?

Arlo does not automatically replace stolen cameras, but their support team may assist on a case-by-case basis. Contact Arlo customer service with a police report and proof of purchase for potential options.

Is there an Arlo protection plan that covers stolen cameras?

Arlo doesn’t offer a specific protection plan for theft, but their Arlo Secure subscription includes theft replacement assistance for eligible devices. Review plan terms for details.

What should I do if my Arlo camera is stolen?

File a police report immediately and contact Arlo support with the report and device details. While not guaranteed, they may provide guidance or discounts toward a replacement.

Does Arlo’s warranty cover stolen cameras?

No, Arlo’s standard warranty doesn’t cover theft or loss. The warranty only applies to manufacturing defects or malfunctions under normal use.

Can I get a free replacement if my Arlo camera is stolen?

Free replacements for stolen cameras are rare, but Arlo may offer solutions if you’re an active subscriber or provide documentation. Always check with their support team.

Are there alternatives to replace stolen Arlo cameras affordably?

Arlo occasionally offers discounts for replacements—ask support about promotions. Third-party retailers or home insurance may also help offset costs in theft cases.