Vandalism & Theft Attorneys

Understanding Vandalism and Theft as Property Damage

What qualifies as vandalism or theft? This is a question we hear often regarding property damage claims. Vandalism and theft aren’t just criminal offenses. They’re also serious forms of property damage that can disrupt your life. Insurance policies often categorize these losses, but they can take many forms depending on the property and the specific situation.

Common Types of Vandalism

• Broken windows or doors
• Spray-painted walls or graffiti
• Slashed tires or damaged exterior fixtures
• Broken locks, security systems, or surveillance equipment
• Interior destruction (walls, flooring, plumbing, appliances)

Common Types of Theft

• Stolen electronics, appliances, or tools
• Missing furniture or personal belongings
• Construction site thefts (materials, equipment)
• Burglary from storage units or garages
• Looting during civil unrest or natural disasters

Proving Your Property Was Stolen or Damaged

When filing an insurance claim for vandalism or theft, proof is everything. Insurance companies require clear, detailed evidence before approving your claim and issuing payment. Without strong documentation, you risk delays, denials, or reduced settlements.

Here are ways that you can help prove you sustained property theft or vandalism:

• File a police report immediately upon discovering loss or damage.
• Take photos and video of your property, documenting all visible damage from multiple angles. For theft claims, capture images of broken locks, forced entry points, or emptied spaces where items were taken.
• Whenever possible, write down everything that was stolen or damaged, including serial numbers, purchase dates, and estimated values.
• Receipts, warranties, appraisals, and photos showing the stolen or damaged items before the incident can be vital.
• Get repair or replacement estimates. Professional estimates show the cost of restoring or replacing the damaged or stolen property, which strengthens your claim.

Insurance Coverage for Vandalism and Theft

Most property insurance policies include coverage for vandalism and theft. However, your policy details can significantly impact whether your claim is approved and the amount of compensation you receive.

Typical homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover:

• Physical damage to your property (such as broken windows, doors, walls, or fixtures)
• Stolen personal property inside the home or business
• Damage resulting from forced entry (such as broken locks or smashed security systems)

Common Policy Exclusions

While many insurance policies offer ample coverage for property vandalism and theft, there are a few common exclusions to be aware of. If you’re unsure of what your policy may cover, the property damage attorneys specializing in vandalism and theft at Kanner & Pintaluga are happy to thoroughly review your plan and provide guidance.

Common policy exclusions may include:

• Vacancy exclusions: Some policies limit or deny coverage if the property was vacant for a specific period before the incident.
• Deductible requirements: You must meet your policy’s deductible before receiving reimbursement.
• Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: Some policies only reimburse the depreciated value of stolen or damaged items unless you have full replacement cost coverage.
• Excluded property types: High-value items, like jewelry, art, collectibles, or cash, may have limited coverage unless specifically listed in your policy.

Common Challenges in Vandalism and Theft Insurance Claims

Despite strong evidence, vandalism and theft insurance claims don’t always move smoothly. Property owners often face unexpected hurdles that delay payment, reduce the value of their claims, or even result in outright denial. In these cases, having an experienced vandalism and theft attorney working on your behalf can be extremely beneficial.

Some of the most common challenges in these types of insurance claims include:

• Disputes Over Value: Insurance companies may underestimate the cost of repairs or the true value of stolen items, offering settlements that don’t fully cover your losses.
• Burden of Proof: You are responsible for proving the existence and value of stolen or damaged property. Lack of receipts, missing documentation, or vague reports can weaken your claim.
• Vacancy Clauses: If your property was unoccupied for a specific period, your insurer might argue that coverage doesn’t apply — even if you weren’t at fault.
• Policy Exclusions and Limitations: Insurers often cite fine-print exclusions, such as limits on high-value personal property or denial of claims for certain types of vandalism.
• Accusations of Fraud: In some cases, insurance companies may question the legitimacy of a claim, requiring extensive investigations that delay or derail your payout.

These challenges can make an already stressful situation even harder. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly, gather strong evidence, and have a knowledgeable attorney in your corner if your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly.