What Is Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance?
Let me explain vandalism and malicious mischief insurance directly: it's coverage that protects you from losses due to intentional damage by vandals. You'll find this included in most basic commercial and homeowner policies.
This insurance is crucial for properties that sit empty during certain times, like churches and schools. Vandals target these because the risk of getting caught is low when no one's around.
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is included in most basic commercial and homeowner insurance policies.
- Schools and churches need this type of insurance because they can be targeted during hours when they are unoccupied.
- Damage caused by ex-partners is the type of vandalism and malicious mischief insurance that most often results in a claim.
- Vandalism losses are not covered on dwellings that have been vacant for more than 60 days; losses perpetrated by any policy's named insureds are not covered either.
How Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance Works
Because of the higher risk and frequency of incidents, this coverage often comes with a higher deductible for properties that are unoccupied at certain times, such as churches and schools.
Vandalism and mischief refer to intentional injury or destruction of property. You can add this as an endorsement to a standard policy, like a fire policy, if it's not already included.
If you're a landlord, especially with properties in high-crime areas, this coverage benefits you. I suggest researching the best rental property insurance companies to get the right policies and rates.
What Is Covered?
Vandalism means damaging someone else's property just to cause harm—it's one of the most common property crimes. Malicious mischief is similar, but the intent might not be as clear; things like egging a house can fall into either, depending on the situation.
This peril covers damage to the parts of the premises you're responsible for, plus personal property. For instance, if someone slashes your bike tires while it's on the property, that's vandalism. Or if they break into your home to smash your stereo because your music is too loud, that's covered too, as long as it meets your deductible.
The most common type of vandalism leading to claims? Damage from angry ex-husbands, wives, or partners. Often fueled by alcohol, they might trash your place for revenge, and yes, that's usually covered if your ex invades your home.
Tip
If you're not living in a dwelling, take extra precautions against vandalism to protect yourself.
What’s Not Covered?
You won't get coverage for vandalism or malicious mischief if the dwelling has been vacant for over 60 consecutive days. A place is vacant if no one's living there and it's mostly empty of the personal items needed for normal use.
Also, if any insured person commits the vandalism, it's not covered. Say you live with a partner who's named on the policy, things go bad, they move out, but you don't update the policy. If they come back and trash the place, your claim would likely be denied because it's an intentional act by one insured against another.
What Does Vandalism Mean in Insurance?
In insurance terms, vandalism is intentional damage and destruction of property without theft involved. For example, breaking a home's windows just to destroy them is vandalism, but if it's to burglarize, it's not considered vandalism under this coverage.
Is Tenant Damage Considered Vandalism?
Intentional damage by tenants isn't covered as vandalism under a standard homeowner's policy. To avoid this, screen your tenants carefully.
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance, it will handle deliberate vandalism like slashed tires, broken windows or taillights, or scratched paint. Coverage details depend on your provider and deductible.
The Bottom Line
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance protects your property from deliberate damage, but not from theft or accidents. Depending on your location, it provides key protection alongside coverage for fire, weather, and other damages.
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