Civil disorders and insurance

Property damage caused by riot, civil commotion or vandalism is generally covered under standard auto, business, and homeowners insurance policies. Several types of insurance products, depending on the property's nature and function, can provide coverage to help with rebuilding or replacement.

Homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners policies will cover damage to the property caused by fire, an explosion, a riot or civil commotion, vandalism, or malicious mischief. This coverage would extend to the home's structure and any personal possessions. If you cannot live at your home because it was damaged by an insured disaster, standard home (and renters insurance policies) provide coverage for additional living expenses (ALE). This coverage pays for the cost of living away from home above and beyond traditional expenses. For example, ALE covers hotel bills and restaurant meals incurred while a house is repaired or rebuilt. 

Auto insurance

The optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy covers damage to cars, providing reimbursement for damage to the vehicle and its contents caused by fire, falling objects, vandalism, or riot. Comprehensive coverage will also reimburse a policyholder if a windshield is cracked or shattered, and some companies offer glass coverage without a deductible. Approximately three-quarters of U.S. drivers chose to buy this optional coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. 

Business insurance

Damage to the physical part of a business and its contents that is caused by fire, riots, civil commotion or vandalism is generally covered under a standard Business Owners Policy (also known as a BOP). Some businesses purchase coverage for plate glass windows separately. Businesses that are forced to suspend operations or limit hours due to rioting may have coverage for the loss of income under business income insurance—also known as business interruption insurance. However, this is only triggered if there is direct physical damage to the premises. A “civil authority provision” in a business policy provides coverage for lost income and extra expenses in the event the police department or fire department bars access to the property.

Triple-I Policy: Industry Is Built on Trust and Fairness

As part of an industry dedicated to helping support those in times of need, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) extends its deepest sympathies to all those impacted by acts of injustice and violence. The insurance industry is built on a foundation of trust and fairness, and there can be no tolerance for racial discrimination in any form.

Insurance customers should know that the industry is already actively working to help pay claims so that communities are able to rebuild when it is time. Insurers take pride in keeping their promises to the neighborhoods they serve and being there in moments of need.

In our work, the Triple-I has seen firsthand the resilience, compassion, and commitment of communities across the country in times of tragedy and grief. Today and every day, we want to help foster unity and support the communities insurers serve and contribute to real, positive change.