State Adjusting Services
(630) 297-8136 Free Claim Review

Vandalism and theft insurance claims in Illinois

A break-in leaves two losses: what was broken and what was taken. We document both and negotiate them as one claim.

Free Claim Review(630) 297-8136
  • $0 upfront
  • Fee from the recovery only
  • Licensed Illinois public adjusters
Aerial view of a house with a dark grey shingle roof between two neighbouring houses and bare trees
Claim settled, then rebuiltWe negotiated the roof claim; our construction partner did the build.

Where vandalism and theft claims lose money

  1. No report, no proof of entryThe carrier wants the police report and signs of forced entry. We collect both, with repair quotes.
  2. Stolen items paid at a used priceContents get a depreciated number. We build the inventory at replacement cost where your policy allows it.
  3. Vacancy raised on a rentalMany policies limit vandalism cover after a set number of vacant days. We prove the occupancy dates from leases and utility bills.
Aerial view of a house with a grey shingle roof, a white car in the driveway and a covered pool in the fenced backyard

Damage to one wall, approved as a full replacement

Graffiti and smashed siding raise the same question: can the repair match?

Aerial view of a house with a light grey shingle roof, a fenced lawn and a patio with chairs
Fire & smoke damage · approved

Melted siding from a grill, full replacement

Siding cannot be matched invisibly, so we argued for replacing the whole elevation. Approved and passed local inspection.

  • Full siding replacement
  • Matching argued and won
  • Inspection passed

“Guys got me approved for the full siding replacement on the house.” Aleksey Babin

All results

Which part of a homeowners policy pays for what

A typical homeowners form. Your own policy wording decides the cover and limits.

DamageUsually paid underProof that helps
Forced door, broken locks, smashed windowsDwelling (Coverage A)Police report, photos before board-up, repair quote
Graffiti, paint, gouged siding or masonryDwelling, or other structures for fences and garagesPhotos of every wall, matching quotes
Copper, condensers, water heaters torn outDwelling, including walls opened to remove themWhat was taken and what was torn open
TVs, tools, bikes, jewelryPersonal property (Coverage C); jewelry has lower theft limitsReceipts, card statements, photos, serial numbers
A rental unit that cannot be rentedFair rental value or loss of rents, if on the policyLease, rent roll, dates the unit was down

What Illinois law requires of your public adjuster

Rules from the Illinois Insurance Code that bind every public adjuster, including us.

Overhead view of a brown shingle roof with roof vents and a round turbine vent
  • No settlement without your consentWe cannot settle without your knowledge and consent; on request you get the scope and value of the damages first.215 ILCS 5/1590(k)
  • Home claim money goes to youOn a personal residence, the insurance proceeds are delivered to the named insured or your designee.215 ILCS 5/1590(i)
  • No percentage if the limit is paid fastIf the insurer commits to the policy limit within 5 business days of the report, no percentage fee is allowed.215 ILCS 5/1575(c)

What to keep from the first days after a break-in

  1. Before anything movesVideo every room

    Then each entry point, pry marks and broken glass.

  2. Same dayFile the police report

    Note the report number and the officer’s name.

  3. Before repairsSecure, but keep the evidence

    Board up and change locks; keep the broken parts for the carrier’s adjuster.

  4. As you notice moreAdd to the stolen list

    The first list is rarely complete. Add items in writing with proof of ownership.

“Professional, responsive, on-time, and delivering exactly what they promised every step of the way. Would highly recommend.”
Alina Rudianyn · Google review · August 2023
4.934 Google reviewsRead them

Start a free review of your vandalism or theft claim

  1. Send us what you haveReport number, photos, the policy if you have it.
  2. We read the policyAnd tell you whether you need us.
  3. We document, value and negotiateOur fee is a share of the recovery. Nothing upfront.

Start with four fields

Want to describe the break-in in detail? Use the full form. Your details go only to the adjuster reviewing your claim.

Vandalism and theft claim questions

Call us Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

(630) 297-8136
Nothing was stolen, but the door and frame were destroyed. Is that a claim?

Often, yes. The door, frame, lock and trim are property damage like any other repair. Compare the repair quote with your deductible first.

The thief took things I have no receipts for. Can I still claim them?

Yes. Card statements, phone photos, boxes and manuals can all show you owned an item. We assemble that proof item by item.

My tenant moved out and the unit was vandalized before the next lease. Is it covered?

It depends on your policy’s vacancy wording and the dates. We collect the lease end date and utility records and read them against the policy.