While I was out covering these events, I came across people justifying the destruction as a form of protest, often saying, “Insurance will cover it, so it’s not like we’re hurting anyone.” That statement made me think: How do affected businesses really recover? What about people’s cars parked outside their homes? Will insurance actually cover everything, or will people face long-term consequences?

So, I did some research and reached out to lawyers across the country to get a clearer picture of what insurance actually covers in such situations.

Here’s what we found:

• Most business property policies cover civil unrest, looting, vandalism, and arson — but not always if the building is vacant.
• Homeowners usually have coverage, though certain items like a home office laptop might be excluded.
• Renters are only protected if they have a renters insurance policy. Landlords typically cover the building, not personal belongings.
• Cars are generally covered under the “comprehensive” portion of auto insurance, not the “collision” part.
• Many policies exclude “terrorism,” which can lead to disputes over whether an incident qualifies.
• Even when covered, insurance may not pay for everything — having a rainy-day fund is important.
• Always read your policy carefully. Coverage isn’t guaranteed unless it’s clearly stated.
• Insurance companies aren’t always on your side. If you believe a claim is being unfairly denied, consult a lawyer.

Building Owner vs. Building Occupant

It’s important to understand the difference between who owns the building and who owns the contents inside. Typically, building owners have insurance that covers the structure, while occupants must get their own coverage for personal items.

For example, a landlord’s policy may cover the building and fixtures, but not the tenant’s belongings. Similarly, a homeowner’s policy might not fully cover business-related items kept at home, like inventory or equipment.

Commercial Properties Are Usually Covered During Riots

“Riot is a covered peril under even a basic property insurance policy,” said Steven Mikuzis from Mag Mile Law in Chicago. “Vandalism is also typically included, unless the building is vacant.”

But not all insurance companies are quick to pay out. “Some look for ways to avoid paying rather than cover claims,” said K.C. Williams from Williams Law, P.A. in Tampa, FL. “They’ll dig into the fine print to deny coverage, even when it should be valid.”

Lawyers warn that just because a policy says “covered” doesn’t mean the payout will be fair. “Insurance companies often promise coverage but then pay less than expected,” said Tina Willis from Tina Willis Law in Orlando, FL. “That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed and document everything.”

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA)

After 9/11, the U.S. introduced the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which allows the federal government to help cover insurance claims if an act of terrorism is certified by the Treasury Secretary.

However, the definition of “terrorism” is vague and politically charged. During the 2020 protests, President Trump labeled Antifa as a terrorist group, and Attorney General William Barr followed suit. But law enforcement has since clarified that there was no evidence linking Antifa to the damage.

This creates confusion for policyholders. “Even if the president calls something terrorism, the insurance company still needs official certification to trigger coverage,” said Erik Jacobs from Cicero, France, and Alexander, P.C. “Without that, they might use political statements as an excuse to deny claims.”

Coverage for Homeowners, Renters, and Vehicles

Most homeowners’ policies cover riot damage, especially if they’ve added additional coverage like “catastrophe” insurance. Renters, however, need their own policy to protect personal belongings.

Car insurance usually includes comprehensive coverage, which protects against riots, fires, and vandalism. Make sure your policy includes this, not just collision coverage.

Documentation Matters!

Insurance is all about what’s written in the policy, not what someone told you. Take the time to review your documents and keep records of your possessions.

When disaster strikes, documenting everything — photos, videos, police reports — can make a huge difference. It might save you years of stress and money in the long run.

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