Vandalism is generally covered under an all risks policy unless it is specifically excluded. Vandalism coverage applies to unoccupied homes but not to vacant homes after a certain period of time. An unoccupied home is one that still contains the personal property of the policy owner, even though the property owner is absent.
A vacant home is empty and free of the owner’s personal property. An example of this would be if you were selling your home and moved out, taking all of your belongings and furnishings with you. After a set period of time, vandalism coverage would no longer apply to your policy.
Simply put, the definition of vandalism is purposefully destroying or defacing someone’s property without their consent. It’s done in many types of ways — anything from smashing light fixtures to egging someone’s home. Basically, if someone intentionally does something to damage your property without your approval, it qualifies as vandalism.
What Qualifies for Vandalism Damage Claims?
- Spray painting, painting or drawing on the home
- Breaking outdoor lights or windows
- Slashing tires
- Egging your home
- Tampering with plumbing
- Cutting trees or bushes without permission
- Arson
- Gluing locks
- Salting or destroying your lawn
How to File Vandalism Damage Claims
If you’re the victim of vandalism to your home, you’ll want to follow the below steps to make sure you get the most out of filing an insurance claim.
- Call the police and file an extensive police report. This report will be vital to your insurance claim, since it’s a detailed and accurate account of the damages that occurred.
- Take pictures of the crime scene for evidence.
- You can try to minimize the damage, like boarding up a broken window, but don’t make any repairs before your claims adjuster comes to look at your house.
- Call your insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have all the important documentation so you can better make your case — photos, videos and an inventory of anything destroyed will be helpful when filing your insurance claim.
Loss due to vandalism is infuriating. Someone has spray painted profanity over your new vinyl fence, and the whole neighborhood can see the vandals can’t even spell. You want it fixed fast. Is your insurance company arguing with you over repair or replacement cost? Is the insurance claims process taking so long you worry that you will get a letter from your homeowners association? The last thing you want to deal with is an unsympathetic insurance claims process. We can help.
~Marco V.