Here’s how your policy could help if you need temporary housing.
When someone intentionally damages your stuff, your renters insurance policy has you covered. Vandalism is a “named peril,” meaning it’s specifically listed as a covered event when someone targets your personal property without permission.
You’re protected as long as the property damage costs more than your deductible and you weren’t involved in causing it.
TL;DR
- Your coverage protects your personal belongings from vandalism anywhere in the world
- After your deductible, your insurance company covers the rest
- The vandalism has to be intentional damage – not accidents or normal wear and tear
- File a police report and document everything to speed up your claim
What is vandalism?
Vandalism means someone intentionally damaged your property just to cause damage – not to steal anything. This type of property damage is considered a covered event.
The key word is “intentional.” The damage has to be deliberate. Accidents, wear and tear, water damage from natural disasters, or accidental damage don’t qualify as vandalism.
Common vandalism examples
Here are a few examples of what counts as vandalism:
- Someone spray-paints your bike or musical instruments
- A person smashes your patio furniture
- Someone cuts up your outdoor cushions or expensive items
- Graffiti on your valuable items stored in storage units
- Someone breaks your high-value items or outdoor decorations
- Destroying your garden tools or outdoor equipment
Does renters insurance cover vandalism damage?
Yes, your renters insurance covers vandalism damage to all your personal belongings, whether they’re at home, temporarily away, or even stored elsewhere. This includes your furniture, electronics, clothing, sports equipment, and improvements you’ve made to the rental property.
You typically get replacement cost coverage (depending on your insurer), meaning enough money to buy new items rather than their depreciated value. You’ll pay your deductible first, then your insurance company handles the rest.
What does your policy cover vs. your landlord’s policy?
Here’s what your personal property coverage handles vs. what your landlord’s insurance covers:
| Your renters insurance covers | Your landlord’s insurance covers |
| Your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothes, etc.) | The rental property structure (walls, roof, floors) |
| Your stuff that’s temporarily away from home | Windows and doors that came with the property |
| Improvements you made to the rental property | Built-in appliances that came with the rental home |
| Items in storage units (up to your coverage limits) | Landscaping and outdoor areas |
| Collectibles and valuable items |
Bottom line: If someone spray-paints the side of your building, that’s your landlord’s problem. But if they spray-paint your bike that was parked outside? You’re covered.
When vandalism is not covered
Your policy includes certain exclusions. Vandalism isn’t covered if:
- You or someone on your policy did it: Even if your roommate trashes the place, it’s not a covered loss (unless you file formal charges)
- The rental property has been vacant for 30+ consecutive days: Empty homes are vandalism targets, so insurance companies exclude this risk
- It was accidental damage: Your friend spilling wine on your couch isn’t vandalism
- You’re involved in illegal activity: If the vandalism happened during illegal acts
- The property damage is under your deductible: If repairs cost less than your deductible, you pay out of pocket
- It’s normal wear and tear: Gradual deterioration isn’t a covered peril
Also remember: Vandalism to your car requires auto insurance, not your renters policy.
What to do if you’re vandalized
Here’s your action plan to protect yourself and preserve your claim after vandalism occurs.
Step 1: Stay safe
If the vandalism just happened, get to safety first. Don’t confront anyone.
Step 2: Document the covered loss
- Take photos of all property damage before touching anything
- Make a list of damaged personal belongings with estimated values
- Get videos showing the extent of damage
Step 3: File a police report
Contact police to report the vandalism. You’ll need this police report number for your claim.
Step 4: Contact your landlord
Let them know about any damage to the rental property. They’ll file their own claim with their landlord’s insurance.
Step 5: Secure your rental home
Board up broken windows if needed to prevent further damage (save receipts – your insurance company might reimburse these costs).
Step 6: Consider temporary housing needs
If the vandalism makes your rental home unlivable, your policy may include additional living expenses coverage (also called loss of use coverage) to help with temporary housing costs while repairs happen.
How to file a vandalism claim at Lemonade
Filing a renters insurance claim, including vandalism, is straightforward – just gather your documentation and follow these steps.
What you’ll need:
- Police report number
- Photos/videos of the property damage
- List of damaged personal belongings with purchase dates and prices
- Repair estimates if you’ve gotten any
- Documentation of any medical expenses if someone was injured
How to file your claim:
- Open the Lemonade app and tap “File a Claim”: No phone menus or hold times
- Answer AI Jim’s questions about what happened, when it occurred, and what belongings were damaged
- Choose “Vandalism” as your covered event type
- Document everything thoroughly – photograph vandalism damage, entry points, and damaged items before cleaning up
- Record a brief video explaining what happened (about one minute, completely confidential)
- Upload all documentation – photos, police report, receipts, and repair estimates
- Submit your claim – you’ll get a confirmation and claim number to track progress
- Track your renters insurance claim in real-time: Simple cases get approved by AI instantly, while complex situations go to human experts who’ll contact you directly.
Pro tip: Save receipts for emergency repairs or temporary housing costs – these are often covered under additional living expenses.
What are your coverage limits and costs?
Coverage limits: Your standard renters insurance policy has coverage limits for personal property. High-value items like expensive jewelry or musical instruments may need additional coverage through Extra Coverage to ensure full protection.
How much renters insurance costs: Costs vary by location and coverage amount, but it’s typically much more affordable than homeowners insurance. The peace of mind knowing your personal belongings are protected makes it worthwhile.
Types of coverage included:
- Personal property coverage for your belongings
- Personal liability coverage if you accidentally cause property damage to others
- Medical payments coverage for minor medical expenses
- Additional living expenses if vandalism makes your rental home temporarily unlivable
Before we go
Vandalism can feel personal and frustrating, but having coverage means you’re not dealing with the financial hit alone. Your policy does more than just cover vandalism – it protects against theft, fire, personal liability, and additional living expenses if you need temporary housing.
Most importantly, document your belongings before anything happens. Keep videos, photos, receipts, and serial numbers in cloud storage – this makes filing a claim much smoother if vandalism occurs.
