Does Car Insurance Cover Damage From Riots?
Understand how your car insurance policy addresses vehicle damage from civil unrest. Gain clarity on your protection for unexpected events.
When unexpected events lead to vehicle damage, understanding your car insurance policy becomes important. Civil disturbances and riots can sometimes result in significant property damage, including to automobiles. This article clarifies how car insurance typically responds to damage caused by such unforeseen incidents.
Relevant Car Insurance Coverages
Several types of car insurance coverages are relevant when a vehicle is damaged during a riot or civil disturbance. Comprehensive coverage is the primary protection for damage from events beyond a collision, such as vandalism, fire, or falling objects. This coverage extends to riot-related damage, including broken windows, arson, dents from thrown objects, or graffiti.
Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover non-collision incidents and is often an optional part of an auto policy. For instance, if your parked car is vandalized with spray paint or set on fire during civil unrest, comprehensive coverage would likely apply. This coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged.
Collision coverage, while less directly applicable to riot-specific damage like vandalism, covers damage resulting from an impact with another vehicle or object. If your car were hit by another vehicle or structure while attempting to navigate away from a disturbance, collision coverage could be relevant.
Common Policy Exclusions
Even with relevant coverage, certain exclusions in car insurance policies can limit or negate coverage. Policies may contain exclusions for damage caused by acts of war, rebellion, or insurrection. While standard riot damage is usually covered under comprehensive policies, these “acts of war” clauses are generally interpreted to apply to large-scale, governmental conflicts rather than localized civil unrest.
Damage intentionally caused by the policyholder or those acting on their behalf is never covered. Insurance policies are designed to cover unforeseen and accidental losses, not deliberate acts of destruction by the insured. This exclusion reinforces the principle of insurable interest and prevents moral hazard. Reviewing your specific policy language is always advisable, as policy terms can vary.
Filing a Damage Claim
If your car is damaged during a civil disturbance and you believe you have applicable coverage, specific steps should be followed to file a claim. Your personal safety should be the first priority, so ensure the area is safe before approaching your vehicle. Once safe, thoroughly document the damage with clear photographs and videos from multiple angles, noting the date, time, and exact location where the damage occurred.
Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible to report the damage and initiate the claim process. You will need to provide them with essential details of the incident. It is often recommended to file a police report, especially if the damage involves vandalism, theft, or other criminal acts, as insurers may require this for verification.
After reporting, the insurer will typically arrange for an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate repair costs. Do not begin repairs before the insurer’s surveyor has inspected the vehicle. You will also need to understand your policy’s deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay. For minor damage, if the repair cost is less than or close to your deductible, it may be more practical to pay for repairs yourself rather than filing a claim.