Vandalism & theft claim playbook

Vandalism covers structural damage from intentional acts — broken windows, spray paint, smashed fixtures. Theft covers personal property (Coverage C) taken from the dwelling. Both are typically covered under standard HO-3, subject to the policy deductible and the Coverage C sublimits for specific item categories.

The police report is required by virtually every carrier for theft claims; it proves the loss was reported but doesn’t prove the item values or that any specific item was taken. Documentation of the items (receipts, photos, serial numbers) is what anchors the loss amount.

HO-3 Coverage C has category-specific sublimits — jewelry typically $1,500, firearms $2,500, business property $2,500, electronics often capped. A homeowner who lost a $12,000 engagement ring and a $4,000 firearm in a burglary may collect only $4,000 total against $16,000 of loss without a scheduled-property endorsement.

Scheduled personal property endorsement overrides the base sublimits with an appraised value per item. If the homeowner has scheduled items, the schedule controls — and the schedule typically requires no deductible. Confirm the schedule is current.

Structural damage from vandalism (broken doors, windows, drywall punches, fixture damage) is covered under Coverage A. Smoke or graffiti residue may require professional cleaning beyond a paint-over — the manufacturer of the finish (cabinets, hardwood) may require specific cleaning products to preserve the warranty.

Squatting / unauthorized occupancy after vacancy can blur the vandalism boundary — if the home was vacant >30 days, some HO-3 vacancy clauses exclude vandalism specifically. Read the vacancy language carefully.

Police report (case number + officer’s narrative), photos of all damage / disturbance, item-by-item inventory with values + serial numbers where applicable, receipts or appraisals for high-value items, scheduled-property declarations if any, and bank / credit-card statements that may show pre-loss purchases.