Concerns about civil unrest is leading some homeowners to ask, “Does my homeowner’s insurance cover property damage or loss from looting?”
The short answer to the question of whether homeowner’s insurance covers riots is: Yes. Standard homeowners’ policies cover damage that results from riots, looting and vandalism related to civil unrest. This can include damage done both by rioters as well as civil authorities during a period of unrest. Coverage extends from damage done to the structures on the property to the personal property and possessions inside the home.
Similarly, if the damage done by the riots and looting is extensive enough to force you and your family to move out for a period your homeowner’s policy will also cover some costs of living while your home is being repaired. These expenses may include hotel bills, meals and clothing.
Three tiers of homeowner’s insurance.
The first, or most basic tier of homeowner’s insurance covers a house and its belongings from loss or damage for the following named perils:
- Fire/lightening
- Smoke
- Windstorm/hail
- Explosion
- Riot
- Aircraft
- Vehicles
- Glass breakage
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Volcanic eruption
The second tier of homeowner’s coverage includes the above 11 perils as well as:
- Falling objects, including meteorites and satellites
- Ice, snow or sleet
- Overflow of water, excluding sump pumps
- Rupture of heating, air conditioning or hot water
- Pipe freezing
- Electric current
And the third tier, known as an “all risk” homeowner’s policy, includes the above-mentioned perils as well as:
- Ordinance of law
- Nuclear hazard
- Flood
- Earth movement
- Power failure
- Inherent defects
- Governmental action
- War and military action
- Vermin
Ensuring your homeowner’s insurance covers riot damage.
If you have a homeowner’s claim related to violence, looting or riots, remember to report the incident immediately to your local police station and insurance broker. Document the damage for reference during the claim.
- Document damage. Insurance companies recommend homeowners photograph and document all belongings and keep the list in an offsite location. If your home is subject to looting and vandalism, now document and photograph the same belongings as they appear after the incident. This will be the evidence you need for your claim.
- Report immediately. Reporting a claim as soon as possible allows the insurer to prioritize your incident and payout. It also lets the insurance company know that there is no other possible reason for the damage.
As with any insurance, there’s always fine print. What’s included in one policy may not be included in another. Therefore, it is important for you to work with your insurance broker to understand potential policy exclusions and coverage limits to ensure it covers what you need.
- Exclusions. Some homeowner’s policies will have standard exclusions. These may include mold, water damage, earth movement and intentional/preventable loss. Work with your broker to make sure the exclusions to your coverage are things you can live with.
- Limits. If looting is treated as theft by your policy, there may be additional coverage limits. If you must move out due to home damage, living expenses may be limited to 20% of your dwelling coverage limit. If your home was severely damaged by the riots or looting, you’ll want to have the appropriate amount to fully rebuild. Work with your broker to make sure your coverage limits are appropriate for your needs.
Contact your HUB personal insurance broker for more information on your homeowner’s policy and its coverage.
