In many areas of the US, vandalism and theft are common problems. To protect your home, you will need to take out a good homeowners’ insurance policy. In this article, we will discuss whether Florida home insurance covers these two perils and how you can reduce your risk.

Will Florida Home Insurance Protect Against Theft or Vandalism?

Vandalism and theft are two of the covered perils in most homeowners’ insurance policies. Therefore, you can expect to be compensated if your property gets stolen or damaged by vandals. To fully understand how this works, you’ll need to know what is meant by vandalism. The term usually describes the willful destruction of someone else’s property, and it might include spray paint on your home, slashed bike tires, or broken windows.

Malicious mischief is very similar to vandalism, but it usually doesn’t result in serious damage. It might include acts such as throwing toilet paper on your trees or throwing eggs at your windows. While you might have to spend some money and time cleaning up after acts of malicious mischief, you don’t usually have to get your insurance company involved. However, the lines might blur if your home is damaged.

What If My Home Is Unoccupied at the Time?

Often, the chance of vandalism and theft is increased when you’re not home, for instance when you’re on vacation or away on a business trip. Fortunately, insurance companies still cover the damage, even if you’re away. However, you should keep in mind that vacant homes require a separate insurance policy. If you plan to stay away from your property for more than 30-60 days, you should speak to your insurance agent and find out whether you need a new policy.

How Can I Make a Vandalism or Theft Claim?

The first thing you should do after theft or an act of vandalism is to call the police and take photos of the damage. If you have a home surveillance system, you should check the cameras to see whether the perpetrators can be identified. You should also make sure your home is secure, for example by covering any broken windows.

Don’t start making repairs until you’ve filed your insurance claim, since you might not get your money back. When you speak to your insurance company, you will need as much information as possible, including photo and video evidence and important documents like your home inventory.

How Can I Reduce My Risk? 

If you’re worried about theft or vandalism, you should consider adding extra security features such as a home surveillance unit to your house. Sometimes, simply putting up a sign stating that you have surveillance can deter criminals. You could also install bright security lights, fencing, or strong security glass. Beware of Dog signs in the window can also help, even if you don’t have a dog!

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover both vandalism and theft. If your house is damaged or your property is stolen, you can make a claim. To make sure you get compensated, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible, secure your property after the event, and avoid making any repairs until you’ve contacted your insurance company. Call us now at Absolute Choice Insurance to speak to an agent about your home insurance or to get quotes.