Vandalism and theft public adjuster for denied, delayed or underpaid claims

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Who we help

We represent residential and commercial policyholders on vandalism, burglary and theft claims, including:

• Homeowners dealing with a break-in, stolen belongings, broken windows and doors, or graffiti
• Landlords and multifamily property owners, including properties between tenants
• Business and commercial property owners with stolen equipment or inventory, or a damaged storefront

We can help whether your claim is new, stalled, underpaid or already denied.

The public adjusters who handle your claim

Delano Howell, founder and public adjuster

A Stanford University graduate and former NFL starting safety with the Indianapolis Colts, Delano has eight years of adjusting experience advocating for policyholders.

Randy Gower, public adjuster, appraiser and umpire

Nearly 30 years in adjusting: Claim Supervisor with COUNTRY Financial over seven offices in Oregon and Washington, more than 17 years as an Executive Adjuster with Adjusters International, and owner of Gower Adjusting and Appraisal Services since 2000.

Every client gets a dedicated claim adjuster, so you always know who is handling your file. Meet the team or verify our California license.

See all recent claims

How we handle your claim

1. Inspect and document. We follow the path the intruders took through the property: the forced door and its frame, broken glass, damaged walls and floors, and everything broken on the way, not only what was taken.
2. Price the loss. We build a substantiated inventory of stolen and damaged property and price the repairs, so the claim reflects both what was taken and what was broken.
3. Review the policy. We check the coverage that decides theft and vandalism claims, such as proof-of-ownership requirements, sub-limits on cash and valuables, vacancy clauses and business interruption cover.
4. Negotiate. We negotiate directly with your insurer, and we appeal a denial when the claim has been refused.
5. Settle. Our fee is a percentage of your claim, paid only when you are paid. There are no up-front or hidden fees.

What insurers dispute on vandalism and theft claims

Can you prove you owned what was stolen?

This is the biggest hurdle in a theft claim. The insurer asks for proof of ownership, and few people keep a receipt for an inherited ring or an older tool. When receipts are missing, we build the case from photos and videos, old appraisals, serial numbers, warranty cards, digital records and sworn statements from people who knew the item. Read how to prove ownership of stolen items.

Is all of the break-in damage in the estimate?

Adjusters often scope only the obvious item, such as a new door slab. The force of a kick usually splinters the door jamb, cracks the drywall around it and damages the strike plate, and intruders can ruin carpets as they move through the house. Black fingerprint powder used by police smears into paint and carpet, and we often show that those surfaces must be repainted or replaced, not just cleaned. Read dealing with malicious mischief after a break-in.

Was the property vacant?

If a home or building was vacant for more than 60 days (sometimes 30), many policies void cover for vandalism and glass breakage. It is a common denial for landlords between tenants and for properties under renovation. We look for evidence that the property was unoccupied rather than vacant, such as furniture in place, utilities on and regular maintenance visits.

What does a business lose beyond the stolen items?

For a business, the stolen goods are often the smallest part of the loss. Damaged entry points and interiors, lost data and the income lost while you are closed for repairs can all belong in the claim, and business interruption has to be proven with your sales records. Insurers often bring in forensic accountants to reduce these payments; we answer with our own figures. Read why the true cost of vandalism is more than what was stolen.

Where we work

Acuity Adjusters represents policyholders in Oregon, Washington and Southern California. Your state insurance regulator licenses public adjusters and helps consumers with insurance problems: the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the California Department of Insurance.

Our licensed public adjusters serve homeowners and businesses across the Pacific Northwest: Portland, OR · Vancouver, WA · Shoreline, WA · Tacoma, WA · Tigard, OR · Sammamish, WA · Renton, WA · Redmond, WA · Oregon City, OR · Lakewood, WA · Lake Oswego, OR · Kirkland, WA · Kent, WA · Hillsboro, OR · Gresham, OR · Federal Way, WA · Burien, WA · Bothell, WA · Everett, WA · Bellevue, WA · Beaverton, OR · Auburn, WA.

We also serve policyholders in Eugene, OR and across California, and we handle water damage claims, fire damage claims, storm damage claims and California wildfire claims.

Vandalism and theft claim questions