Do I Have Insurance Coverage From Riots, Vandalism and Looting?

We have recently been receiving a number of phone calls and emails enquiring about having insurance coverage if one’s business is impacted from rioting, vandalism, theft/looting and related disturbances. Most homeowners and business policies specifically include coverage for these perils. Insurance policies include a list of perils that are covered as well as what is excluded. There are some policies that are “open peril”, meaning they do not list what is covered, rather only what is excluded. So if it is not specifically excluded there is coverage for these losses. The vast majority of policies DO NOT EXCLUDE rioting, vandalism and looting (theft).

Following 9/11, a specific act was established into law to define terrorism for the sake of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). When people listen to pundits discuss rioting, looting and vandalism they hear some call it “domestic terrorism”. As it pertains to insurance, no domestic terrorism has taken place in the wake of the current riots and this is hyperbole. Terrorism may only be declared by the US Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Homeland Security and the US Attorney General.

So, if you have a Homeowners Insurance Policy, a Business Owners Policy, or other Commercial Property Insurance, you almost certainly have coverage for the ensuing damage from a riot. If in doubt, contact your agent to look over and discuss your policy to confirm coverage.