Adjusting Services
Theft & Vandalism Damage Adjusting
Residential or commercial, damage to your property due to vandalism or theft is a possibility. Broken windows, graffiti, theft and much more can happen at any time. We document the damage and stolen property to make sure the claim is handled properly.
Theft and Vandalism Insurance Claims
A break- in leaves two kinds of loss. The property that was taken, and the damage done getting in and getting out: broken doors and windows, pried frames, cut copper, smashed fixtures, and graffiti. Insurance companies handle each part differently, and both parts are easy to underpay. Michaelson & Messinger documents theft and vandalism claims for homeowners, landlords, and businesses across Chicago and the suburbs.
Where Theft Claims Go Wrong
Carriers pay for stolen property that can be shown to have existed. Without receipts, photographs, or a detailed inventory, they discount or deny. They also apply sublimits most policyholders have never read: a few thousand dollars for jewelry, a few hundred for cash, limits on firearms, silverware, tools, and business property kept at home. We build the inventory from what you have, photographs on your phone, bank statements, warranty cards, and sworn statements, and we identify every sublimit before the claim is filed.
Vacant Buildings and Rental Property
Copper theft and vandalism in a vacant building or between tenants is one of the most disputed claims in Illinois. Many policies exclude vandalism after the property has been vacant for a set number of days. We read the policy, establish the vacancy timeline, and present the claim under the coverage that applies. For landlords, we add the loss of rent while the unit is repaired.
What We Do
- Photograph and document all physical damage before repairs begin
- Prepare a full stolen property inventory with description, age, and replacement cost
- Identify sublimits and scheduled items on your policy
- Coordinate the police report and the carrier’s proof of loss requirements
- Prepare the repair estimate for doors, windows, fixtures, wiring, plumbing, and finishes
- Meet the carrier adjuster and negotiate
Board- Up and Repair
We secure the building the same day so a second break in does not follow the first. Once the claim is settled, our crews make the repairs under a written warranty.
Call Before You File
Call 630.654.2600 before you give the carrier a recorded statement. What you say in that call about what was taken and how the building was used can decide the claim. The first visit is free.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft & Vandalism Damage Adjusting
Do I need a police report for a theft claim?
Yes. Every carrier requires one. File it the same day, list what you know was taken, and add items to the report as you find them missing. We help you complete the inventory.
How do I prove what was stolen if I have no receipts?
Photographs on your phone, bank and credit card statements, warranty registrations, manuals, gift records, and sworn statements from people who saw the items. We build the inventory from what you have.
What are jewelry and cash sublimits?
Most policies cap theft of jewelry at one to two thousand dollars, cash at a few hundred, and set limits on firearms, silverware, and business property. Scheduled items are covered separately. We identify every sublimit before filing.
Is vandalism covered if my building was vacant?
Many policies exclude vandalism after the building has been vacant thirty or sixty days. We establish the vacancy timeline and present the claim under the coverage that still applies.
Does insurance cover copper stolen from a rental between tenants?
It depends on the vacancy clause and whether the loss is treated as theft or vandalism. We read the policy and document the timeline. These claims are frequently denied without representation and frequently paid with it.
Does insurance pay to fix the door they broke to get in?
Yes. Physical damage from the break in is covered under the dwelling, separate from the stolen property. We document doors, windows, frames, locks, and any interior damage.
Does insurance cover graffiti and broken windows on my business?
Yes, under the building coverage, and business personal property covers damaged inventory and equipment. Business interruption may apply if you had to close. We handle all three parts.
