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If your car is intentionally scratched, dented, or damaged, one of your first questions will probably be whether vandalism is covered by your car insurance. The good news is that if you have comprehensive coverage or a separate vandalism policy, your insurance company will likely help pay for the repairs, minus your deductible. But there are nuances to know.
Here’s a closer look at how auto insurance works in cases of vandalism and tips on how to protect your car from being damaged.
Key Points
• Comprehensive car insurance covers vandalism, including keying, tire damage, and broken windows.
• Filing a vandalism claim requires a police report and visual evidence.
• Premiums may increase, but less than for at-fault accidents.
• Prevent vandalism by parking in well-lit, secure areas.
• Use car alarms and security film to deter vandals.
Understanding Vandalism Coverage (Comprehensive Insurance)
As you may know, there are different types of car insurance coverage. One common type is comprehensive coverage. This type of protection is optional, but it can pay to repair or replace your car if it is damaged during a non-collision event, like a fire, hailstorm, or, yes, vandalism.
Definition and Examples of Covered Vandalism
In the eyes of insurers, vandalism occurs whenever there is intentional damage to a vehicle. As we mentioned, coverage is included with comprehensive insurance.
Commonly covered cases of vandalism include:
• Keying
• Slashed or damaged tires
• Broken headlights, taillights, or windows
• Paint and body damage
• Sugar in the gas tank
How Comprehensive Coverage Applies to Vandalism Claims
Vandalism is usually covered by comprehensive because it’s not the result of a collision. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damages that are the result of a car either colliding with another car or object. Comprehensive covers all other damages that could occur to your car, such as acts of vandalism, natural disasters, or fires.
If your vehicle is vandalized, your comprehensive coverage will likely pay for any needed repairs up to the policy limits, not including your car insurance deductible.
How Vandalism Coverage Varies by Policy
While there is a lot of overlap, each insurance provider offers slightly different comprehensive packages. Deductibles and coverage amounts also vary, and some may even have unique exclusions.
If vandalism is an issue in your area, you may want to research different insurance providers. Some tend to increase premiums more aggressively than others after a claim.
Recommended: Online Auto Insurance
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The Vandalism Claim Process and Its Impact
Follow these steps to properly report the incident to both the police and your insurance company.
What to Do Immediately After Vandalism (Report & Document)
Whether the vandalism is taking place right before your eyes or you happen upon it afterward, your first step is to call the police. Do not risk your safety in exchange for your car’s. If you discover the vandalism after the fact, you should still call the police.
It’s important to have a formal police report to properly document the incident. Insurance fraud is always weighed as a possibility, so you want to make it as clear as possible to your insurance company that you’re not responsible for your car’s damage.
Next, take pictures and videos of the damage. Be sure to capture both your whole vehicle and close-ups to give context. If it’s abundantly clear if the crime scene extends beyond your vehicle, get any additional shots that could help your claims adjuster.
How to File Your Insurance Claim
Submit the police report along with any pictures and videos you took. Once you’ve submitted all of the information, your insurance company may send an adjuster out to personally inspect your car.
Will a Vandalism Claim Affect Your Premium?
As with at-fault accidents, a vandalism claim could cause your car insurance premiums to increase. However, because vandalism claims fall under comprehensive coverage, rate increases tend to be smaller than at-fault accidents claims. Keep in mind that if you live in an area where vandalism incidents occur frequently, then your premium may go up even more.
If you do file a vandalism claim and feel your premium increase is unjustified, you may want to consider switching insurance carriers.
Preventing Car Vandalism
Even if your auto insurance does cover vandalism, it’s better — and often cheaper — to try to prevent it altogether.
Effective Strategies to Deter Vandalism
Here are some simple ways to help keep your car as safe as possible.
• Check your car alarm: While it’s not foolproof, having a car alarm installed may deter some vandals from breaking into or damaging your vehicle.
• Hide your valuables: Your car is a more attractive target if you leave cash, electronics, and other valuables in plain sight. Take them out of your car or at least hide them in a safe spot inside your car.
• Strengthen your windows: If you’re concerned about vandalism, consider adding clear security film to your windows. It makes the glass harder to break, which can minimize damage if someone tries to get inside your car.
The Importance of Parking Location and Security
Where you park can significantly influence how susceptible your car is to vandalism. For example, cars parked in a poorly lit, unsupervised, or high-crime area may be more vulnerable to vandalism.
To help keep your vehicle safe, try parking in areas that are well-lit, have gates or barriers to control access, or have security guards or visible security cameras.
Recommended: Auto Insurance Guide
The Takeaway
Does auto insurance cover vandalism? In general, yes — as long as you have comprehensive coverage or purchase a separate vandalism policy. If your car is vandalized, your insurance company will pay for necessary repairs up to your policy’s limits and minus your deductible. But note that your premiums may increase if you decide to file a claim.
When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.
FAQ
Do I need comprehensive coverage for my car to be protected from vandalism?
In general, yes. Vandalism falls under comprehensive coverage, which includes protection for damages that are not the result of a collision.
Will my car insurance rates go up if I file a vandalism claim?
It is possible your car insurance will go up for a vandalism claim, but the increase in your premium should be lower than if you file a claim after an at-fault accident.
Is it worth filing a claim for minor vandalism like a keyed door?
Short answer: It largely depends on your deductible. If you have a $500 deductible but the cost of the repair is $200, for instance, then there’s no point in filing a claim. To determine whether or not to file a claim, review your deductible amount and get a few different quotes for the repair.
Does vandalism coverage include things like slashed tires or broken windows?
Will insurance cover slashed tires? Yes, slashed tires and broken windows are both covered by vandalism coverage. Other common issues are covered as well, including:
• Intentional keying damage
• Sugar in the gas tank
• Spray paint damage
Do I need a police report to file a vandalism claim?
Filing a policy report after a vandalism is a good idea because it helps boost your claim’s credibility. The police report will contain information your insurer needs to know, such as what happened, when it happened, and where it happened.
Photo credit: iStock/bagi1998
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