Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism in PA? 

Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism in PA? 

If your home has been vandalized, the first question you’ll likely ask is: does home insurance cover vandalism in PA? The short answer is yes—most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief under the dwelling and personal property coverage sections. 

When Is Vandalism Covered? 

Home insurance policies in Pennsylvania typically cover vandalism-related damages if: 

• The damage was intentional and caused by an outside party (not a household member). 

• The property was occupied at the time of the incident. 

• The vandalism led to structural damage, such as broken windows, graffiti, or destroyed fences. 

• Personal belongings inside the home were damaged or stolen due to vandalism. 

When Is Vandalism Not Covered? 

While homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania generally protects against vandalism, there are exclusions, including: 

• Vacant homes – If your home has been unoccupied for 30-60 consecutive days (depending on your policy), coverage for vandalism may not apply. 

• Negligence – If an insurer determines that a homeowner didn’t take reasonable steps to secure their property, they may deny the claim. 

• Tenant-related damage – If a tenant in a rented home causes damage, it may fall under landlord insurance rather than homeowners insurance. 

If you’re unsure whether your home insurance policy covers vandalism, reviewing your policy details or speaking with a public adjuster can clarify your coverage. 

What to Do if Your House Is Vandalized? 

Discovering vandalism at your home can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can help ensure your home insurance covers vandalism in PA and that your claim is processed smoothly. 

1. Ensure Your Safety

Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. If the vandalism involved a break-in or significant damage, avoid entering the home until authorities have assessed the situation. 

2. Call the Police and File a Report

A police report is crucial when filing a homeowners insurance vandalism claim. Provide detailed information, including: 

• A list of damaged or stolen items 

• Photos or videos of the damage 

• Any potential witnesses or security footage 

Most insurance companies require a police report before processing vandalism claims. 

3. Document the Damage

Take clear photos and videos of all damaged areas, both inside and outside your home. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove your claim. 

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide: 

• Your policy number 

• The police report number 

• Documentation of the damage 

• Any repair estimates you’ve received 

5. Prevent Further Damage

If vandalism has left your home exposed to the elements (e.g., broken windows or doors), take temporary measures like boarding up openings or securing valuables. However, do not make permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has inspected the damage. 

6. Consider Calling a Public Adjuster First

Dealing with a vandalism claim can be stressful, and emotions often run high. Many homeowners unknowingly say things that can be misinterpreted by the insurance company, potentially affecting their claim. Consulting a public adjuster before contacting your insurer can help you present the situation clearly and maximize your chances of a fair settlement. 

How to File a Vandalism Insurance Claim in PA 

If your home has been vandalized, filing an insurance claim properly can make a significant difference in the outcome. Since insurance companies scrutinize claims carefully, following the right steps ensures that you get the maximum compensation available under your policy. 

1. Review Your Home Insurance Policy

Before filing a claim, check your home insurance policy to confirm that vandalism is covered. Look for details on: 

• Coverage limits for dwelling and personal property damage 

• Any applicable deductibles 

• Exclusions related to vacant properties or negligence 

If you’re unsure about your coverage, a public adjuster can review your policy and explain your options. 

2. Gather Documentation and Evidence

Insurance companies require strong evidence to process vandalism claims. Make sure you have: 

• Photos and videos of all damage, taken from multiple angles 

• A copy of the police report, as most insurers require it 

• Receipts for damaged or stolen items (if available) 

• Any security camera footage or witness statements 

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require timely reporting of vandalism claims, and delays could impact your payout. When speaking with your insurer: 

• Stick to factual statements and avoid making assumptions about the damage. 

• Provide your policy number and claim details as clearly as possible. 

• Ask about next steps, including scheduling an adjuster’s inspection. 

Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider calling a public adjuster first. They can handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you don’t say anything that could be misinterpreted. 

4. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and assess the claim. 

• Be present during the inspection. 

• Provide all documentation and point out every area of damage. 

• If you feel the adjuster’s estimate is too low, a public adjuster can advocate for a higher payout. 

5. Get Repair Estimates

Insurance companies may require repair estimates before approving the claim. Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors to show the true cost of repairs. This can help you negotiate a fair settlement. 

6. Work with a Public Adjuster for the Best Outcome

Filing a homeowners insurance vandalism claim in PA can be challenging, especially if the insurer disputes the claim or offers a lower settlement than expected. A public adjuster works for you—not the insurance company—to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Does Insurance Go Up After a Vandalism Claim? 

In many cases, filing a vandalism claim can lead to a rate increase, but it depends on several factors: 

• Your insurance provider’s policy – Some insurers raise premiums after any claim, while others may not increase rates for a first-time vandalism claim. 

• Claim history – If you’ve filed multiple home insurance claims within a few years, your insurer is more likely to raise your premium. 

• Severity of the damage – Larger claims with significant repair costs are more likely to impact your future rates. 

• Your location – If vandalism is common in your area, insurance companies may view your home as a higher risk, potentially leading to an increase in premiums. 

How Much Could Your Insurance Increase? 

• While vandalism is typically a covered peril, insurance companies assess risk differently. If your rates go up, the increase will depend on: 

• The total amount of your claim 

• Whether you’ve made other claims recently 

• Your home’s overall risk level 

Should You File a Home Vandalism Claim? 

If the damage is minor and the cost of repairs is close to or slightly above your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim—especially if a rate increase would cost you more in the long run. However, for major vandalism incidents, filing a claim is usually necessary to recover your losses. 

Before making a decision, consider consulting a public adjuster. They can help you assess the situation and determine whether filing a claim is in your best financial interest. 

Vandalism Insurance Claim in PA: Get Expert Help 

Dealing with vandalism is stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to struggle with your insurance company on top of it. While home insurance covers vandalism in PA, getting a fair settlement isn’t always easy. Insurance companies may delay your claim, offer a lower payout than you deserve, or deny coverage based on technicalities. That’s where a public adjuster can help. 

At Alliance Adjustment Group, we work for homeowners—not insurance companies. Our team of experts: 

✔ Reviews your policy to confirm coverage and exclusions 
✔ Documents your claim properly to maximize your payout 
✔ Handles negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf 
✔ Ensures you get the settlement you need for full repairs 

If your home has been vandalized, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Contact Alliance Adjustment Group today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can restore your home with peace of mind. 

Disclaimer:  

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, insurance policies and regulations can vary. It is important to consult with your specific insurance provider or a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.