South Carolina Personal Lines Practice Exam

What is the vacancy period after which coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief is excluded?

1. 30 days

2. 60 days

3. 90 days

4. 120 days

The correct answer is: 60 days

In property insurance policies, coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief is typically contingent upon the property's occupancy status. In many standard homeowner’s insurance policies, there is a vacancy clause that specifies the length of time a property must be unoccupied before coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief is excluded. In this case, the correct answer identifies a vacancy period of 60 days. This means that if a property is unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days, the coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief would no longer apply. This stipulation exists to mitigate the insurer's risk, as vacant properties are generally more susceptible to these types of damages. It's important for homeowners to be aware of this timeframe, particularly if they anticipate periods of vacancy. Failure to maintain occupancy within this period could lead to significant financial loss, as any subsequent vandalism or damage would not be covered by the insurance policy. Thus, understanding these timelines helps ensure proper coverage and financial protection.