Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism in Fort Lauderdale?

According to various statistics, the threat of vandalism in Fort Lauderdale is relatively high. Some areas are much more prone to vandalism than others, and you might be concerned about the safety of your property after experiencing something like graffiti or a broken window. After an incident like this, you might wonder whether vandalism is covered under your property insurance policy. What if your claim was denied? Can a Fort Lauderdale property insurance lawyer help?

Vandalism Is Generally Covered by Home Insurance in Florida

You should know that a standard home insurance policy generally covers vandalism in Fort Lauderdale. This includes broken windows, graffiti, and much more. Note that you should report the damage as soon as you notice it. You should make these reports not only to your insurer, but also to the local authorities. The resulting police report could become vital evidence as you proceed with your claim.

Aren’t Intentional Acts Excluded From Insurance Policies?

Intentional acts of destruction may not be covered under standard home insurance policies in Florida. However, this does not necessarily apply to vandalism. Generally speaking, an intentional act is only excluded from coverage if it is carried out by the homeowner themself. For example, if you intentionally graffiti your wall, you would not have the right to file a claim. As long as someone else does it, you can still file your claim.

Make Sure That Your Policy Covers Vandalism

Many Florida homeowners in the modern era are moving away from standard “all-peril” policies. More limited policies may only cover a few perils, such as earthquakes and fires. These limited policies may not cover vandalism, so check the specific wording of your policy before you file a claim.

Consider the Deductible 

You also need to consider your deductible in this situation. The cost of cleaning up graffiti yourself might be much lower than the deductible, making a claim relatively pointless. The same might apply to a broken window. However, more extensive property damage caused by vandals could make a claim well worth the cost.

What if My Home Was Vandalized While I Was on Vacation?

Vandalism that occurs while you’re on vacation could be more complicated. Insurers may not cover the damage if you were absent for more than a month, although the specifics depend entirely on your policy. The logic here is that if you leave your home vacant for a long period of time, you increase the chances of vandalism. Not only that, but it’s impossible to determine when and how the damage occurred if you come home to discover past vandalism. 

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Lawyers Today

At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Sources: 

eenews.net/articles/california-leapfrogs-florida-in-us-insurance-risk/

crimegrade.org/vandalism-fort-lauderdale-fl/