Does car insurance cover vandalism?

What is considered vandalism to a car?

Vandalism to a car refers to intentional damage or destruction of a vehicle. It includes actions such as keying, scratching, smashing windows, slashing tires, spray-painting, or any other deliberate act that harms or alters the appearance and functionality of the vehicle.

Vandalism is generally considered a criminal offense, and those responsible can face legal consequences. If you're a victim of car vandalism, it's recommended that you report the incident to the police and your insurance company.

Do you have to pay a deductible for vandalism?

Yes, you must pay your comprehensive deductible when you file an approved vandalism claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing.. Your insurer subtracts the deductible from the covered repair cost. For example, if repairs cost $2,500 and your deductible is $500, the insurer pays $2,000, and you are responsible for the remaining $500.

If the repair cost is less than your deductible, your insurance company will not issue a payment. For example, you would pay the full bill if repairs cost $400 and your deductible is $500.

Check your policy’s declarations page for your comprehensive deductible. It may differ from your collision deductible.

Does a vandalism claim raise your car insurance rates?

No, vandalism claims generally don’t increase your rates because the damage wasn't your fault. If it's your first vandalism claim and the damage is minor, the impact on your rates might be minimal. However, multiple claims may raise concerns and impact your rates depending on your insurer and state.

If you're concerned about rate increases, shop around for new quotes before renewing your policy.

How do you file a vandalism claim?

File a vandalism claim by documenting the damage, reporting the incident to the police, and contacting your insurance company promptly. Your insurer will confirm comprehensive coverage, review the evidence, and calculate the repair cost. The insurer will then subtract your deductible and pay the covered amount to you, the repair shop, or your lender.

You can follow these steps to file a car insurance claim for vandalism with your car insurance company.

Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage. Don't touch or clean the damage unless necessary, as this could compromise evidence.
File a police report: Report the incident to the police, even if the damage seems minor. Get a copy of the police report, which will be important for your insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the vandalism as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claim process and advise you on any additional steps.
File the claim: You can usually file a claim online, through your insurance company's mobile app, or by phone. Be prepared to answer questions about the incident and provide details about the damage.
Provide supporting information: Share additional information, such as witnesses or surveillance footage, with your insurer.
Get repair estimates: Your insurance company may have preferred shops or allow you to choose your own. Submit these estimates to your insurer.
Claim adjuster inspection: A claims adjuster from your insurance company may inspect the damage to assess the validity of the claim.

Once the claim is reviewed and processed, your insurance company will provide the settlement check.

The bottom line

Comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by vandalism, theft, natural disasters, and other events outside your control. Make sure you understand what your specific policy covers. You can find this information on your policy documents or by contacting your insurer.

Check your declarations page to confirm that you have comprehensive coverage and to find your deductible. Compare the repair estimate with your deductible before deciding whether filing a claim makes financial sense.

Frequently asked questions

Does liability insurance cover vandalism?

No, liability insurance does not cover vandalism. Property damage liability pays when you are legally responsible for damaging someone else’s property, but only accidentally. It will not pay if you vandalize someone’s car. You need comprehensive coverage to pay for intentional non-collision damage to your car, including keying, broken glass, spray paint, and slashed tires.

How do you prevent vandalism?

You can reduce the risk of car vandalism by parking in a locked garage or a well-lit area, locking your doors, closing your windows, and removing valuables from plain sight. Using an alarm, a dash camera, or a security camera can also discourage vandals and provide evidence if your vehicle is damaged. Comprehensive insurance helps cover vandalism if it occurs.

Do I have to pay a deductible if my car is vandalized?

Yes, your comprehensive deductible applies to an approved vandalism claim. The insurer deducts it from the covered repair cost rather than paying the full bill. You pay the entire repair cost when the damage is below your deductible. Your declarations page lists the deductible that applies to your vehicle.