Vandalism and Theft Damage Attorneys

Steps to Protect Your Vandalism or Theft Claim

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.

Police Reports, Photos, and Repairs

Here are ways to prove you sustained property theft or vandalism and protect your claim:

• Before you do anything, call 911 if the crime scene is unsafe or someone is still on your property.
• If the scene is safe, file a report at your local police department 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.
• Secure the site as best you can. Avoid moving or tampering with any evidence in case the police want to investigate the crime scene.
• Get repair or replacement estimates. These show the cost of restoring or replacing the damaged or stolen property, which strengthens your claim.
• Notify your insurer about the event as soon as you can. The quicker you act, the sooner you’ll receive a settlement offer.

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 damage lawyer working on your behalf can be extremely beneficial.

Kanner & Pintaluga can help fight your corner when dealing with a difficult insurance company. Whether you’re in Missouri, Mississippi, or one of our 16 other locations, our experienced and reputable attorney teams will negotiate a fair settlement offer based on your specific circumstances. Call us at 800-586-5555 to learn more.

Proving Ownership, Condition, and Value

Insurance companies may underestimate the condition or value of stolen or damaged items, offering settlements that don’t fully cover your losses. You are responsible for proving the ownership and true worth of your property, and a lack of receipts, missing documentation, or vague reports can weaken your claim.

To increase your chances of a fair settlement, here are some steps you should take after theft or vandalism:

• Create an inventory of everything that was stolen or damaged, including serial numbers, purchase dates, and estimated values.
• Collect receipts, warranties, and other documents that prove the ownership and value of items.
• Find photos of your property before the incident and compare them with photos taken after the incident.
• Get a third-party estimate or appraisal of high-value items, so insurers know their true replacement cost.

Insurance Coverage, Exclusions, and Deductibles

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

No matter your policy, your insurer will require several documents, such as your police report for a theft claim, a detailed list of items, and proof of ownership.

While many insurance policies offer ample coverage for property vandalism and theft, there are a few exclusions to be aware of.

Common policy exclusions may include:

• 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.
• Denial of claims: Your insurer may delay a claim for certain types of theft or vandalism, such as an intentional act of destruction by a tenant or employee. This can be frustrating, as the crime wasn’t your fault. In other cases, insurance companies may question the legitimacy of your 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 vandalism and theft insurance claim attorney in your corner.

If you’re unsure of what your policy may cover, Kanner & Pintaluga will be happy to provide guidance.

Vacancy Clauses and Policy Limits

Some policies limit or deny coverage if the property was vacant for a specific period before the incident — for example, 30 days. This may impact the amount you’ll receive in certain situations, such as when vandalism happens in an unoccupied rental home.

The Claims Process and Negotiation

Filing an insurance claim after theft or vandalism can be overwhelming, with most insurers making the process far more difficult than it needs to be. Our property damage attorneys are here to advocate for you, helping you navigate the claims process and push back against unfair tactics. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies like yours and can pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

From Notice of Loss to Payment

The claims process for theft and vandalism is usually as follows:

• Reporting the loss: You’ll contact your insurance company and tell them about the incident, including when it happened and how.
• Documenting the event: Taking photos of the crime scene, making notes, and collecting any witness statements can support your claim and ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation. An attorney is useful during this stage. For example, our team can help you learn how to prove vandalism damage for insurance.
• Filling out paperwork: Your insurer will require you to fill out several forms, either online or by mail, documenting the loss that occurred. This may include a sworn statement of loss, where you swear that all information you provide is accurate.
• Getting an inspection: In some situations, especially cases that involve the theft of high-value items, your insurance company will require an adjuster to visit your property and carry out an inspection. This helps your insurer assess the amount of damage, verify your claim, and work out the correct amount of compensation. You may need to provide a supplemental estimate to your insurer if you discover additional property damage after the appraiser’s initial assessment.
• Negotiate or accept an offer: After some time, you’ll receive a settlement offer or denial from your insurer. You can either accept an offer or negotiate further, depending on the circumstances and what you think is fair. A reputable attorney can help you challenge low offers.

Receive payment: After accepting an offer, you’ll receive your settlement payment, usually by check in the mail.

Working With an Attorney After a Theft or Vandalism Loss

Whether you need the assistance of a theft and vandalism damage attorney is highly dependent on the extent of your losses. For example, businesses and homeowners with significant assets are particularly susceptible to large losses and would likely benefit from our services.

Operating in 18 states, Kanner & Pintaluga will do our best to ensure your vandalism or theft claim results in the fullest recovery possible. Call us at 800-586-5555 to discuss your situation.