Vandalism can strike at any time, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and a frustrating sense of violation. From graffiti and broken windows to more serious property damage, the aftermath can be both emotionally and financially draining. Understanding the relationship between vandalism and home insurance is essential for homeowners. Whether your property is damaged by graffiti, broken windows, or malicious mischief, knowing what your policy covers can help you recover financially and restore your home quickly. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not can help you make informed decisions and ensure you’re adequately protected.
What is Vandalism?
Home vandalism is the act of intentionally damaging, destroying, or defacing private property, such as a house or its features, including windows, fences, or lawns, without permission. This act falls under the legal term “mischief to property” and can involve actions such as graffiti, breaking windows, slashing tires, or damaging landscaping. The severity of the charge often depends on the extent of the damage caused.
Does home insurance cover vandalism?
Yes. Most standard home insurance policies cover vandalism and malicious damage to your home and personal property. However, coverage may be limited or excluded if the property is for various reasons, including:
- If the property has been vacant for an extended period.
- Damage was caused by an insured person.
- Have a basic named-perils policy that excludes vandalism.
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Vandalism?
A standard home insurance policy almost always covers vandalism, malicious acts, or mischief. Comprehensive or ‘All Risks’ insurance policies automatically include coverage for vandalism or malicious acts. Even basic named perils policies typically include coverage for vandalism. That means if your home or personal property is vandalized, you’ll likely be able to file a claim for repairs. A no-frills insurance policy will cover your home against any damage due to a fire-related accident. However, it does not cover damages or destruction to the property caused by vandalism.
What Types of Vandalism Are Covered by Home Insurance?
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes coverage for vandalism, up to the limits specified in your policy. Some forms of vandalism covered by home insurance include:
- Graffiti and spray-paint (tagging, art, etc.)
- Arson
- Egging
- Smashing locks and windows
- Salting or damaging lawns
- Removing signs
- Cutting down trees or shrubbery
- Carving or tagging
Safeguard Your Home
Get a free home insurance quote today and protect what matters most.
When Does Home Insurance Not Cover Vandalism?
A standard homeowners policy can cover damage to your home, property, and personal belongings due to vandalism. However, your policy won’t always cover vandalism, and you may need endorsements to modify or extend your coverage to ensure your protection. Below are a few instances when standard homeowners insurance won’t cover vandalism:
1. You Run a Home Business
If you operate a home-based business, you may not have full coverage if your home is vandalized due to your business activities. To ensure your at-home business, you’ll need to add a business property endorsement to your coverage for additional protection.
2. If Perpetrators Are Covered Under the Policy
Vandalism is intentional damage to a property by a third party, i.e., anyone who doesn’t have coverage under an insurance policy. Most home insurance policies extend coverage to direct family members of the policyholder. If any of those covered people cause the damage, it’s not considered vandalism.
Important: “No-frills” or basic home insurance policies that only cover “named perils” may specifically exclude vandalism.
3. Your Home is Unoccupied or Vacant for Over 60 Days
Unoccupied homes are also generally viewed by insurers as high-risk properties because they’re prime targets for vandalism and theft. Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover your house if it has been vacant for 60 days or more before the incident. You can either add a vacant home endorsement to your policy or consider a separate vacant home policy to protect your property while it’s unoccupied.
It’s a little different for condo owners and renters, though…
4. If You Own a Condo
As a condo owner, you are only responsible for your own unit within the building. If your unit or belongings are vandalized, your condo insurance policy will cover the damage. If the condo building’s shared property is damaged, the condo corporation will have to claim the building’s master policy.
5. If You Rent a Unit
As a renter, you aren’t responsible for dealing with vandalism to any part of the building you live in. However, you need to insure your possessions. Your landlord will claim with their own insurance provider to cover any damage. If the vandals damage your stuff, you will need to file a claim with your tenant’s insurance policy.
6. Intentional Acts
Damage intentionally caused by the policyholder or by someone acting with their consent is not covered.
How to file a home insurance claim for vandalism:
1. Contact the police
Report vandalism to your local police department as soon as possible. It creates an official record of the incident, which your insurance provider may need when processing your claim.
2. Document the damage
Take clear photos and videos of the damage before making any repairs or cleanup efforts. Document all impacted areas such as:
- Windows
- Doors
- Sidings
- Fences
- Landscaping
- Personal belongings
3. Prevent further damage
If it is safe, take reasonable steps to protect your property from additional damage. Some examples of precautions you can take include securing/boarding up broken windows and doors and keeping receipts for any emergency repairs.
4. Notify your insurance provider
Contact your insurance provider or broker as soon as possible to begin the claims process. They will then help explain what information is required and whether your policy’s vandalism coverage applies to the damage.
