Making an Insurance Claim for Theft & Vandalism

Dealing with the aftermath of theft and vandalism can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing how your homeowners insurance can help, and understanding the claim process can provide some relief during these challenging times. Learn how to navigate insurance claims for theft and vandalism so you’ll know what to do if you become a victim.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Theft and Vandalism?

Homeowners insurance typically covers theft and vandalism. This coverage is a key part of most standard home insurance policies and plays a crucial role in mitigating the financial impact of these incidents. Let’s take a closer look at how this coverage works:

• Structure of the home (dwelling coverage): This aspect of your insurance policy covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the physical structure of your home if it’s damaged due to vandalism. It may also include certain attached structures as outlined in the policy. For example, if vandals break windows, spray-paint walls, or cause other structural damage, your insurance will help cover the repair costs.
• Detached structures (other structures coverage): In addition to the main house, many homeowners have other structures on their property, such as standalone garages, sheds, or fences. If these structures are vandalized, the other structures coverage part of your homeowners insurance comes into play, providing financial assistance for repairs or replacements.
• Personal Belongings (personal property coverage): This coverage extends to your personal items, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. If your belongings are stolen or damaged due to vandalism, your insurance can help replace or repair these items. However, there are typically limits to this coverage, especially for high-value items, such as jewelry or art, so it’s advisable to review your policy or consider additional coverage if needed.

Common Acts of Vandalism Covered Under Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies typically encompass a broad range of vandalism acts. These acts are done by others and are generally seen as deliberate damage or destruction of property. However, damage deliberately done by the homeowner doesn’t fall into this category. Common acts of vandalism that are usually covered include:

• Graffiti and spray-painting: Unauthorized painting or marking of the exterior of the home or other structures on the property
• Smashing windows or locks: Deliberate breaking or damaging of windows, doors, or their locks, which compromises the security and integrity of the home
• Arson: Intentionally setting fire to a property — while considered a severe form of vandalism, most standard policies cover arson-related damages.
• Damaging lawns or gardens: Destruction of landscaping elements, such as lawns, flower beds, and garden structures
• Removing or defacing signs or property markers: The removal or defacement of signs, markers, or other similar items on the property
• Keying or scratching vehicles: Deliberate scratching or damaging of vehicles parked on the property
• Egging houses: Throwing eggs at a house can damage paint and other surfaces
• Damaging mailboxes: Destruction or defacing of mailboxes, whether attached to the property or standalone
• Defacing property with stickers or posters: Unauthorized application of stickers, posters, or other materials that can damage or deface property surfaces
• Vandalism to outdoor fixtures: Damage to outdoor lighting, water fixtures, or other permanent outdoor installations
• Cutting or damaging trees and shrubs: Intentional damage to trees, shrubs, or other vegetation on the property

Each of these acts can vary in severity and impact, but they typically fall under the umbrella of covered risks in standard homeowners insurance policies. It’s important to note that while these acts are commonly covered, every insurance policy is different, and some might have specific exclusions or limitations. Homeowners are encouraged to review their policies thoroughly and consult with their insurance providers to understand the specific coverage details related to vandalism.

Exclusions

When it comes to vandalism and theft, homeowners insurance policies have certain exclusions. Understanding these exclusions can help homeowners assess whether they need additional coverage:

• Homes vacant longer than the contractually specified timeframe: Many policies don’t cover vandalism or theft if the house has been vacant for more than 30 days. This is due to the increased risk of such incidents in unoccupied properties. Lisa Koosis, a former claims specialist, adds, “In some cases, your insurer may even cancel your policy if they find out your home is vacant, so be sure to check with your agent or a company representative if you plan to be away for any length of time.”
• Vandalism to uninsured structures: Vandalism or theft related to structures on the property that aren’t covered by the insurance, such as certain types of sheds or temporary buildings, may not be covered.
• Vandalism during construction or renovation: If the home is undergoing significant construction or renovation, standard policies might not cover vandalism or theft occurring during this period unless specifically stated. Lisa Koosis, a former claims specialist, adds, “Although you’ll probably be covered under your builder’s insurance, you can purchase home-under-construction endorsements for peace of mind.”
• Limited coverage for business-related theft or vandalism: Standard homeowners insurance might not cover theft or vandalism related to business equipment or inventory if you’re running a business from your home. You’ll typically require a business insurance policy or an endorsement of the existing homeowners policy for your business-related assets to be covered.
• Damage by tenants: If you rent out part of your home and your tenants vandalize the property, it may not be covered under a standard homeowners policy.
• Theft without forced entry: In some cases, if there’s no evidence of forced entry, such as a broken window or lock, your insurance might not cover the theft, assuming the incident could have been preventable.
• Theft from common areas in multifamily properties: If you live in a multifamily building, such as a condo, theft from common areas might not be covered by your personal homeowners insurance. However, it might be covered under the HOA’s policy.
• Improperly filed claims: Most policies require prompt reporting of vandalism or theft to your insurer and the police. Claims for vandalism typically require a police report. If there’s a delay in reporting, the insurance company might deny the claim.

What to Do if Your Home Has Been Vandalized

If you’re a victim of vandalism, you’ll need to do the following:

• Contact the police: File a police report immediately. Police reports are often required for insurance claims.
• Document the damage: Take photographs of all affected areas to use as evidence in your claim.
• Prevent further damage: Secure your property to mitigate any additional risks, such as boarding up broken windows.
• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the incident as soon as possible to start the claims process.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Vandalism

When filing an insurance claim for vandalism, make sure you do the following:

• Gather documentation: Collect all relevant evidence, including the police report and photographs of the damage.
• Contact your insurance agent: Report the incident and follow your agent’s guidance for the claim process.
• Review your policy: Familiarize yourself with your coverage limits and deductibles and assess whether filing a claim is worthwhile. For minor damage, you may not even meet your deductible, but it could result in a rate hike. However, substantial damage may warrant filing a claim.
• Submit the claim: Submit your claim to your insurer and provide all relevant documentation.
• Keep records: Maintain records of all communications and expenses related to the claim.

When Should You File a Claim?

Consider filing a claim for theft and vandalism when the cost of the damage exceeds your deductible and falls within the coverage limits of your policy. Filing is crucial when the incident significantly impacts your living situation or the security of your property. It’s important to take quick action to ensure your claim is processed efficiently and to minimize the impact of the incident on your life.