Does Your Renter's Insurance Cover Riot Damage?
If you live in an area of the country that has recently become entrenched in tension between community members and law enforcement, you may be increasingly concerned about your safety – particularly when these tensions erupt into riots that can cause property damage and physical injury. If your property is destroyed or if your apartment is rendered uninhabitable following a riot, what are your options? Read on to learn more about what types of riot-related damage may be covered by your renter's insurance policy, as well as what you'll need to do to preserve your rights (and your finances) in this situation.
When does renter's insurance cover riot-related damages to your property?
The answer to this question largely depends on the specific language within your policy. Many policies will outright exclude damage caused by civil war, unrest, or insurrection or provide a limited amount of coverage for these claims. Depending upon how those in charge interpret the policy's language as related to rioting or looting, your insurer may decline to extend benefits for a portion or even all of the damage you've suffered. Other policies may be more explicit in their exclusion of riot-related claims.
On the other hand, if your policy doesn't have any specific provisions addressing coverage in the event of a riot and has declined to interpret the more general "civil unrest" language as applying to all types of riots, it's possible you'll be able to receive compensation for your damages – even including payment for a hotel room or other temporary lodging if the rioting has damaged your apartment or rental home so as to make it uninhabitable.
What should you do if your property or apartment is damaged during a riot?
Your first step, after securing your own physical safety, should be to contact your insurance company. Even if you later learn that damage isn't covered by your insurance company, making a report as quickly as possible can help preserve any evidence of damage that may be useful when seeking compensation elsewhere. For example, the federal government and some states may offer emergency grants or other funds to assist local residents who have been displaced by riot damage – having photos and written descriptions of damage that were created as quickly as possible after the riot can put you ahead of the game when it comes to proving your losses.
You may also want to investigate additional insurance coverage, especially if you find that your damages weren't covered by your renter's insurance. Even if you're unable to find any renter's policies that cover this damage in your area, investigating and pursuing alternatives (like umbrella insurance) can ensure you're protected if riots in your community unfortunately continue.
For more information and options, talk with an insurance company in your area, such as Zimmer Insurance Group.
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