Paul Sanchez
If your car is vandalised, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Vandalism includes slashed tires, broken windows, spray painting, glue in the locks, and scratches from someone keying your car. Whether or not your insurance covers this depends on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage will cover vandalism, but liability-only or minimum coverage will not. Comprehensive coverage is optional and is not required by any states, but it is a good idea if you want to be covered for vandalism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is covered? | Vandalism, theft, damage related to weather, riots, natural disasters |
| What is not covered? | Personal items within the car, normal wear and tear |
| When to file a claim | When the repair costs are more than the deductible |
| When not to file a claim | When the repair costs are less than the deductible, when the damage is minimal |
| What to do if your car is vandalised | Document the damage, file a police report, decide whether to file a claim, get the vehicle fixed |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage includes vandalism
Vandalism can take many forms, including slashed tires, broken windows, headlights, or taillights, and any type of defacing of the vehicle, like a car that gets keyed. It can also include putting sugar or other substances into your gas tank.
Comprehensive coverage will cover all costs associated with vandalism, though you usually have to pay a deductible. Deductible options for comprehensive coverage can range from $0 to $2,000, depending on your insurer and state. If the cost of vandalism repairs is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may make sense to file a comprehensive claim for vehicle damage caused by vandalism.
Comprehensive coverage also shields you from other events that are out of your control, such as tree or branch damage. It's important to note that only the car and necessary repairs themselves will be covered for vandalism. Any belongings within the car, like a computer, a stereo, or a purse, would not be covered by your car insurance if they are damaged or stolen. Personal property that is ruined in an act of vandalism would be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance policy.
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Comprehensive coverage doesn't cover belongings
Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events that are outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. While comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairs to your car, it will not cover any personal belongings within the car if they were stolen or damaged in a vandalism-related incident. Coverage for your belongings would come under renters or homeowners insurance.
Comprehensive coverage is often confused with collision coverage. While both types of insurance cover your vehicle, collision coverage is for when you collide with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, is for non-collision events that are out of your control.
Comprehensive coverage is typically included in full coverage auto insurance policies. However, it is not required by law in any state, and whether or not you have it depends on the value of your car, your personal preferences, and your financial circumstances. If your vehicle has a low cash value and you have a high deductible, for example, it may not be worth carrying comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, if your vehicle has a high cash value, or you cannot afford the cost of repairs or a replacement vehicle, comprehensive coverage could be a smart move.
Comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairs to your car in the event of vandalism, minus your deductible. The deductible for comprehensive coverage can range from $0 to $2,500, depending on your insurer and state, and you will need to pay this amount before your insurance company starts paying for repairs. If the cost of repairs is only slightly higher than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself, as filing a claim could cause your insurance rates to increase.
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Vandalism is a criminal offence
Vandalism is defined as the intentional destruction or damaging of property, which defaces, mars, or diminishes the property's value. It is a broad category of property crime, encompassing a variety of behaviours, such as defacing, damaging, or destroying public or private property. This includes acts like spray-painting walls, slashing tires, breaking windows, or keying cars. Vandalism can also include offences like carving initials into trees, writing on store windows, or knocking over grave markers. It is a willful act, committed intentionally and without permission, and it is an offence that affects both property owners and the wider community.
The laws surrounding vandalism aim to prevent the destruction of property and public spaces, and they often carry penalties and punishments for those convicted. These penalties vary depending on the state and the value of the property damage. For example, in New York, vandalism resulting in damage above $250 is criminal mischief, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. In Canada, vandalism resulting in damage above $5,000 can lead to prison sentences of up to 10 years.
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File a police report
If your car has been vandalised, it's important to file a police report as soon as possible. Vandalism is a criminal offence, and contacting the police will help to validate your insurance claim. Here's what you need to know about filing a police report:
Contact the Police
First, reach out to your local police department to inform them of the vandalism. Depending on their availability, they may send someone to inspect your vehicle and the scene of the crime. If no one is available, you may need to file the report over the phone or online. Be prepared to provide an honest and detailed account of what happened, including any relevant information you can recall. Ask for a copy of the police report, as you will need to submit this when filing your insurance claim.
Online Reporting
In some areas, such as Seattle and Pierce County, WA, you may be able to file a police report online for certain types of crimes, including vandalism. Online reporting helps to manage the number of in-person calls and minimise response times. However, online reporting is typically not suitable for emergencies, incidents that have occurred within the past 30 minutes, violent crimes, or theft of specific items like firearms or license plates.
Document the Damage
Before filing the police report, it's a good idea to document the vandalism yourself. Take photos of the damage and write down any observations or details you can remember. This information will be valuable when speaking with the police and your insurance company, and it can help ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and smoothly.
Follow Up on the Report
After filing the police report, you may receive a temporary transaction number or confirmation number. Keep this documentation safe, as it may be required for future reference. The police will review and approve your report, and you will then receive an official police report number. This number is crucial for filing your insurance claim, as it provides validation and helps your insurance company process your claim effectively.
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Contact your insurance company
Contacting your insurance company is the third step to take if your car has been vandalised. Before this, you should document the damage and file a police report.
It's important to contact your car insurance company as soon as possible. You can usually do this online, over the phone, or through a mobile app if your provider has one. When you contact your insurance company, they will ask for the date and time of the incident, where the damage is located on the car, where the car was parked, and the police report number. It is helpful to have this information ready when filing the claim.
After you have filed the initial claim, the company will send an adjuster to assess the damage firsthand. In the time between filing the claim and the adjuster coming, make sure the car stays in the same condition as you found it. Do not attempt to repair the damage. If you can drive the car, move it to a safe spot, preferably your own garage. If it gets towed, be sure to take all of your important documentation out of the car.
After the adjuster has assessed the damage, it's time to repair the car. After paying the deductible, your company will either reimburse you for the cost of the repairs or directly pay the auto shop.
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