If a property is left unattended in a commercial policy, what requirement can protect against a loss from theft?

When a property is left unattended, ensuring that it is locked adequately serves as a preventive measure against theft and can significantly influence the insurer's decision on a claim. In the context of a commercial policy, making sure that doors, windows, and access points are secured demonstrates a prudent approach to risk management. Insurers often look favorably upon policyholders who take this step because it indicates a lower likelihood of loss.

While other measures like inventory lists, alarm systems, or taking photographs can be beneficial in various ways, they do not directly mitigate the risk of a theft occurring when the property is unattended. For instance, an alarm system can alert authorities to a theft but does not prevent it from happening in the first place. Similarly, inventory lists and photographs may assist in substantiating a claim after a loss has occurred, but they do not deter the theft itself. Thus, adequately locking the property is a crucial and effective requirement to safeguard against potential losses in such scenarios.