Tenant damage is treated differently within the insurance contract because you have allowed them to be a caretaker of your home through the lease agreement. Depending upon the laws of the state, they may have committed a crime, but your tenant is not a stranger that has broken into your home. No, a tenant intentionally damaging your property is not considered Vandalism from an insurance perspective. Is it Considered Vandalism if a Tenant Purposefully Damages a Unit? An example would be the damage done to an entry door when burglars pry it open. For example, someone spray painting the walls with graffiti, breaking sinks and toilets, or punching holes in walls.īurglary: includes damage to your property caused by burglars, but not theft of property.

Vandalism & Malicious Mischief: the intentional injury or destruction of property, without theft. Theft: the taking and carrying away of the personal goods or property of another without permission. Other industries may define these differently. If you have coverage questions, don’t hesitate to call your agent who will be happy to assist you! What is the Difference Between Theft, Vandalism, and Burglary?īelow are definitions from an insurance perspective. We hope these quick reads will help you increase your understanding of your insurance coverage, clear up confusion and help you avoid preventable losses! Please bear in mind that insurance policies may vary, so always check your own policy for language specific to your covered property. For a fuller introduction of the series, read HERE. The cost of a single break-in for a vacant or renovated property can be over four times the national average, so it is important to understand the differences and limitations. Lastly, the coverage of Theft, Vandalism, and Burglary can be limited. Another confusion is whether the Theft, Vandalism, and Burglary coverages are available under the 3 main policy formats: Basic, Broad, and Special. First, many people are unclear about what constitutes Theft versus Vandalism, or even Burglary.

Insurance coverage for Theft and Vandalism can be confusing.

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