The majority of processes in adjusting theft and vandalism damage claims are much like that of other loses, there are specific points of this claim that require close attention and knowledge.
Frequent questions posed by insurance companies after they receive a theft/vandalism claim are: Did a theft or vandalism occur? Did the homeowner own the items claimed stolen, and if so, can they prove it? What is the actual cost of the belongings? Was there any exterior damage, ie. windows doors, etc.?
In retrospect to theft and vandalism claims, most are accompanied by official police reports which documented the event. The statement will help verify what you have told your insurance company to ensure it is valid and factual. It is imperative that the police report is given fully and truthfully. Make sure your police report has all your possessions listed and any damage sustained on the report. As you go through your home and discover any other possessions that are missing and or stolen you may contact the police and update your report.
It is almost always an experienced and seasoned adjuster the insurance company will send to verify this as these claims are not taken lightly. If you do not seek a public adjuster this may set you at a disadvantage as they may offer you something sub-par for your losses etc. While you are trying to get your life back on track, we here at Churchill Public Adjusters are vigorously working on your claim to ensure you can continue your healthy happy life.
Property crimes can happen at any given moment. They usually tend to occur at residences where it is either not occupied during times throughout the day, or throughout a given time frame. Someone may have a home in Florida but leave for 6 months to Canada during the hot season in Florida. These are the times that criminals take advantage. You may walk into your home and find that you suffered at the hands of a thief.
Having a coverage for vandalism and theft is very important if you are ever hardly home. These cases require a great amount of attention and professional advice. Insurance companies will want you to settle for less and may not give you what you are due. We are your best ally during this process because we work against insurance companies, not with them! We work to get you everything that is owed to you in regards to your losses.
Questions Normally Asked By Insurance Companies Are:
- Was there actually a case of theft/vandalism?
- Were the items claimed actually owned by the policyholder, and how can it be proven?
- How much is the item worth?
- Did your home suffer any property damages such as broken doors, windows, walls, or other home damages due to the theft/vandalism?
A public adjuster can help you answer these questions truthfully, but at the same time without saying too much that will cause them to deny your claim. If it’s denied, the public adjuster can help prove each question because most of it is supported by police reports who document the real event. You may also have proof with pictures of your home, and even receipts of the items stolen or vandalized.
Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism And Theft?
Home and Business owners Property Guide by Serafin Martinez on Scribd
Most homeownerâs insurance cover vandalism and theft however each home insurance vary. For the most part, homeownerâs insurance policy can account for the following:
- Outdoor lights and/or windows are shattered
- Your garden is dug up
- Your house is egged
- Your trees and/or bushes are cut when you didnât cut them
- Your house causes fire
- Someone tampered with your plumbing
- And your locks are glued shut
What To Do After Your Home Has Been Vandalized And Theft Occurred
Vandalism and theft is a serious crime in the United States. It causes great strain for homeowners and renters despite what has been destroyed or taken. You might not know what to do when the damages have been done so here are some tips you can do if this has happened to you:
- Call authorities and report what had happened
- Make sure you tell them everything that was stolen and keep a list for yourself
- Call your insurance company about the home invasion and tell them you want to file a claim on the damages or the items that have been stolen
- Your insurance company will then check the accuracy from the police report
- They will also ask you for any pictures, receipts, documentation, credit card statements for all the stolen or damaged items
- If your home has been vandalized, your home insurance should be able to give you coverage for any broken doors or windows and even if the damages were made inside your home. Just take pictures and sent it to your insurance company
- And they will give you give you an estimate of the value of all the items that were stolen
If you are not satisfied with the amount and believe that your personal belongings are worth more in value, then call one of our experienced public adjusters today to further assist you!
Tips To Prevent Vandalism And Theft
- Never announce youâre going on vacation
- Be friendly to you neighbors
- Invest in motion detectors
- Hide your valuables
- Always close your garage
- Make sure your yard is in good condition
- Always lock your windows and doors immediately
Questions Normally Asked by Insurance Companies
Was there actually a case of theft/vandalism? Were the items claimed actually owned by the policy holder, and how can it be proven? How much is the item worth? Did your home suffer any property damages such as, broken doors, windows, walls, or other home damages due to the theft/vandalism?
A public adjuster can help you answer of these questions truthfully, but at the same time without saying too much that will cause them to deny your claim. And if denied, the public adjuster can help prove each question because most of it is supported by police reports whom document the real event. You may also have proof with pictures of your home, and even receipts of the items stolen or vandalized.
Statistics
Theft Statistics
- There has been an estimated number of 6,185,867 theft reports in 2010.
- The rate of estimated thefts in 2010 was, 2,003.5 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Thefts are estimated to the amount of $988 that is taken per offense.
Property Crime Statistics
- In 2016, property crimes decreased 1.3% in 2016 compared with the trend in 2015. It has been estimated to have 7,919, 035 property crime offenses in the entire nation.
- 1% of the accounted crime were burglary and about 71.2% of crimes are larceny-theft.
- Property crimes have resulted at $15.6 billion.
According to the FBI:
- There we about 9,082,887 property crimes throughout the whole nation
- 1% of the total were theft cases The crimes resulted in 15.7 billion dollars in damages
Case Study
A group of over a dozen teens broke into a property, threw a party, and caused more than $1 million in damages in Los Angeles, California. They called it a âghost partyâ because no one was home. Many of those who attended the party started looting the property. The homeowner was able to recover all damages done to him, and some of those teens that were caught are now paying the price. No harm ever goes undone.
FAQ
What Is Vandalism?Â
According to the FBI, vandalism is to voluntarily destroy any private and public property without the owner knowing by means of tearing up, breaking, painting, drawing, cutting and any other means that is specified by the law. Attempts are included.
What Constitutes Vandalism?
Vandalism is a very broad category of crime. It constitutes: purposely spray painting another individualâs property, scratching paint, or keying an individualâs car, breaking windows, graffiti, knocking down street or government signs, and breaking windows on someoneâs property.
What Is Theft?
Theft or larceny is the means to take, carry, lead or ride away with someone elsesâ property without their consent. Attempted larcenies are included. But embezzlement, confidence games, forget, check fraud, etc., are excluded.
What To Do If Vandalism or Theft Happened To You?
If vandalism or theft happened to you, here are some steps to take to get proof of the damage:
- Have the authorities involved as soon as possible
- Contact your insurance company to report your claim
- Make a list of damaged or stolen items
- Consolidate original purchase receipts, pictures, appraisals and/or credit card statements you might have related to the damaged or stolen items
How Our Public Adjusters Can Help
Imagine coming home from an amazing vacation and finding you have nothing inside, or your home has been vandalized causing extensive damages. The fun moments you spent on your vacation just went out the door. You are at a loss of words. You may not know how to report everything that was stolen, or how much each damaged property is worth. We have all the answers. We have been dealing with theft and vandalism claims for a while.
Our main goals are to get you back all the harms endured, be your moral support, and follow-up with the police about the criminals in question and if they were able to recover anything. With us on your side, you donât have to deal with the insurance companies doubting your claims. We investigate and provide proof to the insurance companies that what is due is the full compensation. Get in touch with one of our public adjusters for vandalism and theft today!
References
