Is Car Vandalism Covered by Insurance?
Learn whether your car insurance covers vandalism and the key steps to follow for unexpected damage.
When a vehicle is intentionally damaged, known as vandalism, owners often wonder if their car insurance will cover the costs of repair. Understanding your policy’s specific coverages is important for addressing incidents like vandalism. This article explores how car insurance addresses vandalism, outlining the relevant coverage, steps to take after an incident, and the claim process.
Understanding Comprehensive Coverage
Car vandalism is typically covered under comprehensive insurance, a component of a full-coverage policy. This coverage protects against damages to your vehicle not caused by a collision. It addresses non-collision events such as theft, natural disasters like hail or floods, fire, and vandalism, including keyed paint, broken windows, or slashed tires.
A deductible applies to comprehensive claims, meaning you pay a specific amount out of pocket before coverage begins. Deductibles often range from $0 to $2,500, with common selections between $250 and $500. For instance, if repairs cost $1,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer would cover the remaining $500. Review your policy to confirm comprehensive coverage and understand your deductible, as it impacts your out-of-pocket costs.
Steps to Take After Vandalism
After discovering your car has been vandalized, take certain steps before initiating an insurance claim. First, thoroughly document the damage to your vehicle. Take photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing close-up shots of specific damage and wider views. This visual evidence is crucial for your insurance claim.
After documenting, file a police report as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. An official police report provides documentation many insurance companies require for processing a claim. Avoid cleaning up or attempting any repairs until you have fully documented the damage and consulted with your insurance company, as this could alter evidence needed for the claim.
The Claim Process
Once you have documented the damage and filed a police report, begin filing a claim with your insurance company. You can usually initiate the claim online, through a mobile app, or by phone. When contacting your insurer, provide details such as the incident’s date and time, a description of the damage, and the police report number.
After the claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will typically be assigned. The adjuster inspects the vehicle, in person or by reviewing photos, to assess damage and gather repair estimates. They will guide you through the process, including scheduling an inspection and obtaining repair estimates from body shops. The deductible will be applied, with the insurer often paying for repairs directly to the shop or reimbursing you.