Does insurance cover damage from civil unrest and looting?

My local newspaper reported that nearly 600 businesses in the Twin Cities were damaged during riots following George Floyd's death on May 25, 2020. While it's still too early to determine the full financial impact of this unrest, insurance companies are already bracing for record losses from the event.

While I was out covering the events, I heard many people justify the property damage as a form of protest, arguing, “Insurance companies will cover it, so it’s not like we’re hurting anyone.”

This made me think: How do businesses recover from such destruction? What about people whose cars were damaged outside their homes? Will insurance actually cover everything, or will people end up losing more than just property?

We did some research and reached out to legal experts across the country to understand how insurance works in these situations.

Here’s what we found:

  • Businesses are typically covered for civil unrest, looting, vandalism, and arson under commercial property insurance policies.
  • However, vacant buildings may not be covered — check your policy carefully.
  • Homeowners usually have coverage, but some policies exclude business-related items kept at home, like a work laptop or equipment.
  • Renters are only protected if they have renters insurance. Landlords’ policies generally cover the building, not personal belongings.
  • Cars are often covered under the "comprehensive" portion of auto insurance, not the "collision" part.
  • Many policies specifically exclude acts of "terrorism."
  • The definition of terrorism is vague and increasingly political, which could lead insurers to use broad claims — like calling looters "terrorists" — to avoid paying out.
  • Even when covered, insurance won’t always pay for everything. That’s why having a rainy-day fund is essential.
  • Insurance terms can be tricky. The word "usually" is key here — always read your policy or ask your agent for clear, written answers.
  • Insurance companies aren’t your friends. Document everything. If you believe a claim was unfairly denied, consult a lawyer.
Building Owner vs. Building Occupant

Whether you're a business owner or an individual, one important distinction to keep in mind is the difference between who owns the building and who owns the contents inside it. Insurance policies often separate these two aspects.

Building owners typically have insurance that covers the structure and its fixtures, whether it's a commercial property or a homeowner’s policy.

But if you're renting space, your landlord's policy doesn’t automatically cover your belongings. You need your own insurance — like a renters policy — to protect your personal property.

Conversely, some homeowner’s policies limit coverage for business-related items. For example, one policy might only cover up to $5,000 in business equipment at home. If you run a small business from your house, you might need additional coverage.

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 covered unless the building is vacant."

It sounds straightforward, but things aren’t always that simple. Some insurance companies try to avoid paying by finding loopholes.

"Insurance companies often look for ways not to pay rather than to cover," said K.C. Williams from Williams Law, P.A. in Tampa, FL. "While riots and civil commotion seem like clear reasons for coverage, many insurers push back using fine print and definitions."

The goal isn’t to turn small businesses against insurance, but the lawyers we spoke with warned that assuming coverage means no out-of-pocket costs is risky.

"Insurance companies often say they’ll cover damages when there's no strong reason not to," said Tina Willis from Tina Willis Law in Orlando, FL. "But the real question is: how much will they actually pay?"

Willis added that when insurers offer coverage, people tend to relax. They assume their insurer will be fair. But in her experience, companies often pay less than expected.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA)

After 9/11, the U.S. introduced the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) in 2002. When the Secretary of the Treasury certifies an act of terrorism, the federal government helps cover the losses.

This led to specialized terrorism insurance for businesses. If the government certifies an event as terrorism, the insurer gets reimbursement.

But what counts as terrorism? During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, President Trump labeled Antifa as terrorists. Attorney General William Barr followed suit, calling their actions domestic terrorism.

However, law enforcement has stated there’s no solid evidence linking Antifa to the damage. This creates confusion, especially when it comes to insurance coverage.

"The fact that Antifa is now considered a terrorist organization raises questions about coverage," said Erik Jacobs from Cicero, France, and Alexander, P.C. "But proving direct involvement would be difficult for insurance companies."

As of now, there has been no official certification from the Treasury, meaning most insurance companies likely won’t use the terrorism clause to deny claims. Still, political statements can be used as excuses — even if they don’t hold up legally.

Coverage for Homeowners, Renters, and Vehicles

Most homeowners' and renters' policies cover 'perils' like fire, theft, and explosions — which includes riot damage. Some add 'catastrophe' coverage for extra protection.

If you rent, your landlord’s policy covers structural damage, but your personal items require a separate renters policy. Without it, you could lose everything.

"I have a client who lost everything because he didn’t have renters insurance," said Erik Jacobs. "That’s why it’s crucial to get coverage."

Car insurance usually covers riots if you have comprehensive coverage. This includes damage from fires, vandalism, and natural disasters. Always check your policy to ensure you have more than just collision coverage.

Documentation Matters!

What matters isn’t what the insurance agent told you — it’s what’s in your policy. Reading through insurance documents isn’t fun, but it’s necessary if you care about your coverage.

Many people take time each year to document their possessions with photos, videos, and receipts. It’s a smart habit that can save you a lot of trouble later.

If you ever need to file a claim, make sure to gather as much evidence as possible. Photos, videos, witnesses, and police reports can all help protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

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