Does car insurance cover vandalism?
Yes, comprehensive coverage on your auto policy can cover vandalism to your car — minus any deductible — since intentional damage to your vehicle is out of your control. Vandalism includes slashed tires, broken windows, and any type of defacing of the vehicle, like a car that gets keyed. If the repairs cost more than your comprehensive deductible, it may make sense to file a claim.
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How is car vandalism defined?
Vandalism refers to someone intentionally damaging or defacing your vehicle. It can occur whether you're on the road, parked in your driveway, or in a public parking lot. The most common acts of auto vandalism include:
- Slashed or damaged tires
- Broken windows, headlights, or taillights
- Spray paint damage
- Dents or scratches from someone keying your car
- Putting sugar or other substances into your gas tank
Is vandalism covered under comprehensive insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance coverage can cover vehicle damage that is beyond your control. Deductible options for comprehensive coverage range from $0 to $2,000, depending on your insurer and state. If the cost of vandalism repairs is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may make sense to file a comprehensive claim for vehicle damage caused by vandalism.
Does vandalism raise your insurance rates?
Filing a vandalism car insurance claim could result in a rate increase, depending on your insurer and state.
What to do if your car is vandalized
If your vehicle sustains vandalism damage, here are a few steps you need to take:
Inventory the damage:
Evaluate the harm done and take notes. Also, check to see if anything inside the vehicle was stolen or damaged.
File a police report:
Contact the authorities and file an official report of the incident as soon as possible. A promptly filed police report can help if you choose to file an insurance claim.
Take photos:
Don't rely solely on the police report to document the damage. Take your own photos of anything that was damaged or destroyed.
Contact your insurance company:
Include as much information as you can, including the official police report. Your insurance company's representative can help you decide if you should file an auto insurance claim and may send out an insurance assessor to evaluate the damage.
How to protect your car from vandalism
While car vandalism is usually random, you can take steps to help prevent it. Removing any valuables from your vehicle and parking in well-lit areas — or a covered garage if you have access to one — can help reduce the likelihood of your car being vandalized. Learn more about how to protect your car from vandalism.
What should I do if my car window is broken?
Protect your vehicle from further damage. This might mean moving it off the road and covering any broken windows using tape and plastic. If rain enters your car through an already broken window, insurance may not pay to repair further damage. Learn more about how car insurance covers windshield and glass damage.
How should I fix a keyed car?
Have a trusted body shop give you a quote for the repairs as soon as possible and provide that information to your insurance company when filing your keyed car claim. Act quickly to minimize the possibility of rust forming in deep scratches; if you put off repairing your keyed car and rust develops, your insurance may not cover the costs.
What if my car is stolen?
Theft often coincides with car vandalism, which is also covered if you have comprehensive coverage. Car insurance may also cover stolen car parts, including catalytic converter theft. Learn more about what to do if your car is stolen.
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