Are you covered for riot and civil commotion?
Protect your rental property from damage caused by riots or civil commotion. Steadily’s landlord insurance includes coverage for these rare but costly events.
How much riot and civil commotion coverage do I need?
There's no universal formula for determining your ideal coverage amount. Your riot and civil commotion coverage should reflect your property's full replacement cost, as civil unrest can cause extensive structural damage from fires, broken windows, and vandalism. Base your coverage on factors like your property's rebuilding cost, local construction expenses, and the potential severity of civil disturbance damage.
When calculating your coverage needs, document your property's current replacement value and consider any recent upgrades or improvements. Factor in how quickly contractors can respond after widespread civil unrest—riot damage often affects multiple properties simultaneously, potentially creating repair delays. Most DP1 and DP3 policies include riot and civil commotion as a standard covered peril under your dwelling coverage limits.
Your coverage limit should account for both structural repairs and the competitive contractor market following civil disturbances. Consider local building costs, permit processing delays after widespread damage, and your property's construction complexity. Consulting with your insurance agent about adequate dwelling coverage limits ensures you're protected when civil unrest targets your rental property investment.
It's important to understand the riot and civil commotion 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.
Types of riot and civil commotion coverage for rental properties
When riots and civil unrest damage your rental property, comprehensive coverage protects your investment from widespread destruction. This includes protection for:
- Structural damage from fires set during civil disturbances
- Broken windows, doors, and entry points from rioters and looters
- Smoke and water damage from fires or firefighting efforts during unrest
- Vandalism and graffiti damage occurring during organized civil commotion
However, there are important considerations:
- Coverage applies to sudden and accidental damage from civil unrest, not gradual deterioration
- The civil commotion must involve multiple people acting together, not isolated incidents
- You must document the connection between civil unrest and your property damage
- Some policies may exclude damage if you participated in or incited the civil disturbance
Review your policy's specific definitions of "riot" and "civil commotion" with your agent, as coverage requirements can vary between insurers and extensive damage from widespread unrest may involve complex claims processes.
Situations where riot and civil commotion coverage may not apply
While riot coverage offers valuable protection, be aware of these common limitations:
- War, revolution, or government-sanctioned military action (excluded under most policies)
- Damage from nuclear hazards or acts of terrorism (requires separate coverage)
- Losses occurring outside the United States or its territories
- Damage to vacant properties beyond policy occupancy requirements (typically 30-60 days)
It's important that you consult a licensed agent who is familiar with riot and civil commotion coverage for rental properties to ensure you have the right policy terms and coverage in place.
Common riot and civil commotion damage scenarios
Defaced Property
Looting in building common areas
Fire damage from civil unrest incidents
Damaged doors and windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Does riot coverage include both structural and contents damage?
Riot coverage under your dwelling protection covers structural damage to the building itself, such as broken windows, damaged roofs, or fire damage to walls and framing. Personal property you own as a landlord (like appliances or maintenance equipment) may be covered under your personal property coverage if damaged during riots. However, tenant belongings require the tenant's own renters insurance for protection.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Do I need to prove the damage was caused by riots?
Yes, you'll need to document that your property damage resulted from civil commotion or riots, typically through police reports, news coverage, or official declarations of civil unrest in your area. Insurance companies will verify that the damage occurred during recognized periods of civil disturbance and wasn't caused by other factors like normal wear-and-tear or separate criminal acts.
Are there any exclusions to riot and civil commotion coverage?
Yes, common exclusions include war, revolution, government military action, nuclear incidents, and acts of terrorism. Damage must occur within the United States or its territories, and some policies exclude coverage if the property owner participated in or incited the civil disturbance. Additionally, standard occupancy requirements still apply—vacant properties may have limited or no coverage.
What's the difference between riot coverage and vandalism coverage?
Riot coverage applies to damage from organized civil disturbances involving groups of people, while vandalism coverage handles isolated criminal acts by individuals. Riot damage typically occurs during widespread unrest with multiple properties affected simultaneously, whereas vandalism is usually targeted damage to individual properties. Both are generally covered under standard landlord policies but may have different claim requirements.
Does landlord insurance cover riot and civil commotion damage?
Yes, both DP1 and DP3 landlord policies typically include riot and civil commotion as a standard covered peril. This protects against property damage from organized civil unrest, including fires, broken windows, vandalism, and structural damage caused by groups of people acting together. However, the incident must qualify as true civil commotion involving multiple participants, not isolated criminal acts.
Related Articles
Go to Blog
Get coverage in minutes
No hidden cancellation fees. Competitive rates nationwide.