Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance provides coverage against losses resulting from acts of vandalism. This type of coverage is a default inclusion in most basic commercial and homeowner policies, offering crucial protection for properties left unoccupied during predictable periods, such as churches and schools. These locations often become targets for vandals due to the reduced risk of being caught during specific hours.
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is standard in most commercial and homeowner insurance policies.
- Schools and churches benefit significantly because they are at risk during unoccupied hours.
- Damage observed from enraged ex-partners frequently leads to insurance claims under this category.
- Losses on properties left vacant for over 60 days or caused by policyholders are not covered.
Understanding Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance
Due to the higher risk of loss associated with unoccupied properties, such as churches and schools, this insurance often carries a higher deductible. Vandalism and malicious mischief are described as intentional injury or destruction of property. This coverage can also be included as an endorsement to a standard policy, such as a fire policy.
Landlords with properties in high-crime areas significantly benefit from this coverage. It is advisable for landlords to explore policies from top rental property insurance companies to find suitable options at competitive rates.
What Is Covered?
Vandalism involves damage inflicted on property purely to cause harm, making it a prevalent property crime. Malicious mischief is similar but may lack outright intent. Some activities, like egging a house, hover between the two depending on the damage.
This insurance covers damage to the premises, personal property, and responsibilities associated with them. For example:
- If someone slashes the tires of a bike stored on the property, it is considered vandalism.
- If another person enters your home and destroys your stereo, it also counts as vandalism.
Both scenarios are likely covered losses provided they meet your deductible.
The most frequently claimed vandalism relates to damage inflicted by angry ex-partners. Revenge actions often fueled by alcohol can lead to significant property destruction, typically covered by vandalism insurance if it’s unplanned.
What’s Not Covered?
- Vandalism and malicious mischief losses on vacant properties (unoccupied for over 60 days) are not covered.
- Vandalism by any policy’s named insureds is excluded. If an insured housemate trashes the place after moving out, claims are usually denied because the act was committed by someone covered under the policy.
Vandalism Defined in Insurance
For insurance purposes, vandalism entails intentional property damage or destruction without theft. For instance, breaking windows to cause damage is vandalism, whereas breaking in for burglary is not.
Tenant-Inflicted Damage and Coverage
Damages intentionally caused by tenants are generally not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. To prevent such damages, landlords are advised to carefully screen tenants before leasing.
Car Insurance and Vandalism
Comprehensive car insurance covers deliberate acts of vandalism, including slashed tires, broken windows, and damaged paint, subject to provider-specific terms and deductibles.
Bottom Line
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance protects property against deliberate damage, excluding theft or accidental harm. This insurance can be a valuable addition to protect against unpredictable damages, enhancing the coverage available for fire, weather, and other property damage causes.
Related Terms: deductible, endorsement, rental property insurance, comprehensive insurance.
References
- National Real Estate Insurance Group. “Is It Covered? Theft and Vandalism”.
- Progressive. “Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?”