5. Submit needed documents
Providing thorough documentation can help to make the process as smooth as possible. In the claims process, your insurer may request:
- A copy of the police report
- Photos/videos of the damage
- Estimated repairs amount/invoices
- Receipts for damaged items
- Proof of ownership for impacted belongings
6. Work with an insurance adjuster
Your insurance company may assign an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and determine the value of your claim. Be prepared to answer questions and provide any additional information that is requested.
7. Complete repairs
Once your claim has been approved, you can proceed with permanent repairs or replacement of any damaged property. Depending on your coverage, you may be reimbursed for repair and replacement costs or the actual cash value of damaged items.
Named Perils Coverage: Benefits vs. Disadvantages
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Lower Premiums: Typically 10–20% cheaper than comprehensive coverage. | Limited Coverage: Only covers the perils specifically listed on the policy. |
Customizable: Add endorsements for risks like sewer backup or overland water without paying for full comprehensive coverage. | Burden of Proof: You must prove that a named peril caused a loss to receive a claim payout. |
Ideal for Specific Homes: Vacation homes, cottages, or properties under renovation may not need full coverage. | Exclusions for Modern Risks: Floods, gradual damage, mould, and cyber-related damage are usually not included. |
Simplicity: Fewer policy details and easier to understand. | Potentially False Savings: The cost of an uncovered loss may outweigh premium savings. |
Flexible Add-ons: You can tailor coverage to your unique risks while keeping costs lower. | Higher Risk in Extreme Weather Areas – With climate change, homeowners may face risks that exceed the limited protection offered. |
How can you prevent vandalism at home?
Your home and everything inside it mean a lot to you. Here are a few suggestions to help protect your home from vandalism:
1. Develop relationships with your neighbours
A neighbour you’re friendly with is much more likely to let you know if they see someone snooping around your house. You can also ask them to keep an eye on your property from a distance while you’re away.
2. Light up your property
Keeping your home well-lit will discourage perpetrators from targeting it. Keeping all walkways and entry points well-lit is also great for your guests’ safety while entertaining.
3. Make it difficult for home vandalism to occur
Any physical deterrent that causes a vandal hassle or extra work will often make them cross your home off their list. Climbing a fence certainly falls in that category. Planting some secure greenery will also do the trick. A thief is unlikely to try to get in via a window if you plant a thorny bush beneath it.
4. Install a security system
Full-scale security systems can offer peace of mind. Systems, including sensors that detect unusual activity around your home, monitors/cameras, and a control panel that lets you arm or disarm your system, can help protect what’s most valuable to you.
5. Keep your expensive items indoors
It is always best to position costly items so they’re not easily visible from the outside. However, if it interferes with your Feng Shui, make sure you keep blinds closed or drapes pulled instead, especially when you’re not home!
6. Manage your garbage
If you’re throwing away that box for a new TV or another valuable item, think twice about displaying it on the curb as it waits for the recycling truck. Shred the box into many pieces, and stuff it into the recycling bin or into another box to conceal it.
7. Always lock your doors
If you’re going to be gone for a week, a day, or even an hour, lock your doors. All it takes is one unlocked door for an intruder to get access to your home.
8. If something does happen, clean up home vandalism quickly
If your house is broken into, spray-painted, egged, or otherwise vandalized, get it cleaned up quickly. As a result, a home that’s been vandalized appears more vulnerable to further crime.
Most commonly asked questions about vandalism and home insurance, explained
Does home insurance cover graffiti?
Yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damages caused by graffiti. However, policies are subject to both deductibles and policy limits.
Vandalism claims are typically considered not-at-fault claims. However, if consecutive claims are filed, it could affect future premiums.
Are broken windows from vandalism covered by insurance?
Yes. Broken windows caused by vandalism are covered. Generally, they fall under a standard homeowners’ policy.
What should I do if my house is vandalized?
If your home has been vandalized, be sure to do the following:
- Call the police.
- Document the damages.
- Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Does insurance cover vandalism if the house is vacant?
Typically, no. Many insurers restrict or exclude vandalism coverage if the property has been vacant for 30 to 60 days. Vandalism is only covered in your policy on a vacant home if vacant-home coverage has been purchased.
Vandalism and Home Insurance: Final Thoughts
While no homeowner wants to think about vandalism, being prepared can save you from unexpected financial and emotional stress. Reviewing your policy carefully, understanding coverage limits, and confirming any exclusions or deductibles are key steps to ensure you’re protected. Whether it’s minor graffiti or more significant property damage, having the right insurance in place gives you peace of mind and a clear path to recovery. If you’re unsure about your current coverage or want to explore options for better protection, contact an isure broker who can help you tailor a policy that fits your home and your needs.
Learn about the many ways that you can protect your Read more
Looking for the most complete home insurance policy? Read on Read more
Working form home? Starting a business? Let us help determine Read more
