Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Car insurance covers vandalism, but only if you've got the right policy. Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy will cover vandalism minus any deductible. Other types of auto insurance, like liability insurance, don't cover vandalism. If you're worried about slashed tires, broken windows or a stolen car, read on to understand car insurance with vandalism coverage to answer the question, "Does car insurance cover vandalism" for your policy. 

Quick Answer: Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Yes, car insurance can cover vandalism but only if you have the right coverage. You'll need comprehensive car insurance to cover vandalism. And if the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, you'll end up paying for the cost of repairs from your insurance deductible. If you only have another type of coverage, such as liability protection or collision damage insurance, it won't cover vandalism. Does car insurance cover theft? Yes, but only if that's included in your policy, such as a comprehensive coverage policy. 

Understanding Car Insurance Coverage

Different types of car insurance coverage are available. The most common are:

• Liability coverage
• Collision damage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Personal injury protection

Liability protection protects you in case an accident is your fault. It covers the damage to the other driver's vehicle plus personal injury coverage for the other driver and passengers in the other vehicle. Does liability cover vandalism? No.

Collision damage covers the costs to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged or destroyed in an accident with another car. The coverage will pay to repair your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Collision damage doesn't cover vandalism.

Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance add-on covering the cost of repair or replacement to your vehicle in case of events outside your control that aren't related to a collision. This can include vandalism, damage caused by natural disasters, animals or weather events like strong winds and falling branches. 

Personal injury protection covers the cost of your medical expenses in case you're in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. In addition to medical expenses, it covers lost wages for you and your passengers, minus any deductible. Find the best car insurance or discover the difference between minimum liability and full coverage insurance here. 

Car Insurance and Vandalism: Are You Covered?

In the context of auto insurance, vandalism refers to someone intentionally damaging or defacing your vehicle. This can include breaking windows, damaging the paint, popping or stealing tires or any other damage such as keying a car or spray painting the vehicle. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you're covered if your vehicle is damaged in this way. 

Vandalism Under Comprehensive Car Insurance

Comprehensive coverage can protect you in case of vandalism. If you live in a city or other area where vandalism is a regular occurrence, comprehensive coverage can protect you from the costs of vandalism. It will cover repair costs for damages inflicted by vandals and includes replacement of stolen parts or belongings, rental car expenses during repairs and related costs. 

Even if you're not worried someone will break into your car, natural disasters or damage from animals or weather events is also covered by comprehensive car insurance, offering additional peace of mind. Even minor issues like scratches, dents or replacing a windshield can add up to thousands of dollars. For that reason, comprehensive insurance, even with a deductible, can be worth the minor costs.

Filing a Vandalism Claim and the Claims Process

To file a vandalism claim with your insurance provider, you'll start by calling the police and filing a police report. Then, you should call your insurance company. You may need to file a written report online or submit it via email. Your insurance company will usually have you speak with a claims adjuster or may send an insurance adjuster to see the vehicle. Once the claim is approved, you'll take the vehicle for repairs, and the insurance will cover the costs minus any deductible. 

Common Factors Affecting Coverage and Claims

Common factors that might influence coverage for vandalism include:

• Policy limitations and exclusions: These may exclude certain types of vandalism or coverage when the vehicle is located in certain areas.
• Vehicle modifications or customizations: Vehicle modifications can void insurance coverage. If you plan to make any customizations or modifications, check with the insurance provider about the impact on coverage claims.
• Previous claims history: Some insurance policies have a maximum claim limit. You might not get full coverage if you've already made claims under the same policy.

Making an insurance claim can lead to higher insurance premiums in the future. While vandalism is out of your control, insurers see that you're statistically more likely to make a claim, and you'll end up paying more for insurance going forward. If the repair is minor or less than the deductible, you may be better off paying for it out of pocket. 

Practical Tips for Preventing Vandalism and Protecting Your Vehicle

To protect your car from vandalism, consider these practical tips:

• Park in a well-lit area.
• If parking at home, install security cameras.
• If you can, park in a garage or other covered area.
• Install cameras or a security system in the car if it doesn't have one.
• Put stickers on the car noting that a security system protects it.
• Remove valuables from the vehicle or keep them out of sight, including suitcases and bags.
• Vary parking locations if you park in public places to prevent tracking.
• Drive an older vehicle that is less likely to be the target of vandals for break-ins.

Getting Car Insurance with Vandalism Coverage

While you can take proactive steps to protect your vehicle from vandals, even with the best preemptive measures, you could be the target of a crime. In that case, adding comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy is a minimal cost that will give you peace of mind. Compared to major repairs or vehicle replacement, it's more than worth the additional monthly cost. If your vehicle gets minor scratches or other inexpensive damages, you may be better off paying for repairs and keeping your insurance premiums low. 

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