Does home insurance cover vandalism?

When we hear ‘home insurance’, we often think of cover for weather events like fire or flood. But did you know your home insurance policy can also provide cover for vandalism to your home? 

How does home insurance cover vandalism? 

With Suncorp Home Insurance, cover is included for loss or damage to your home caused by malicious acts or vandalism. This cover applies to your home, and any other fixed structures on your property used primarily for domestic purposes like a shed, mailbox and fencing. Your trees and shrubs are also covered by our Classic Extras and Classic Advantages policies (up to $1000 or $2000 in total respectively, per event).

If you have Suncorp Contents Insurance, you’ll have cover for the things inside your home too, like your household appliances, carpet and furniture.

Plus, with our Classic Advantages policy, if you have a monitored alarm we’ll also cover the cost of fees charged by your security provider to respond if it’s activated by a break-in or attempted break-in - subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.

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Types of vandalism covered by home insurance 

Vandalism is the deliberate destruction of, or damage to, public or private property, and includes things like:

• graffiti 
• arson
• deliberately smashed windows or broken locks
• a smashed mailbox
• destroyed and knocked down fences.

Does home insurance cover tenant vandalism? 

Suncorp Landlord Insurance provides cover for your property for malicious acts or vandalism by your tenants or their guests. An additional excess applies, and you’ll also have to have a written rental agreement in place and be able to prove the damage was intentional. Accidental damage is only covered if you’ve added the optional cover to your policy for an additional premium. Limits may apply, so please refer to your PDS for details.

Does home insurance cover vandalism to an unoccupied home?

When you have a Suncorp Home Insurance policy, cover is provided for all insured events – including malicious damage and vandalism – even when your home is unoccupied. If you claim for an event that happened when the home or unit was unoccupied for more than 60 continuous days, an unoccupied excess will apply. 

What to do if your home has been vandalised 

As vandalism is a crime, your first step is to call the police. 

Then, take plenty of pictures and videos of the damage and make a claim with your insurer. If you need temporary emergency repairs done to make you and your household safe, let us know when you make your claim and we’ll send a professional out ASAP.

Making a home insurance claim

Quickly and easily make a claim online or in the Suncorp Insurance App – anywhere, anytime. Here you can upload photos and any documents relating to your claim, like invoices or police statements.

Make a claim online

How to protect yourself from vandalism 

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from vandalism. Things like security cameras, alarms and sensor lights are a great deterrent. Also, keeping the visibility of your home high by pruning trees is a good way to remove hiding places for vandals.

Explore Suncorp Home Insurance 

Not sure what’s covered under Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance? Our interactive guide is a great way to learn more. 

Explore the Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance guide

Read more:

• Things you didn't know were covered by your home and contents insurance
• Suncorp Home Insurance claims: Assessment, repairs and settlement guide
• Are garages covered by home insurance?

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Conditions, limits and exlcusions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Target Market Determination also available. Advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.