Theft / Vandalism

Helping You Claim Insurance for Theft and Vandalism Damages

Does Property Insurance Cover Vandalism and Theft?

The Insurance Information Institute ranked Florida’s homeowners insurance premiums as the second-highest in the country at $1,960 per year. Major hurricanes are to blame for most of the high costs of Florida’s premiums. Still, about one in 425 homes experience property damage from theft each year.

If you’ve experienced pranks and malicious criminal damage, such as broken outdoor lights, damaged locks, or eggs thrown at your house, you’re likely wondering, Does property insurance cover vandalism? The good news is that even basic homeowners insurance typically covers vandalism and theft. However, your coverage ultimately depends on your policy’s terms.

When you contact a theft and vandalism insurance claims lawyer at the Lady Law Group

You’ll speak to an experienced attorney who will review your policy and explain your legal options. The Lady Law Group understands that insurance companies aren’t always on your side and often avoid paying for claims. If you need help with your property insurance, we’ll be here for you from beginning to end.

When you contact a theft and vandalism insurance claims lawyer at the Lady Law Group,

What Kind of Policy Do I Need?

Florida law requires all property insurance to cover “loss or damage from any and all hazard or cause.” A basic policy will cover property damage from ten common causes, known as “perils”:

Fire or smoke
Explosions
Lightning
Hail and windstorms
Theft

Damage from vehicles
Vandalism
Damage from aircraft
Riots and civil commotion, and
Volcanic eruption

Higher-level policies

Add coverage for damage to personal belongings and personal liability (if someone is injured on your property). Most policies are open-peril rather than named-peril, meaning the policy covers all perils except those that the insurer excludes explicitly. Most insurers exclude earthquakes and flooding. It can cost you an additional $1,500 per year to add a policy that covers flooding. Renters, condo owners, and mobile home owners can also get coverage for the property they own.

Benefits of a Property Damage Attorney When Searching for a Policy

Only 43% of homeowners in 2020 reported having an inventory of their possessions to help with claims after a disaster. Although an attorney won’t complete an inventory of your belongings for you, they have experience with insurance policies and can help you decide what coverage you need. To help, Lady Law Group offers free insurance evaluations. We’ll help determine if you need to add coverage for additional perils. You may also need additional coverage for expensive property such as jewelry, guns, or boats. We can help identify the pain points on your policy, such as a high deductible that could delay your recovery.

Benefits of an Attorney When Making Property Insurance Claims

In 2020, U.S. homeowners experienced $63.8 billion in losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If you sustain losses to your property from vandals, your homeowner’s policy should reimburse you for the damage. How much the insurance company pays will depend on the terms of your policy, including your deductible. In addition to explaining your policy’s terms, an attorney will investigate and file your claim with your insurance company. We can negotiate with the insurance adjuster to get you a fair offer.

The Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights requires an insurance company to respond to a claim within 14 days. In addition, they must accept or deny the claim within 90 days. You may also request that they update you with the status of your claim within 30 days of submitting your completed proof-of-loss statement. If your insurance company doesn’t properly investigate your claim, you may take your claim to mediation to resolve objections. If the insurance company handles your claim in bad faith, the law may entitle you to file a lawsuit against them.

Lady Law Group: Your Property Damage Lawyer in Miami, FL

When your home is vandalized or your property is stolen, your homeowner’s insurance policy should help with replacement costs. However, insurance companies aren’t always friendly. They often avoid paying on large claims and pressure you to settle early. Having an experienced attorney to explain your policy and your legal options can be a big help in times of loss. Even if you haven’t yet experienced damage, we can help you find a policy that meets your needs.

When you’re wondering, Does property insurance cover vandalism? contact the Lady Law Group. We offer a personal touch that you can’t get with the big boys for the same fee, and we’ll help ensure you get the recovery you deserve.