What Is Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance?
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is insurance coverage that protects against losses sustained as a result of vandals.This type of insurance is included in most basic commercial and homeowner policies.
It is an important insurance component for properties that are not occupied during well-known periods of the day, such as churches and schools. These structures can become targets when they are unoccupied because vandals know there is a reduced risk of being caught.
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is included in most basic commercial and homeowner insurance policies.
- Schools and churches need this type of insurance because they can be targeted during hours when they are unoccupied.
- Damage caused by ex-partners is the type of vandalism and malicious mischief insurance that most often results in a claim.
- Vandalism losses are not covered on dwellings that have been vacant for more than 60 days; losses perpetrated by any policy's named insureds are not covered either.
How Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance Works
Due to the risk and frequency of loss, this coverage typically carries a higher deductible for properties that are known to be unoccupied for certain hours of the day, including churches and schools.
Vandalism and mischief are described as the intentional injury or destruction of property. Vandalism and malicious mischief can be written as an endorsem*nt to a standard policy, such as the standard fire policy, in the event that the policy requires a separate endorsem*nt for this type of coverage.
Landlords can also benefit from this type of policy, especially if some of their properties are in high-crime areas. It may be worth researching the best rental property insurance companies to find the best policies and rates.
What Is Covered?
Vandalismis damage done to someone else’s property, simply for the sake of causing damage.It is one of the most common property crimes. Malicious mischief is similar, though the damage may not have beenintended.Some situations, like egging ahouse, straddle the line, depending on the outcome.
The peril of vandalism or malicious mischief covers damage to parts of the premises for which you’re responsible, as well as to personal property.If, for example, someone slashes the tires of your bike, which is stored on the property, that’s vandalism.If someone thinks your music is too loud andsneaks into your home to destroy your stereo, that, too, is vandalism.Both would likely be covered losses if they met your deductible.
What type of vandalism most commonly results in an insurance claim?Damage inflicted by angry ex-husbands/wives/partners.Often fueled by alcohol, exes have been known totake revenge on a former spouse by causing property damage and destruction.If your ex comes into your home and trashes it, that’s vandalism, and it's usually covered.
If you’re not living in a dwelling, it's important to take additional precautions against vandalism.
What’s Not Covered?
Vandalism or malicious mischief losses are not covered if adwelling has been vacant for over60 consecutive days.A structure is vacant is no one is living there and it’s substantially empty of personal property necessary for normal use.
Vandalism committed by any of the insuredis also not covered.What does this mean?Imagine that you live with a partner who is a named insured on yourpolicy.Things go south and they move out, but you neglect to have the policy rewritten.That means they’re still insured under the policy.If they return and trash the place, reimbursem*nt would likely be denied because it’s an intentional act committed by one insured against another.
What Does Vandalism Mean in Insurance?
For insurance purposes, vandalism means intentional damage and destruction of property, without theft. For example, a person deliberately breaking a home's windows for the purpose of destroying property could be considered vandalism, but if they broke in for the purpose of burglary it would not be considered vandalism.
Is Tenant Damage Considered Vandalism?
Intentional damage by tenants will not be covered as vandalism under a typical homeowner's policy. The best way to prevent these damages is to carefully screen your tenants.
If you have comprehensive insurance for your car, it will cover deliberate acts of vandalism such as slashed tires, broken windows or taillights, or damaged paint. The exact level of coverage will depend on your provider and your deductible.
The Bottom Line
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects your property against deliberate damage. It does not provide protection against theft, or accidental damage. Depending on where you live, this type of insurance can offer an important level of protection, along with the types of coverage that protect property against fire, weather and other causes.
FAQs
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance (VMM) protects the policyholder from losses sustained from intentional acts of vandalism. The policy covers damages to parts of the insured building and personal property in the property. VMM insurance is included in most commercial and homeowner's insurance policies.
What is vandalism and malicious mischief insurance? ›
What Is Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance? Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is insurance coverage that protects against losses sustained as a result of vandals. This type of insurance is included in most basic commercial and homeowner policies.
