How to Handle a Vandalism Claim without a Police Report

Vandalism can be a serious issue for any property owner. It is not only frustrating but also financially draining. Ideally, you would file a police report right after the incident, and your insurance company would take it from there. However, sometimes this doesn't happen. For some reason, you may be unable to file a police report, and you’re left to deal with the damage yourself. In this blog post, we have compiled useful tips to help you navigate the situation smoothly.

Document the Damage

Whether you plan on filing a police report or not, it is essential to document the damage by taking pictures and videos. Ensure that the pictures show the extent of the damage, including any valuable items that are broken or damaged. It would also be helpful to collect any physical evidence of the vandalism, such as spray paint cans, broken bottles, or any other debris that can be collected.

Alert Your Insurance Provider

Once you have gathered sufficient evidence, alert your insurance provider about the situation. You will have to go through your policy to see if vandalism is covered. If it is, your insurer will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and begin the claims process. Be sure to explain that you don't have a police report but have evidence of the vandalism.

Seek Out Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the vandalism, be sure to speak to them and obtain their contact information. These witnesses could be anyone, from neighbors to passers-by. Witnesses can help to establish the time of the incident, the extent of the damage, and any other information that could be useful to the police or the insurance company.

Secure Your Property

After a vandalism incident, it is essential to secure your property. This means getting the broken windows and damaged locks fixed, or getting a temporary fix in place. Not only does this minimize the risk of further damage, but it also makes your property safer. Your insurance company may even cover the cost of these temporary fixes.

Hire a Public Adjuster

If you’re experiencing difficulty with your insurer due to the lack of a police report, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster. A public adjuster can work on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Five Star Claims Adjusting is a reputable public adjuster in South Florida with years of experience in handling vandalism claims. The company offers a free inspection of your damaged property and guarantees maximum compensation to cover the repair and replacement of your valuable items.

Conclusion

Handling a vandalism claim without a police report can be tricky. Nonetheless, it is doable if you have the right evidence and know-how. As we have discussed in this blog post, document the damage, alert your insurance provider, seek out witnesses, secure your property, and consider hiring a public adjuster to ensure that your claim is handled fairly. Remember, vandalism is covered in most homeowner insurance policies, so take action immediately by contacting your insurance provider to prevent further frustration and financial strain. If you're in South Florida, schedule a free inspection with Five Star Claims Adjusting to recover your loss.