• Vandalism and malicious mischief (VMM) insurance covers deliberate physical damage to property caused by vandals; it’s commonly included in standard homeowner and commercial policies or added as an endorsement. (Investopedia)
– Typical exclusions include vandalism after a property has been vacant for a specified period (commonly 60 consecutive days), intentional acts by an insured person, and tenant-caused intentional damage under many HO policies. (Investopedia)
– For autos, comprehensive coverage generally pays for vandalism losses (slashed tires, broken glass, keyed paint), subject to your deductible. (Progressive)
What is vandalism and malicious mischief insurance?
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance protects against intentional acts that damage property without the primary intent to steal. Examples include broken windows, graffiti, slashed tires, property “eggings,” or generally trashed rooms. Some policies include this peril automatically; others require an endorsement.
How the coverage typically works
– Peril-based: The policy will list vandalism/malicious mischief as a covered peril; if the loss is caused by one of those perils, the insurer will pay for repairs or replacement, minus your deductible.
– Occupancy rules affect availability: Many policies either deny VMM claims or raise deductibles if the insured structure has been vacant/unenrolled for a specified time (commonly 60 days). (Investopedia)
– Exclusions: Intentional acts by a named insured or an insured’s cohabitant are usually excluded. Intentional damage by tenants is often excluded from standard homeowner coverage. (Investopedia)
What’s usually covered
– Damage to the insured structure (windows, doors, siding) caused by intentional acts of others.
– Damage to personal property on the premises (examples: slashed bicycle tires stored in a garage; a trashed stereo).
– Vandalism to cars if you carry comprehensive auto coverage (subject to deductible). (Progressive)
What’s typically not covered
– Vandalism after the property has been vacant for the insurer’s vacancy period (often 60 consecutive days). This is common with homes left empty or seasonal properties. (Investopedia)
– Intentional damage committed by a named insured or someone insured under the policy.
– Intentional damage by tenants under many homeowners policies; landlords should consider landlord-specific coverage or endorsements.
– Losses primarily resulting from theft (burglary) may be treated differently—breaking a window to burgle is often classified under theft/burglary coverages rather than VMM.
Key definitions and clarifications
– Vandalism: Deliberate damage to property for the purpose of destruction or mischief, without theft being the primary motive.
– Malicious mischief: Similar to vandalism; sometimes used legally to refer to damaging property even if the intent might not be outright destruction.
– Vacancy vs. unoccupied: For insurance, “vacant” generally means the building is empty of people and substantially empty of the personal property necessary for normal use. Coverage and wording vary by insurer—always check policy language. (Investopedia)
Is tenant damage considered vandalism?
– Under a typical homeowner policy, intentional damage caused by tenants is often excluded. Landlords should carry landlord (rental dwelling) insurance, require security deposits, and screen tenants carefully to reduce exposure. If you rent to a roommate or have someone on the policy who later becomes a co‑insured, damage they cause may be excluded. (Investopedia)
Does car insurance cover vandalism?
– Yes, comprehensive auto insurance normally covers vandalism (keyed paint, broken windows, slashed tires). Coverage and deductible apply; file under a comprehensive claim. (Progressive)
Practical steps to prevent vandalism (property owners and landlords)
1. Maintain good exterior lighting—motion-activated lights reduce opportunities for vandals.
2. Install visible surveillance cameras and post signage stating property is under surveillance.
3. Use durable, vandal-resistant materials in high-risk areas (e.g., security glass, protective covers for HVAC units).
4. Secure entry points: locks, deadbolts, reinforced doors and windows.
5. Maintain active occupancy or arrange caretakers/regular checks for seasonal or vacant properties.
6. Landscape defensively—trim shrubs that provide hiding places; use thorny plants under windows.
7. Engage neighborhood watch or hire security patrols for frequent targets (schools, churches).
8. For rentals: screen tenants, require security deposits, include lease clauses about damage, and require renter’s insurance where suitable.
What to do immediately after vandalism (claims workflow)
1. Ensure safety—do not confront suspects; if the scene is unsafe, leave and notify police.
2. Call the police and obtain a police report—insurers almost always require one for VMM claims.
3. Document the damage: take time-stamped photos and video from multiple angles before repairs.
4. Mitigate further damage: board up broken windows, tarp holes, or otherwise prevent additional loss (keep receipts for temporary repairs).
5. Contact your insurer promptly, provide the police report, photos, and inventories of damaged items.
6. Keep all receipts and estimates for repairs; get contractor estimates if the insurer requests them.
7. Understand your deductible and whether vacancy exclusions apply (if the property has been vacant). (Investopedia)
8. If the vandal is identified and prosecuted, your insurer may pursue subrogation against the perpetrator.
Tips for landlords and owners of frequently unoccupied structures (churches, schools)
– Notify your insurer when a building will be vacant for an extended period—failure to disclose can lead to denied claims.
– Consider a specific vandalism endorsement or increased limits for high-risk properties.
– Ask about vacancy provisions and higher deductibles for properties known to be unoccupied during certain hours.
– Keep clear records of routine inspections and maintenance visits to demonstrate you took reasonable precautions.
Shopping for and optimizing coverage
– Review your declarations and policy wording for an explicit vandalism/malicious mischief peril and any vacancy exclusions or dollar limits.
– Compare limits, deductibles, and endorsements across carriers—some insurers will offer optional VMM endorsements or better terms for well-secured properties.
– For autos, ensure you have comprehensive coverage if vandalism risk is a concern.
– Consult an insurance agent or broker to tailor coverage for commercial or rental properties.
The bottom line
Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance protects against intentional, non-theft damage to property and is a common part of homeowner and commercial policies. Coverage is subject to exclusions (vacancy, insured-caused damage, tenant intentional damage) and policy terms, so review your contract, maintain good loss-prevention practices, and follow proper claims steps (police report, photos, mitigation, prompt notification). For auto vandalism, comprehensive coverage applies.
Sources and further reading
– Investopedia. “Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance.”
– National Real Estate Insurance Group. “Is It Covered? Theft and Vandalism.”
– Progressive. “Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?” /
Editor’s note: The following topics are reserved for upcoming updates and will be expanded with detailed examples and datasets.