Are you covered for vandalism and burglary?
Landlord insurance with vandalism and theft coverage protects your investment when criminal activity damages your property.
Types of vandalism and burglary damage covered
- Structural damage from vandalism and break-ins
- Personal property protection from theft and malicious acts
- Loss of rental income after vandalism damage
- Emergency repairs and security restoration
Your dwelling structure is protected against malicious damage, so vandalism and forced entry damage would fall under your structural coverage. This includes damage such as:
- Broken windows, doors, and entry points from break-ins
- Graffiti removal and paint damage to exterior surfaces
- Damaged flooring, walls, or fixtures from malicious destruction
- Plumbing or electrical damage caused by vandals
However, there are important considerations:
- The damage must be from actual vandalism or theft, not tenant-caused damage
- You must file a police report documenting the criminal activity
- Some policies may have separate deductibles for vandalism claims
- Documentation with photos and proper claims filing are essential, as insurers will verify the criminal nature of the damage
Review your specific policy language and discuss coverage limits with your insurance agent, as vandalism repairs can be extensive and you want adequate protection for both structural and cosmetic damage.
It's important to understand the vandalism and burglary coverage in your landlord policy.
When it comes to fire damage, Landlords insurance typically helps pay for repairs to your home, unattached structures on your property and your belongings. Learn more about what is and is not covered.
Vandalism and burglary damage that landlord insurance may not cover
While landlord insurance provides substantial protection against vandalism and theft, be aware of these common exclusions:
- Damage caused by tenants or their guests (covered under tenant responsibility)
- Theft of cash, securities, or certain high-value items without proper documentation
- Vacant properties (typically defined as unoccupied for more than 30-60 days)
- Gradual vandalism or damage that occurs over time without being reported
Common vandalism and burglary damage scenarios
Destruction of flooring and fixtures
Malicious damage to appliances, plumbing, electrical
Defaced property
Broken doors
Broken Windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vandalism coverage include graffiti removal?
Yes, vandalism coverage typically includes graffiti removal and repainting costs when graffiti is applied to your rental property by non-tenants. However, some policies may have sub-limits for graffiti damage, and you'll still need to pay your deductible. The coverage applies to both exterior surfaces like walls and fences, as well as interior surfaces if vandals gained entry to the property.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Do I need to file a police report for vandalism claims?
Yes, filing a police report is typically required for vandalism and burglary claims to prove criminal activity occurred. The police report serves as documentation that the damage was caused by malicious acts rather than normal wear-and-tear or tenant-related issues. Keep a copy of the report number and any case documentation for your insurance claim.
Are vacant rental properties covered for vandalism?
Most DP1 and DP3 policies exclude or severely limit vandalism coverage for vacant properties, typically after 30-60 days of vacancy. Vacant properties are higher risk for vandalism, so insurers either exclude this coverage entirely or require you to purchase separate vacant property insurance with specific vandalism protection.
What's the difference between burglary and theft coverage in landlord insurance?
Burglary coverage protects against forced entry damage to your property structure, like broken doors or windows during a break-in. Theft coverage protects your personal property as the landlord—such as appliances you provide, maintenance equipment, or furnishings in common areas. Tenant belongings are not covered and require the tenant's own renters insurance.
Does landlord insurance cover vandalism and burglary damage?
Yes, both DP1 and DP3 landlord policies typically include vandalism and malicious mischief coverage as a standard peril. This covers structural damage from break-ins, graffiti, broken windows, and other malicious acts by strangers. However, you must file a police report documenting the criminal activity, and damage caused by tenants is usually excluded from vandalism coverage.
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