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 It happened on a Monday morning. Mike stepped outside to grab his newspaper and froze. His garage door was covered in graffiti. Spray paint stretched from edge to edge, some of it not even spelled right. His mailbox had been knocked over, and his security camera? Smashed clean off the wall. He felt sick—and not just from the mess. All he could think was, “Am I going to have to pay for all of this?” If you’ve ever had property vandalized, you know how frustrating and personal it can feel. Whether it’s broken windows, slashed tires, or a backyard fence suddenly full of obscenities, it’s not just damage—it’s a violation. So, does your home insurance policy cover vandalism? And if it does, how much will it actually help? Let’s break it down. What Counts as Vandalism?Before you even think about coverage, you need to know what your insurance company considers vandalism. Vandalism usually means any intentional destruction or damage done to your property by someone else. It can include things like:
The key here is that the act has to be deliberate. Accidents or damage caused by natural events (like wind blowing something into your window) wouldn’t fall under vandalism. Is Vandalism Usually Covered by Home Insurance?Yes—in most standard home insurance policies, vandalism is covered. This applies whether you own a home in downtown Oklahoma City or in a quieter suburb like Moore, Edmond, or Yukon. If someone intentionally damages your property, your home insurance may help pay to repair or replace the affected areas, up to your policy limits. This includes:
But—and this is important—coverage isn’t automatic for every situation. When You Might Not Be CoveredEven though vandalism is typically covered, there are situations where your insurance company might deny a claim or reduce your payout. If the Home Was VacantIf your home has been unoccupied for more than 30 or 60 days (depending on your policy), vandalism might not be covered unless you added a special rider. Insurance companies consider vacant homes a bigger risk, so they often exclude coverage unless you tell them ahead of time. If You Don’t Report It QuicklyInsurers usually require that you report vandalism right away. You’ll also need to file a police report, even if you’re unsure who did it. Waiting too long or failing to get documentation can lead to a denied claim. If It’s Considered Wear and TearIf the insurance adjuster believes that what you’re calling “vandalism” is actually a result of poor maintenance—like a fence that was already falling apart—they might not cover it. If It’s Done by a Household MemberIf someone in your home damages your property intentionally, like a teenager smashing a window during an argument, your insurance likely won’t cover it. Most policies exclude intentional acts by anyone insured under the policy. What the Claims Process Looks LikeIf your home is vandalized in Oklahoma City, here’s what to expect: 1. Call the Police FirstFile a police report. This is usually required by your insurer. Take photos of the damage, note the time it happened (or when you noticed it), and save any security footage you have. 2. Contact Your Insurance AgentReach out to your home insurance provider (or your local independent agent, like Oklahoma Insurance Professionals) to start the claims process. They’ll ask for details, your police report number, and photos or videos. 3. Get a Damage EstimateYour insurer might send out an adjuster to look at the damage. They’ll give an estimate of what the repairs will cost. 4. Pay Your DeductibleJust like with storm damage or theft, you’ll pay your deductible before insurance kicks in. If the cost to repair is less than your deductible, you’ll pay out of pocket. 5. Repairs or Replacements BeginOnce everything is processed, you can start repairs or replace items. Sometimes you’ll get reimbursed; other times the insurer will pay the contractor directly. Tips to Prevent VandalismWhile you can’t control what other people do, you can make your home less of a target. Here are a few steps homeowners in Oklahoma City often take:
These small steps can go a long way in discouraging troublemakers. What About Cars Vandalized at Home?This one confuses a lot of homeowners. If your car is vandalized in your driveway, your home insurance will not cover it. Auto insurance policies cover vehicles—even if the damage happens at your home. But your comprehensive auto insurance will typically handle things like:
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll be stuck paying out of pocket. Why Your Policy Might Not Be EnoughVandalism claims can get expensive, especially if several parts of your home are damaged at once. If you’ve made recent upgrades to your home—like new siding, updated fencing, or a high-end security system—it’s a good idea to check whether your policy limits are still high enough. Homeowners in Oklahoma sometimes forget to update their coverage after renovations or additions. That’s when a $2,000 deductible and outdated limits can lead to frustrating surprises. That’s where an independent agent comes in handy. Talk to Someone Who Gets ItIf your mailbox has been bashed in, your garage door is full of graffiti, or your windows have been shattered—you're not alone. These things happen across Oklahoma City more than people realize. But the difference between a quick repair and a long, expensive mess often comes down to having the right home insurance policy. One that’s current. One that fits. One that protects you from the stuff you never saw coming. At Oklahoma Insurance Professionals, we work with homeowners throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding area to help them understand what’s really covered—and what’s not. As an independent agency, we’re not tied to just one company, which means we can find the right fit for your situation. Don’t wait until someone sprays your fence or smashes your porch light to find out you’re underinsured. Contact Oklahoma Insurance Professionals today for a personalized homeowners insurance quote from a team that truly knows Oklahoma.
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