Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance 2025: Costs and Coverage Explained

Julia Kagan is a financial and consumer journalist, formerly senior editor for personal finance at Investopedia.

Understanding Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance in 2024

Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance is a specialized coverage designed to shield property owners from financial losses caused by intentional destruction or damage inflicted by vandals. This protection is commonly included in standard homeowner and commercial insurance policies but can also be added as an endorsement if not automatically covered.

This insurance is especially vital for properties that remain unoccupied during certain hours, such as schools, churches, and other community buildings, which are frequent targets for vandals aware of reduced surveillance during off-hours.

Key Insights:

• Most basic homeowner and commercial policies include vandalism and malicious mischief coverage.
• Unoccupied buildings like schools and churches benefit significantly from this protection.
• Claims often arise from damages caused by disgruntled ex-partners.
• Properties vacant for over 60 days typically lose coverage for vandalism-related claims.
• Damage caused by any insured individual on the policy is excluded from coverage.

How This Insurance Functions

Given the higher risk of vandalism in unoccupied properties, insurers often apply increased deductibles for these locations. Vandalism and malicious mischief refer to deliberate acts of property damage or destruction, which can be covered either as part of a standard policy or through additional endorsements, such as those attached to fire insurance policies.

Landlords, particularly those with rental properties in high-crime neighborhoods, should consider this coverage to protect their investments. Comparing rental property insurance providers can help find the best rates and policy terms.

What Does Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance Cover?

Vandalism involves intentional damage inflicted on another’s property, while malicious mischief may include damage that is not necessarily deliberate but still harmful. Examples include slashed bicycle tires stored on your property or a neighbor damaging your stereo out of spite. These incidents are generally covered if they exceed your deductible.

One of the most frequent causes for claims is damage caused by angry former spouses or partners, often exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Such acts of revenge vandalism are typically covered under this insurance.

Pro Tip:

If your property is unoccupied, take extra security measures to minimize the risk of vandalism.

Exclusions and Limitations

Insurance does not cover vandalism or malicious mischief losses if the property has been vacant for more than 60 consecutive days. A dwelling is considered vacant when it is empty of residents and substantially devoid of personal property necessary for normal use.

Additionally, intentional damage caused by any insured person listed on the policy is excluded. For example, if a named insured moves out but remains on the policy and later damages the property, the claim will likely be denied due to the intentional act committed by an insured individual.

Defining Vandalism in Insurance Terms

In insurance, vandalism refers to deliberate damage or destruction of property without the intent of theft. For instance, breaking windows purely to cause damage qualifies as vandalism, whereas breaking in to steal does not.

Is Tenant Damage Covered as Vandalism?

Intentional damage caused by tenants is generally not covered under standard homeowner policies. Landlords should perform thorough tenant screenings to reduce the risk of such damages.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers acts of vandalism, including slashed tires, broken windows, or damaged paint. Coverage specifics and deductibles vary by insurer and policy.

Final Thoughts

Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance offers crucial protection against deliberate property damage, complementing coverage for fire, weather, and other risks. While it excludes theft and accidental damage, this insurance remains a valuable safeguard, especially for properties vulnerable to intentional harm.

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