Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance

Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is coverage that protects against losses caused by vandals. Most basic commercial and homeowner policies include this type of coverage. It is a critical component of insurance for properties that are not occupied during well-known times of the day, such as churches and schools. When these structures are unoccupied, vandals are less likely to be caught, making them a target.

How Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance Works

Because of the risk and frequency of loss, this coverage typically has a higher deductible for properties known to be unoccupied during certain hours of the day, such as churches and schools. Vandalism and mischief are defined as intentional property damage or destruction. In the event that the policy requires a separate endorsement for this type of coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief can be written as an endorsement to a standard policy, such as the standard fire policy.

What Is Vandalism and Malicious Mischief?

Vandalism is the intentional destruction of someone else's property for the sole purpose of causing damage. It's one of the most common types of property crime. Malicious mischief is similar, though the harm may have been unintentional. Some situations, such as egging a house, are on the borderline, depending on the outcome.

Vandalism or malicious mischief is a risk that includes damage to parts of the premises for which you are responsible as well as personal property. Vandalism occurs when, for example, someone slashes the tyres of your bike, which is stored on the property. It is also vandalism if someone thinks your music is too loud and breaks into your home to destroy your stereo. Both would almost certainly be covered losses if they exceeded your deductible.

What is the most common type of vandalism that results in an insurance claim? Ex-husbands/wives/partners who are enraged cause harm. Exes have been known to take revenge on a former spouse by causing property damage and destruction, often while under the influence of alcohol. If your ex comes into your house and trashes it, that is vandalism, and it is usually covered by insurance.

What’s Not Covered as Vandalism and Malicious Mischief

Vandalism or malicious mischief losses are not covered if a home has been vacant for more than 60 days. A structure is vacant if no one lives in it and it is substantially devoid of personal property required for normal use.

Vandalism committed by any insured person is also not covered. What exactly does this mean? Assume you share a home with a partner who is a named insured on your policy. Things go wrong, and they leave, but you fail to have the policy rewritten. That means they are still covered by the policy. If they return and trash the place, reimbursement will almost certainly be denied because it is an intentional act by one insured against another.