Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism?

November 12, 2024

Your home has been vandalized. The first thing you want to know is if it’s covered by your home insurance.

Vandalism is typically covered by home insurance. If your home has been vandalized, make a police report and start the insurance claims process right away.

What is vandalism?

Vandalism is the willful destruction of property by a third party, meaning someone who is not on your home insurance policy and not your immediate family. Insurers may also use the terms “malicious mischief” and “vandalism and malicious acts.”

How does home insurance cover vandalism?

Home vandalism can include egging your house, damaging your lawn, damaging an expensive piece of art, damaging the inside of your home, graffiti, arson, cutting down trees, and smashing windows and locks. Vandalism is covered by your home insurance policy with one of three types of coverage:

Dwelling insurance covers vandalism to your home and attached structures.
Personal property insurance covers your possessions, like furniture, a barbeque, and other personal property if it is vandalized.
Other structures insurance covers vandalism to detached structures like garages and sheds.

What should you do if your home is vandalized?

If you come home to find that your property has been vandalized, report it immediately and start the insurance claims process.

File a police report because vandalism is a crime and the police can help you find evidence to support your claim. A police report may be required by your insurer.
File a claim right away. Most insurers have apps or a website to make this easy.
Document the damage by taking photos and videos and making a list of damaged property.
Make temporary repairs to damaged windows and doors and save the receipts.
Check with your insurer before starting repairs so your claim is not compromised.
Get estimates for repairs from different contractors.

Your Western Coast home insurance expert will answer any questions you may have about home insurance and vandalism and will help you understand the process of making a claim.

When is vandalism not covered by home insurance?

Vandalism is not covered by home insurance in some situations.

If your home is empty for 30-60 days or longer, your home insurance will not cover vandalism.
Vandalism may not be covered if you have a home-based business.
Home insurance does not cover vandalism caused by a tenant. Renting out your property is considered to be a business and is not covered by standard home insurance. There are other insurance products available that will cover vandalism of your rental property.

How to prevent vandalism at your home

Know your neighbour: A neighbour you’re friendly with is much more likely to let you know if they see someone around your house who shouldn’t be there. You can also ask them to keep an eye on your property while you’re away.

Well-lit property: Keeping your home well-lit will help discourage vandals from targeting it. Keep all walkways and entry points lit.

Make it difficult: Any physical deterrent that will cause a vandal extra work will often make them avoid your home, such as a fence or well-placed shrubs, thorny plants, and trees.

Install a security system: A security system can offer peace of mind. Systems, including sensors that can detect unusual activity, monitors and cameras, can help keep vandals away from your home.

Always lock your doors: If you’re going to be gone for the day or any amount of time, lock your doors. All it takes is one unlocked door for an intruder to get access to your home.

If your home is vandalized, get it cleaned up: If your house is broken into, spray-painted, egged, or vandalized in any other manner, get it cleaned up quickly but not before police and insurers can see the damage.