Miami Vandalism Claims
Helping Clients in Palm Beach, Miami & Beyond
Vandalism can happen anywhere and at any time. If your home or business has recently been damaged by vandalism, you may be wondering if your insurance policy will cover the damages. Generally, most losses associated with acts of vandalism are covered under standard homeowners and commercial insurance policies—although exceptions can occur.
At Cernitz Law in Miami, our team of vandalism claim lawyers possess over a decade of experience helping policyholders throughout South Florida receive fair coverage from their insurance providers. We will help you determine whether your policy covers the damage your property has sustained. If your insurance provider unfairly denies your claim, we can file an appeal and take them to court on your behalf.
If your residential or commercial property has been damaged by vandalism, call (305) 570-3422 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Se habla Español.
What to Do If Your Property Is Vandalized
Common acts of vandalism include:
- Cracking or shattering outdoor lights and windows
- Cutting down trees, plants, or bushes without permission
- Egging surfaces
- Slashing tires
- Spray painting surfaces
- Tampering with plumbing
If your home has been vandalized, take care of the following as soon as possible:
- Contact the authorities and file a police report.
- Take your own pictures of the damage for reference.
- Consider hiring an independent adjuster to assess the damage, especially if it appears to be particularly serious and/or costly.
- Make necessary repairs to prevent further damage—otherwise, don’t make any repairs before your insurance company’s claims adjuster comes to survey the damage.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
Tips for Preventing Vandalism
To best prevent your property from being vandalized, implement as many of the following as possible:
- Avoid blockage of windows or doorways by keeping all trees and bushes trimmed.
- Contact local law enforcement immediately if you notice suspicious activities or individuals in your neighborhood.
- Hire a security service or guard(s).
- Install bright security lighting suitable for your floorplan and environment.
- Install fencing around your property.
- Install security cameras.
- Install unbreakable security glass and fixtures specifically designed to deter vandals.
- Lock all gates, doors, windows, and other entrances and exits.
- Strategically grow plants and bushes to block off areas vandals may want to reach.
Vandalism Claim FAQs
At Cernitz Law, we are available to answer all your vandalism claim questions anytime. If you have concerns not addressed on this page, feel free to contact us for a free consultation in English or Spanish at your earliest convenience.
Does insurance coverage pay for vandalism damage?
Damage and destruction caused by vandalism is typically covered on the average HO-3 homeowners insurance policy. However, you may want to double check your policy to ensure you have coverage when facing a potential claim.
What is the difference between vandalism and theft?
Vandalism is more about destruction and property damage whereas theft is the act of stealing, i.e., removing something that doesn’t belong to your from someone else’s property. While sometimes lumped together, these two are nonetheless separate carts.
Why would a vandalism claim be denied?
Residential or commercial vandalism claims may be denied or underpaid by your insurer for the reasons listed below.
The policyholder:
- Cannot prove ownership of claimed items
- Cannot prove that a break-in occurred
- Does not know the value of claimed items
- Failed to perform preventive maintenance to deter vandalism
- Has been a victim of insurance bad faith
- Has insufficient business interruption coverage
Contact Cernitz Law for a Free Case Evaluation Today!
Our Miami vandalism claim attorneys have over a decade of combined experience and are well-versed in this area of litigation. We have worked with every major insurance provider and have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in rightful payments, settlements, and verdicts. We are widely considered to be an authority on Florida insurance claim issues and are prepared to help you navigate the legal process.
If you need help filing your vandalism insurance claim or believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm as soon as possible. Our attorneys can offer you the compassionate, personalized, and aggressive legal representation you deserve while we fight for fair compensation.
Contact us online or call (305) 570-3422 for a no-cost consultation today.
