Television Damaged When Favorite Team Loses

November 25, 2013

The insured has an ISO broad-form homeowner's policy (HO-2). The insured's brother was watching a football game on the TV at the insured's home, and his favorite team lost. In a fit of rage, he kicked the TV and accidentally broke it—the damage was unintentional.

Would the vandalism peril likely be construed to provide first party coverage for the damage to the TV?

Illinois Subscriber

Vandalism is defined as willful and malicious, with intent to do harm. The brother did not intend to ruin the TV, it just happened. Personal property is covered under named perils, and an irate brother is not a named peril. This is not vandalism nor is it another named peril; therefore there is no coverage.