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? 

In most cases, yes, you will have to pay a car insurance deductible for vandalism. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. 

Vandalism is typically covered under comprehensive coverage. If you don't have comprehensive coverage, your insurance won't cover the vandalism damage. 

Does a vandalism claim raise your car insurance rates? 

Vandalism claims are less likely to 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?

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.

Even with comprehensive coverage, you'll likely have to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in.