Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Imagine heading out your front door one morning to get in the car and head to work, only to find graffiti spray painted across the side of your car. Or, leaving work and finding your car has been keyed or your windows have been broken. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that these frustrating and frightening instances of vandalism affect nearly 700 people every day across the United States.

Car vandalism can also be costly to fix, so it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. (For more information, read our “Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage: Does It Protect Against Vandalism?“).

Types of Auto Insurance

Even though you already have auto insurance, it may not cover vandalism. Car insurance is broken down into different parts. Some are legally required while others are optional. When people want to save money, they often start cutting optional coverages not realizing it could cost them a lot more in the event of a claim. What coverage options are available?

1. Liability: Liability insurance covers the medical expenses and property damage that result from an accident you caused, up to the limits of your policy. Keep in mind, while legally required, these limits only cover the other party when you’re at fault. New Hampshire is the only state that does not require liability insurance.
2. Collision Coverage: This is optional coverage in most states and covers the costs of repair or replacement to your vehicle if you cause an accident or run into something with your car. This is the most expensive part of many auto policies, but it also pays out the most in many cases.
3. Comprehensive Coverage:Another optional form of coverage, comprehensive insurance covers damage or replacement costs for your vehicle that are not the result of a collision. This could include collisions with wild animals or a falling tree. It also covers a vandalism claim.
4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP):This type of insurance is only required in no-fault states, or states that have laws in place limiting car accident lawsuits. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages if you’re in an accident. While some assume their regular health insurance will cover them, many medical insurance plans have exclusions for auto accident-related injuries.
5. Uninsured/underinsured motorist:  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners estimates that 1 in 7 drivers on the road carry inadequate insurance or no insurance at all. Uninsured and underinsured motorist policies are designed to cover your expenses if you’re in an accident caused by someone without insurance. This could include a drunk driver. The limits generally match your liability limits.

Learn about what your state requires you to have for car insurance.

How Should You File a Vandalism Claim?

If you’ve been a victim of vandalism, follow these steps.

1. File a police report. Some insurance companies will require a police report and it’s also important to have official documentation if you plan on filing a lawsuit later. Just as would after a collision, remember documentation is essential.
2. Contact your insurance company. Your car insurance agent will answer any questions you have and tell you what to expect next. The earlier you submit your claim, the better. At the very least, it should be before you start repairs. They may have specific requirements.
3. Speak to a claims adjuster. The insurance company may send a claims adjuster to assess the damage to your car. The adjuster will evaluate the damage, ask questions, and perhaps take pictures.
4. Repair the damage. The insurance company will make recommendations or instructions about where to repair your vehicle.
5. Pay your deductible. Whenever you file a comprehensive claim, you will pay the deductible. This can happen in one of two ways – either the insurance company will send you a check for the repairs minus your deductible, or you’ll pay the deductible when you pick up your car from the shop.

Read more: Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

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Are You Covered against Auto Vandalism?

Some people forgo comprehensive insurance because it adds to the overall cost of insurance. However, when it comes to protecting your vehicle from vandalism and other non-collision events, comprehensive insurance provides you with full coverage as well as peace of mind. It’s also generally cheaper than your collision premium. When it comes to protecting your personal property, both coverages are essential.

If you’re worried that vandalism isn’t covered with your current insurance carrier, call us at [mapi-phone-link /] today. We’ll make sure you have a comprehensive policy that gives you the perfect amount of car insurance coverage no matter what comes your way. More importantly, we can help you compare quotes to get an affordable price.

Not ready to call? Use our insurance coverage calculator to get a personalized recommendation on the coverage you need.