Eleanor Finch
Vandalism is an intentional act of property damage, often involving strategy on the part of the criminal. It can cause serious harm to a business's reputation and lead to costly repairs. While it is generally covered by commercial property insurance, there are specific policy stipulations policyholders must be aware of. For instance, commercial property insurance policies offer coverage under a named or all perils (or open) basis. In the case of auto insurance, comprehensive coverage can pay for damages that occur outside of a car accident, such as vandalism, fire, or theft, minus the deductible. However, minimum coverage such as liability or personal injury protection typically does not cover vandalism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What constitutes vandalism? | Egg residue, scratches, graffiti, tire slashes, broken windows, spray paint, smashed locks, theft, fire, etc. |
| Is vandalism accidental? | No, vandalism is an intentional act. |
| Does commercial auto policy cover vandalism? | Commercial property insurance policies usually cover vandalism. However, it depends on the provider, policy, and damage details. |
| What to do if your car is vandalized? | Document the scene, record damage with pictures, videos, and notes, file a police report, contact the insurance company |
| How to prevent vandalism? | Park in a garage, well-lit, or covered areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on factors such as the car you drive, your driving record, your location, and more. It is typically more expensive than minimum coverage, which does not include comprehensive or collision insurance. When purchasing comprehensive coverage, it is important to read the fine print and understand the specific coverage types included in your policy, as they may differ slightly between companies.
In summary, comprehensive coverage can be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy, offering protection against a wide range of events beyond collisions, including vandalism. It is important to review the specific details of the coverage and shop around for an insurer with a good record of customer service and claims satisfaction.
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Vandalism and malicious mischief
Vandalism is deemed to be purposeful damage caused to someone else's property, whereas malicious mischief does not have to be intentional. However, both acts are often described together as behaviour bringing about intentional injury or destruction of property. Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance coverage protect businesses against losses sustained due to vandals' actions. This coverage is included in most basic commercial property insurance policies.
Most standard commercial property policies cover vandalism and/or malicious mischief. The following losses are covered with the purchase of a vandalism and malicious mischief policy endorsement: property damage, repair or replacement, contents coverage, and business interruption. Property damage includes damage to business property, buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets resulting from vandalism. Repair or replacement costs associated with repairing or replacing the damaged items are generally covered. Contents coverage includes items like inventory, equipment, furniture, and other items damaged or stolen due to vandalism. Business interruption coverage is essential for business owners who must temporarily close their business for repairs.
Commercial property insurance will cover losses due to vandalism that include the cost of debris and graffiti removal and damage to broken windows. Business interruption coverage can also be utilised in these cases if the property is forced to close for clean-up and repairs. This can allow property owners to recoup the regular operational costs for running the business while it is temporarily closed.
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Business interruption coverage
Vandalism can cause serious harm to a business, leaving owners with costly repairs and a damaged reputation. It can also deter customers from frequenting the business out of fear for their safety. Commercial property insurance can cover some damage costs, but there are specific policy stipulations policyholders must be aware of.
However, it is important to note that vandalism and malicious mischief losses are generally not covered if a place of business has been left unoccupied for 60 or more consecutive days. This can be a concern for businesses that use their office space infrequently. In addition, if the insured person is the vandal, the resulting damage is typically not covered under commercial property insurance.
To ensure that your business interruption coverage claim is approved, it is recommended that you take certain precautions to minimize the risk of vandalism. This includes installing surveillance and security devices, ensuring proper lighting, and having adequate locks.
In conclusion, business interruption coverage can provide financial relief to business owners in the event of vandalism, helping them to recoup losses and continue operating their business during the recovery period. However, it is important to be aware of any exclusions or limitations within your specific policy.
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Preventing vandalism
Vandalism is deemed to be purposeful damage caused to someone else's property, and it is often distinguished by the intent of the vandal. Unlike a car crash, vandalism is no accident, and it can be upsetting for car owners, as it can feel deeply personal.
- Park in a garage: Most criminals target easily accessible cars, so parking your car in a garage adds an extra barrier between your vehicle and the vandal. This advice applies both at home and in public parking garages.
- Park in the light: If your car is more visible, so is the person vandalizing it. If you can’t park in a garage, try to leave your car in a well-lit, open area. If parking outside at home, consider adding a motion-sensor light near your driveway.
- Install a security system: Criminals don't want to be caught, so making the car and the perpetrator easier to see can reduce the likelihood of being targeted. Installing a security camera can help you catch someone vandalizing your car and may help prevent it from happening in the first place.
- Hide valuables: A smartphone left on the back seat or cash in plain sight will attract vandals and thieves. Removing valuables from the car or at least placing them out of sight in the trunk or glove compartment can reduce the risk of vandalism.
- Get an alarm system: Investing in a reliable car alarm system draws attention to suspicious activity, making vandals think twice.
- Get comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your car unrelated to an accident, such as natural disasters, vandalism, or theft. It is the only insurance product that covers vandalism.
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Claiming on vandalism
Vandalism is deemed to be purposeful damage caused to someone else's property, and it is often distinguished from accidental damage. While vandalism is not typically covered by property damage liability insurance, it is usually covered by comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car unrelated to an accident, such as natural disasters, vandalism, or theft. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damages that occur outside of a car accident, such as vandalism, fire or theft, minus your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay toward fixing or repairing your car before your insurance kicks in.
If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim for vandalism. However, if the cost to fix the damage is minimal—especially if it’s lower than your deductible—you may be better off paying for it out of pocket. This is because insurance companies frequently increase rates after filing a claim, and your insurance premium will likely increase after a vandalism claim.
To file a claim for vandalism, you should take the following steps:
- Document the scene: Record the damage with pictures, videos, and notes.
- Don't touch anything: Your car becomes evidence once it’s been vandalized, so keep things as they are.
- File a police report: Call the police and have them make a report, which you can include in your claim.
- File a claim: Contact your insurance agent and give them all of the information you have, including the police report, photos, and notes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, vandalism is not an accident, it is an intentional act. However, comprehensive coverage can pay for damages that occur outside of a car accident, such as vandalism, fire, or theft, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage can help cover expenses to fix broken locks, windows, and other damage. It also covers theft, which often coincides with vandalism.
You should document the scene with pictures, videos, and notes. Do not touch anything, as your car becomes evidence once it has been vandalized. Then, contact the authorities and file an official report.
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