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.
Understanding your coverage is particularly crucial in today's climate, where social unrest can emerge rapidly and cause significant property damage. Recent events across major U.S. cities have highlighted the importance of having comprehensive protection that extends beyond typical perils like fire or theft.
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.
Insurance companies typically define civil commotion as involving three or more people acting together in a tumultuous manner that disturbs the peace. The key distinction is that these events must involve multiple participants and result in property damage or disruption to qualify for coverage.
Legal definitions and insurance standards
Most insurance policies define riot as a violent disturbance of peace by a crowd, while civil commotion refers to an uprising among citizens that results in a sustained disturbance. The damage must be sudden and accidental from the property owner's perspective, even if intentional by the perpetrators.
These definitions help insurance adjusters determine coverage eligibility when processing claims. Understanding these distinctions can help landlords better document incidents and communicate with their insurance providers during the claims process.
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
Coverage typically extends to both the physical structure and any landlord-owned contents within the property. This includes appliances, fixtures, and furnishings that you provide as part of the rental agreement.
Coverage scope and limitations
The extent of coverage depends on your policy limits and deductibles. Most standard policies provide replacement cost coverage for riot damage, meaning you'll receive enough compensation to repair or replace damaged items with similar quality materials.
It's worth noting that coverage applies regardless of the underlying cause or political motivation behind the civil unrest. Whether the damage stems from peaceful protests that turn violent or organized riots, the insurance focus is on the property damage itself, not the reasons behind the unrest.
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.
Common exclusions to watch for
Some policies may exclude coverage if the property owner or their family members participate in or incite the riot. Additionally, damage from nuclear hazard, war, or government seizure typically isn't covered, even if it occurs during civil unrest.
Business interruption or loss of rent coverage may have waiting periods before benefits begin, so immediate income replacement isn't always available. Understanding these limitations helps landlords set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Geographic and timing considerations
Certain high-risk areas may face coverage restrictions or higher deductibles for riot-related claims. Properties in downtown areas of major cities, near government buildings, or in historically volatile neighborhoods might require special attention when selecting coverage limits.
Some insurers also impose moratoriums on new policies or coverage changes when civil unrest is imminent or ongoing in specific areas. This makes it crucial to secure adequate coverage before problems arise.
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.
This coverage typically begins after a waiting period and continues until the property is restored to rentable condition or you reach your coverage limits. The benefit amount is usually based on your actual rental income history, not potential or projected rents.
Calculating lost rental income
Insurers typically use your lease agreements and rental history to determine the monthly benefit amount. If you have multiple units in one building and only some are affected, coverage applies proportionally to the uninhabitable portions.
Additional living expenses for displaced tenants are generally not covered under landlord policies, reinforcing the importance of tenants having their own renters insurance. However, some policies may cover reasonable costs to secure alternative housing if it helps minimize your overall claim.
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
Proactive security measures
Investing in preventive measures can significantly reduce your exposure to riot damage. Security systems with remote monitoring capabilities allow you to track your property's condition in real-time and alert authorities if problems develop.
Reinforced entry points, security lighting, and visible deterrents like cameras can make your property a less attractive target during periods of unrest. These improvements may also qualify you for insurance discounts with some carriers.
Emergency preparedness planning
Developing an emergency response plan helps you act quickly when civil unrest threatens your property. This should include contact information for emergency services, your insurance agent, and trusted contractors who can provide emergency repairs.
Maintaining relationships with local contractors and suppliers ensures you can secure materials and labor quickly after damage occurs. Having preferred vendor agreements in place can expedite the restoration process and minimize lost rental income.
Tenant communication strategies
Open communication with tenants about safety concerns and emergency procedures builds trust and may help prevent additional problems. Providing tenants with emergency contact information and clear guidance on reporting security concerns creates a collaborative approach to property protection.
Educating tenants about the importance of renters insurance protects both parties and reduces potential disputes about coverage responsibilities when damage occurs.
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.
Our streamlined claims process and experienced adjusters understand the unique challenges landlords face during civil unrest situations. We work quickly to assess damage and authorize repairs, helping you restore your property and rental income as soon as possible.
Comprehensive coverage benefits
Steadily's policies are designed specifically for rental property owners, with coverage features that address common landlord concerns. Our automatic inclusion of riot and civil commotion coverage means you don't have to worry about purchasing separate endorsements or facing coverage gaps.
We also provide 24/7 claims reporting and access to a network of qualified contractors who specialize in riot damage restoration. This comprehensive approach helps minimize the stress and complexity of recovering from civil unrest incidents.
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.
How quickly should I report riot damage to my insurance company?
You should report damage as soon as it's safe to do so, typically within 24-48 hours. Quick reporting helps expedite the claims process and may prevent additional damage from occurring.
Can I make temporary repairs while waiting for the insurance adjuster?
Yes, most policies allow reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts and photos of both the original damage and temporary repairs for your claim.
Does riot coverage include damage from tear gas or other crowd control measures?
Generally yes, if the damage results from law enforcement's response to civil unrest. However, specific circumstances may affect coverage, so it's important to report all details to your insurer.
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.
The key to successful recovery from riot damage lies in having comprehensive coverage, maintaining detailed property records, and working with an insurer who understands the rental property business. Taking proactive steps to protect your property and maintaining strong relationships with tenants, contractors, and your insurance provider creates a solid foundation for weathering any storm.
Get a quote from Steadily and protect your property with comprehensive coverage today.
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