What is Vandalism?

Vandalism, in the context of insurance, refers to the intentional and malicious destruction, defacement, or damage of someone else’s private property without the owner’s consent. This can include breaking windows, graffiti, slashing tires, or damaging a building’s exterior.

In insurance policies, particularly property and auto insurance, vandalism is often included as a covered peril, meaning the insurance company will provide compensation for losses or damages caused by such acts. However, the policyholder must provide proof that the damage was indeed caused by vandalism and malicious mischief and not by neglect or normal wear and tear.

It’s important to note that insurance companies typically require the policyholder to report acts of vandalism to the police before a claim can be filed. This is to ensure that the claim is legitimate and to aid in the possible prosecution of the vandal.

In some cases, insurance companies may increase the premiums or refuse to renew the policy if vandals repeatedly target a property. This is because the risk of insuring the property is higher than normal.

Vandalism coverage can be crucial for businesses and homeowners, as the cost of repairing vandalized property can be substantial. However, it’s always important to read the terms and conditions of an insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.