Protests are a longstanding way for people to express views, and large waves of demonstrations have occurred on multiple issues since 2020. Data show that most events are non-violent: an analysis of summer 2020 found over 90% of U.S. demonstrations were peaceful, and federal threat assessments in 2024 describe protest-related violence as episodic and localized rather than widespread (ACLED; DHS 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment). Industry loss reporting indicates that, while protests continue, the United States has not seen a repeat of the nationally aggregated property-damage losses recorded at the 2020 peak (Insurance Information Institute).
During late May to early June 2020, Property Claim Services (Verisk) designated a multi-state catastrophe arising from civil disorder. The Insurance Information Institute reports PCS’s insured loss estimate at $1–$2 billion—the costliest U.S. civil disorder on record, a benchmark that industry sources continued to cite in 2024. Subsequent large SRCC events abroad underscore ongoing tail risk—for example, French insurers reported roughly €650–€730 million of insured losses from the June–July 2023 riots (France Assureurs; Reuters), and South Africa’s state SRCC insurer reported around R32–R37 billion in claims from July 2021 unrest (Sasria; Reuters). In 2023, man-made insured losses globally were about USD 10 billion, with SRCC a notable contributor (Swiss Re sigma).
When property is damaged, coverage depends on which policy applies. For most homeowners, standard policies cover direct physical loss to the dwelling and personal property caused by riot or civil commotion, vandalism/malicious mischief, theft, and resulting fire/smoke—subject to deductibles and exclusions (III; NAIC). Vehicles are different: protest-related damage to a car is covered only if you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto policy; personal items stolen from a vehicle are generally claimed under homeowners or renters coverage (GEICO; NAIC Auto; State Farm).
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage from Protests and Civil Unrest?
Yes—under most U.S. homeowners forms, coverage is triggered not by the undefined phrase “civil unrest,” but by specified perils such as “riot or civil commotion” and “vandalism or malicious mischief.” These are covered causes of loss in named-perils policies, and they are not excluded in special (open-perils) forms unless another exclusion applies (III; NAIC). Terminology varies and many policies do not define “riot” or “civil commotion,” so industry references and case law often guide interpretation (IRMI). Standard exclusions like war, civil war, insurrection, or governmental action still apply, and terrorism is treated separately under the U.S. federal TRIA backstop for certified events (primarily a commercial-lines program) (U.S. Treasury TRIA). As of 2024–2025, consumer guidance indicates core SRCC coverage under standard homeowners policies remains intact; shifts have been more about pricing/underwriting than adding blanket SRCC exclusions (III; NAIC; Allianz Commercial).
However, your homeowners insurance will not cover damage to your vehicle. “Automobile damage would typically be covered under an auto insurance policy where comprehensive coverage was purchased,” Zielezienshki says.
According to the California Department of Insurance, a riot or civil commotion is defined as a revolt by a gathering of people in a public place, although a civil commotion usually is said to involve a greater number of people. Both events generally are listed together in your homeowners insurance policy as a covered loss. Still, you should check with your insurer to see what is covered by your policy. In practice, many policies do not define these terms explicitly; claims hinge on covered-peril wording (“riot or civil commotion,” “vandalism”) and standard exclusions (e.g., war/insurrection), as noted in industry references (IRMI).
What Damage Is Covered by Insurance?
The type of homeowners insurance coverage you have determines what damages resulting from protests and civil unrest is covered. “It is important to check with your insurer or insurance agent to see exactly what your policy covers,” Zielezienshki says. “Insurance policies are contracts that must be interpreted according to their specific terms and conditions.”
According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage to the structure of the home as well as any personal possessions. However, it also may provide additional benefits if your home is damaged to the point you cannot stay there until the damage is repaired. In that case, you may receive additional living expenses that cover the cost of living away from your home. This includes reimbursement of hotel bills and restaurant expenses you pay while your home is undergoing repairs.
Filing Insurance Claims for Civil Unrest
First and foremost, you should call the police and file a report for any damage to your home or its contents resulting from protests or civil unrest. Next, you should call your homeowners insurance company or agent to report the damage. Ask your agent the following questions:
- Does my homeowners insurance cover damages from civil unrest or protests?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- Will my claim exceed my deductible?
- What information or documentation do you need from me to file a claim?
Do not remove or throw anything away from your home until after the insurance adjuster has seen it and approved the removal. Take photos and/or a video of your home and its contents to document all of the damage. You should submit copies of all photos and/or video when you file your claim.
Once you have documented the damage, take steps to prevent any further damage. For instance, cover the roof or any other damaged surface to prevent rain from getting in, board up any broken windows and close off any rooms with unstable floors or ceilings. Do not try to make any temporary repairs other than to prevent further damage, so the insurance adjuster can see the full extent of the damage. If you enlist the services of others to help with temporary repairs, keep copies of all receipts, contracts and other related documentation to file for reimbursement with your claim.
When hiring a professional contractor to make repairs, get a detailed written estimate for the project to submit to your insurance adjuster or agent. You may need to submit this before your contractor gets started; verify with your insurance company or agent for their specific procedures. Once the contractor gets started on your home repairs, keep copies of all contracts, receipts and other related documentation to submit with your insurance claim. Take photos during and after the repairs are completed.
Once your homeowners insurance claim is finalized, keep copies of all your contracts, receipts and claim paperwork on file in the event you encounter a problem in the future.
The Bottom Line
If your home sustains damage resulting from protests or civil unrest, the damages likely are covered under your homeowners insurance policy, but you’ll need to check with your insurer to see what your policy covers. Contact your homeowners insurance company or agent right away to report any damage and find out what steps you should take to file a claim.
