Activities perpetuated by groups that result in property damage, such as fires, broken windows, and doors are all categorized under the term, “civil commotion.” Power blackouts, riots, and comparable events all fall under the civil commotion designation, and can result in vandalism and looting.
Although a majority of insurers will cover damages incurred by civil commotion, not all policies include such coverage, which can leave business owners forced to fend for themselves as, for example, the many Korean businessmen who were forced to take arms to defend their shops from the Rodney King looters.
Civil commotion could also be cited for the looting and damage incurred in Philadelphia after the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. Apparently, when looting and vandalism is committed on a massive scale, crime does pay.
