Yes—in most cases, standard landlord insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by riots and civil commotion. This means if your rental property suffers damage from events like protests, looting, or vandalism during a period of unrest, your policy may help cover:
- Broken windows and doors from forced entry
- Damage to landlord-owned appliances and fixtures
- Graffiti, fire, or smoke damage
- Repairs to restore habitability
However, coverage specifics can vary by insurer and state. At Steadily, we include protection for riot and civil commotion damage as part of our standard policy, giving landlords peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
What Counts as Riot or Civil Commotion?
For insurance purposes, riots and civil commotion typically refer to:
- Disturbances involving a group of people (e.g., protests, riots)
- Intentional acts of property damage or theft
- Damage from looting during periods of civil unrest
Policies often use “riot and civil commotion” as standard language to describe these events. It’s important to note that while landlord insurance covers damage to the building and landlord-owned property, tenants’ personal belongings are not covered. Tenants need renters insurance to protect their items.
When Are Landlords Covered?
Landlord insurance generally provides coverage when:
- Damage is caused by a covered peril like riot, looting, or vandalism
- The property is occupied or not classified as vacant under policy terms
- Repairs are needed to make the property habitable again
When Might Riot Damage Not Be Covered?
While riot and civil commotion are usually covered, there are exceptions. Coverage may not apply if:
- The property has been vacant for more than 30 days without proper vacant property coverage
- Damage results from excluded perils like earthquakes or floods triggered during unrest
- Coverage limits for vandalism or riot damage are exceeded
Always review your policy details and consider supplemental coverage if your property is in a high-risk area.
What About Loss of Rent After Riot Damage?
If your rental property becomes uninhabitable after a riot, loss of rent coverage may reimburse you for rental income while repairs are underway. Steadily includes this protection in standard landlord policies, so you’re covered for both physical damage and lost income.
How Landlords Can Protect Their Properties
Even with insurance, prevention is key. Landlords in large urban city centers—where protests and unrest have caused property damage in recent years—should consider:
- Installing security cameras and reinforced doors
- Boarding up windows if unrest is anticipated
- Communicating with tenants about safety measures
- Regularly inspecting vacant properties to reduce risk
Why Choose Steadily for Riot and Civil Commotion Coverage
At Steadily, we know how quickly events can escalate into property damage. That’s why our landlord insurance policies include riot and civil commotion protection automatically—so you’re not left with unexpected repair bills.
Get a landlord insurance quote today and see how easy it is to safeguard your rental property from all types of risks.
FAQs
Does landlord insurance cover looting during riots?
Yes, most policies (including Steadily’s) cover damage or theft of landlord-owned property caused by looting.
Are tenant belongings covered during a riot?
No. Tenants need renters insurance for personal property protection.
What if my property is vacant during a riot?
Coverage may be limited or excluded if the property has been vacant for 30+ days. Check your policy or add vacant property insurance.
Final Thoughts
Riot and civil commotion events are unpredictable, but they don’t have to threaten your rental investment. With the right landlord insurance, you’re covered for damage and loss of income when the unexpected happens.
Get a quote from Steadily and protect your property with comprehensive coverage today.
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