Vandalism can be a stressful and upsetting experience for property owners. It often happens unexpectedly, leaving you uncertain about the next steps. With the right guidance, you can navigate the insurance claim process and receive a fair settlement.
At Excel Adjusters, we are dedicated to assisting you throughout the insurance claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What Qualifies as Vandalism?
Vandalism refers to the intentional destruction or damage of public or private property. It can occur in various forms, such as:
- Shattering windows, lights, or doors
- Altering the plumbing
- Spray painting or vandalizing the exterior or interior of the home or building
- Damaging the lawn, trees, or shrubs on the property
- Damaging locks
- Arson (intentionally setting fire to the property)
Are Vandalism Claims Covered Under Your Insurance Policy?
Make sure your insurance policy includes coverage for vandalism. Reach out to your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage. Keep in mind that some policies have limits, such as reimbursing only up to $500, even if the damages exceed that amount.
Be sure to ask your insurance provider if your policy includes market value replacement or replacement cost coverage. Market value replacement takes depreciation into account, while replacement cost coverage reimburses you for the current retail price of the damaged or stolen items.
Need to File a Vandalism Claim? Excel Adjusters Will Help To:
- Represent you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement
- Accelerate the claims process
- Evaluate building damage caused by vandalism
- Offer damage restoration services
- Compile the necessary paperwork
- Go over your insurance policy coverage
- Assess your compliance obligations
- Investigate and determine the full extent of the loss
- Assess the replacement cost and/or depreciation
- Compile the business equipment claim (if relevant)
- Collect support data for a loss of income claim (if applicable)
- Review total loss claims and insurance estimates
Tips for Preventing Vandalism
While it's impossible to fully prevent vandalism or theft, there are measures you can take to lower the risk.
- Keep the area around your property well-maintained (e.g., trimming bushes, mowing the lawn)
- Avoid hiding spare keys in easily visible spots
- Secure doors with deadbolts and lock all windows, including sliding glass doors
- Install outdoor lighting that is difficult to turn off
- Report any suspicious activity to the police without delay
- Install a security alarm system for added security
Be Prepared: Document Your Valuables
Although you can’t fully prevent vandalism, taking proactive steps can improve your chances when filing an insurance claim. Some of these steps include:
- Take photos of your property, including belongings and both the interior and exterior, to record any potential damage
- Keep receipts for any business-related purchases
- Make a list of all belongings inside the building
- Store important documents in a fireproof box or safe
- Keep title or ownership documents for your property to verify ownership and support its value.
What To Do If You Are A Victim of Vandalism
If vandalism happens, following these steps can greatly impact the outcome of your insurance claim, helping you secure a fair settlement.
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Make Sure Your Building is Safe Before Entering
If you think someone may still be inside your property, call 911 immediately.
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File a Police Report
Notify the police to file an official report of the incident. This step is crucial for your insurance claim.
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Take Photos
Take photos of all damage caused by the vandalism or theft. This is an essential step in documenting the damage and will assist with your claim.
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Contact Excel Adjusters, a Licensed Public Adjuster
Handling insurance companies can be stressful, especially after vandalism. After you file a claim, the insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the property. This process, called "field scoping," helps the insurer assess the damage and estimate repair costs. Keep in mind, however, that these adjusters are employed by the insurance company, not you. As a result, their assessment may lead to limited coverage or partial reimbursement.
Reaching out to a licensed, independent public adjuster early on gives you an advocate who will represent your interests and handle communication with the insurance company. At Excel Adjusters, we advocate for your interests and strive to secure a fair settlement for the vandalism to your property.
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Prepare a List of Stolen and Damaged Items
Once you've reported the incident to the police and reached out to Excel Adjusters, create a thorough list of all damaged or stolen items. Make sure to include:
- Purchase dates and locations
- Costs of each item, along with receipts, if available
- Photos or videos of each item
- Title or ownership documentation to prove ownership and substantiate value
How Excel Adjusters Can Help With Your Vandalism Claim
At Excel Adjusters, we operate independently, ensuring that our focus is on you, not the insurance company. Our mission is to protect your rights throughout the claims process and assist in negotiating a fair settlement for your vandalism claim. Here's how we can help:
We are here to assist with:
Notify Your Insurance Provider
We take care of all communication with your insurance company during the claims process, ensuring that every detail is addressed accurately and on time.
Advocate on Your Behalf For a Fair and Reasonable Settlement
As your public adjuster, we strive to negotiate a fair settlement for your vandalism claim. We work directly with your insurance provider, using our expertise to secure the funds necessary for repairs and replacing damaged items.
As a licensed state entity, we offer legal representation throughout the vandalism claims process. Unlike most contractors, who aren’t licensed by the Department of Insurance, we have the authority to represent your claim and defend your rights.
Guide You Through the Vandalism Claim or Theft Claim Process
We’ll support you throughout the entire claims process, offering guidance and negotiating payouts with your insurance company. We will also handle and submit all required paperwork. When the field scoping agent inspects your property, we’ll be there with them.
Assist with Every Stage of Your Vandalism Claim
If your insurance company is denying coverage for ALE or Loss of Use expenses, we can work with them to try and get you reimbursed for living costs while staying in a temporary home.
Your insurance company may attempt to cut costs on repairs, which could lead to subpar work and unprofessional damage restoration. This may result in poorly done repairs and a disappointing outcome. If you’re unsatisfied with the repairs, we can help negotiate with your insurer to ensure the “like-for-like” standard stated in your policy is met. If your policy includes this provision, you’re entitled to a payout covering the full cost to replace items with those of the same quality. Keep in mind, each case is unique and depends on the terms of your specific policy.
If your insurance claim has been denied, we can communicate directly with your insurance company. We will present evidence and reasoning to explain why your vandalism or theft claim should be covered.
What We Charge
We charge a small percentage based on the settlement amount we secure for our policyholders. If there is no recovery on your claim, we do not charge any fees or expenses, and we offer free consultations and guidance.
Your Rights
If your property has been damaged by vandalism or theft and you need to file a claim, we are here to assist you.
The State Department of Insurance ensures you have the right to a fair claim adjustment. Your insurance company is required to compensate you for your losses. You are not obligated to accept low offers or delays in processing your vandalism, theft, or fire claim. Excel Adjusters is here to protect policyholders and ensure the insurance company meets its obligations for fair payments when liability is clear.
For the care and attention your case requires, reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your vandalism or theft claim in Temecula.
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