What are malicious acts of vandalism? ›
If loss or damage is caused to your home and/or contents by malicious acts or vandalism, you can lodge a claim. Examples of these events are: when vandals take a cricket bat to your letterbox and damage it, or. when vandals paint graffiti on your home (including your fence, driveway).
What is mischief in insurance? ›
This means that if someone other than a resident or employee intentionally damages your property without your consent or out of hatred, then that damage will be covered under your property insurance policy. Examples of vandalism and malicious mischief typically covered are: Graffiti.
What does vandalism mean in car insurance? ›
Vandalism refers to someone intentionally damaging or defacing your vehicle. It can occur whether you're on the road, parked in your driveway, or in a public parking lot. The most common acts of auto vandalism include: Slashed or damaged tires. Broken windows, headlights, or taillights.
What is an example of vandalism and malicious mischief? ›
Examples of vandalism include spraying graffiti on walls, punching holes in a wall, etc. On the other hand, malicious mischief is damage to property that is caused by spite or hatred. While vandalism is intentional damage to property, the destruction caused by malicious mischief might not have been intended.
Is vandalism the same as property damage? ›
While vandalism involves damaging property, it is not always the same as the crime of "destruction of property" or "damage to property." These crimes can cover more serious physical damage, though some states use these categories to also cover acts of vandalism.
What are four types of vandalism? ›
TYPES. Vandalism includes graffiti, trash dumping, light smashing, removing/bending signage or ornamentation, breaking windows, or other defacing of property.
What is malicious mischief in insurance? ›
Vandalism, Malicious Mischief -- Vandalism is generally defined as willful and malicious damage to, or destruction of, the policyholder's property; malicious mischief is similar to vandalism and generally defined as the willful destruction of property for vicious or mischievous purposes.
What are the three forms of vandalism? ›
California Penal Code [CPC] §§594(a)(1)-(3) – Vandalism – California makes it illegal to deface, damage, or destroy property that is not your own. If you destroy government property, it will be presumed that you didn't have the right to destroy the property, for purposes of charging you.
Vehicle vandalism occurs when an individual intentionally causes damage to the property of another, in this case, a vehicle. Some examples of acts of vandalism include the vehicle being keyed, slashed tires or a broken window.
What is the effect of vandalism? ›
The effects of vandalism
Vandalism can affect people's quality of life because it damages or destroys things that they need or care about. It also: Makes people feel that their lives are less safe than they really are. Can be dangerous – people have died when acts of vandalism got out of control.
What does causing mischief mean? ›
Cause trouble, as in Don't listen to her gossip—she's just trying to make mischief . This idiom was first recorded in 1884, but the related noun mischief-maker , a person who causes trouble especially by tale-bearing, dates from about 1700.
Can I press charges on someone who keyed my car? ›
Keying someone's car is an act of vandalism, so if this happens to you, you should call your local police department's non-emergency number. An officer will file a report that can hopefully lead to charging the person who did it. A police report will also help if you decide to file an auto insurance claim.
Why would someone vandalize my car? ›
People vandalize cars, trucks, motorcycles or RVs for a variety of reasons. Some might do it in an effort to steal the car. For example, if someone smashes your window or picks your lock to try to get into the car, this might qualify as vandalism and property damage.
What if my car was broken into but no damage? ›
If your car was broken into while parked, but nothing was taken, it is still advisable to call the police and report the incident. Even if nothing was stolen, your car's lock may have been damaged, or other vandalism may have occurred, which can be costly to repair.
What is a malicious mischief usually classified as? ›
Penalties for Malicious Mischief
Charges can range from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the dollar amount associated with the damage that occurred. You may find similar information regarding the destruction of property charges.
What is the kind of insurance that protects you from theft and vandalism called? ›
Comprehensive covers damage to your car caused by something other than a collision. For example, comprehensive can cover damage from fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, flood, falling objects, etc.
What is a tenant vandalism? ›
Vandalism is defined as "deliberate damage or destruction of property." It can include broken windows, graffiti, and even slashed tires in the parking area or garage. Essentially, any damage caused by someone with the intent to destroy property can be classified as vandalism.
