My Business Was Damaged by Vandalism. Will Insurance Cover it? – Workest Interviews Dana Delman

The vandalism and theft some small businesses experienced recently have left business owners wondering if insurance will cover damage caused by civil unrest.

Most business owners are required by their lease agreements to have a Business Owners Policy (BOP), which bundles the most common property protection and liability risks.

“As far as property damage and stolen merchandise, I’ve never seen a commercial lease that did not require the tenant get insurance for those things,” said partner Dana Delman.

BOPs usually cover damage to property, furnishings, equipment, and inventory caused by civil unrest, vandalism, or malicious mischief. However, damage to windows may not be covered under a basic insurance policy, as this coverage is often sold separately.

“If you can trust your insurance agent, you will likely be adequately protected,” Dana added.

If your business has been damaged by vandalism, here’s what to do:

• Report the damage to the authorities and obtain a police report
• Document all the damages with photographs and inventory reports
• Record lost income and expenses
• Make a claim with your insurance company ASAP
• Mitigate further damages by securing the property
• Business owners should carefully examine their own policies — and seek professional help if need be

Continue reading the full article.

Questions about your commercial lease agreement? Contact Delman Vukmanovic LLP at LA 213.943.1340 / OC 949.852.3590 or info@DelVukLaw.com.