Experiencing vandalism can be overwhelming and frustrating for any property owner. The damage often catches you off guard, leaving you unsure of how to handle the situation. Filing a vandalism insurance claim might seem like a daunting task, but with the right support, you can work through the insurance claim process to secure a fair and reasonable settlement.
At Excel Adjusters, we are here to guide you through the entire insurance claims process, helping you every step of the way to get the compensation you deserve.
What Qualifies as Vandalism?
Vandalism is defined as an action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. Vandalism can be committed in several different ways, including:
- Breaking windows, lights, or doors
- Manipulating the plumbing
- Spray painting or defacing the exterior or interior areas of the home or building
- Causing damage to the lawn, trees, or bushes on the property
- Damaging locks
- Arson (deliberately setting fire to the property)
Are Vandalism Claims Covered Under Your Insurance Policy?
It's important to confirm that your insurance policy covers vandalism. Contact your insurance provider to determine the specific coverage details. Be aware of any coverage limits in your policy; for instance, some policies might only reimburse up to $500, even if the value of the damaged or stolen items is higher.
You'll also need to ask your insurance provider if your policy offers current market value replacement or replacement cost coverage. Market value replacement accounts for depreciation, meaning the reimbursement is based on the item’s reduced value over time. Replacement cost coverage, however, reimburses you based on the current retail price of the stolen or damaged items.
Need to File a Vandalism Claim? Excel Adjusters Will Help To:
- Advocate on your behalf with the insurance company for a fair and reasonable settlement
- Expedite the claims process
- Assess building damage for vandalism
- Provide damage restoration services
- Prepare documentation
- Review your insurance policy coverage
- Evaluate your compliance responsibilities
- Investigate and measure the extent of the loss
- Evaluate replacement cost and/or depreciation
- Assemble business equipment claim (if applicable)
- Assemble support data for a loss of income claim (if applicable)
- Assess total loss claims and review insurance estimates
Tips for Preventing Vandalism
Although you can’t completely prevent vandalism or theft, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Maintain the area around your property (e.g., trimming bushes, mowing grass)
- Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious locations
- Secure doors with deadbolts and lock all windows, including sliding glass doors
- Install exterior lighting that can’t be easily deactivated
- Report suspicious activity to the police immediately
- Consider installing a security alarm system for added protection
Be Prepared: Document Your Valuables
While you can’t fully prepare for vandalism, taking proactive measures can strengthen your case when filing a vandalism insurance claim. These actions include:
- Taking photos of your property, including possessions and both interior and exterior areas, to document potential damage
- Keeping receipts for purchases related to the business
- Creating a list of belongings in the building
- Storing important documents in a fireproof box or safe
- Retaining title or ownership documentation for your property to prove ownership and substantiate value
What To Do If You Are A Victim of Vandalism
If vandalism occurs, following these steps can make all the difference in receiving a fair and reasonable settlement for your vandalism insurance claims:
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Make Sure Your Building is Safe Before Entering
Call 911 if you believe someone might still be inside your property.
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File a Police Report
Report the incident to the police to create an official record. This is essential for your insurance claim process.
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Take Photos
Take photos of any and all damage caused by the theft or vandalism. This is an important step for documenting the damage and will be helpful when filing your vandalism claim or theft claim.
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Contact Excel Adjusters, a Licensed Public Adjuster
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially after experiencing vandalism. Once you file a vandalism insurance claim, your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the property. Known as “field scoping,” this inspection helps the insurer assess the damage and determine repair costs. However, remember that these adjusters work for the insurance company—not you. This can result in limited coverage or partial reimbursement.
By contacting a licensed, independent public adjuster early in the process, you gain an advocate who will work on your behalf and communicate with the insurance company. At Excel Adjusters, we represent your interests, working to secure a fair and reasonable settlement for the vandalism to your property.
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Prepare a List of Stolen and Damaged Items
After you’ve reported the incident to the police and contacted Excel Adjusters, prepare a detailed list of all damaged or stolen items. Be 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 are fully independent, which means our priority is you—not the insurance company. Our goal is to uphold your rights during the insurance claims process and help you negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement for your vandalism insurance claim. Here’s how we can assist:
We’ll help to:
Notify Your Insurance Provider
We handle all communication with your insurance provider throughout the insurance claim process, making sure all details are managed correctly and promptly.
Advocate on Your Behalf For a Fair and Reasonable Settlement
As your public adjuster, we work hard to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement for your vandalism claim. We communicate directly with your insurance provider, using our expertise to help secure the funds you need to cover repairs and replace damaged items.
Being licensed by the state, we provide legal representation throughout the vandalism claims process. Unlike most contractors, who are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, we have the authority to represent your claim and advocate for your rights.
Guide You Through the Vandalism Claim or Theft Claim Process
We will be there during the entire claims process to guide and advise you and negotiate payouts with your insurance company. We’ll also manage and submit any necessary paperwork. When the field scoping agent inspects the damage done to your property, we will be on site with them.
Assist with Every Stage of Your Vandalism Claim
If your insurance company is refusing to cover ALE or Loss of Use expenses, we can work with your insurance company in an attempt to get you reimbursed for any living costs you incurred in your temporary home.
Your insurance company might try to cut corners in your repairs in order to reduce costs on their end. This can sometimes result in poorly done repair jobs and unprofessional damage restoration companies. If you are not happy with the repairs done, we can help negotiate with your insurance company in order to get the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy. If your insurance policy includes these terms, you are entitled to receive a payout from your insurance company that covers the entire cost to replace items of the same quality as what you previously owned. Each situation is unique to your specific insurance policy.
We can speak with your insurance company if your insurance claim has been denied. We will provide evidence and reasoning as to why your vandalism claim or theft claim should be covered by your carrier.
What We Charge
We charge a small percentage based on what we settled for our policyholders. If there is no recovery amount on your claim, then we do not charge any expenses or fees. We also offer free consultations and guidance on your claim.
Your Rights
If your property has experienced vandalism or theft and you need to file a vandalism claim or theft claim, we can help.
Under the regulation of the State Department of Insurance, you have the right to receive a fair adjustment on a claim. The insurance company is obligated to compensate you for your losses. You have no obligation to accept a low-ball offer and/or delays in processing your vandalism claim, theft claim, or fire claim. Excel Adjusters can help protect policyholders and uphold the insurance company’s obligation to make proper payments where liability is reasonably clear.
For the attention and devotion your case deserves, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your particular circumstances with your vandalism claim or theft claim in Los Angeles.
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