Vandalism: Is Your Car Covered?

If your car has been vandalised, you may be able to claim on your insurance to cover the cost of repairs. However, this depends on the type of insurance you have. Comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairs to your car, but you will need to pay any deductibles before your insurance provider will pay out.

Comprehensive coverage

If you decide to file a claim for vandalism, you should follow these steps:

• Document the damage with photos and notes, including the date and time you noticed the damage and where you parked your car.
• File a police report with your local police station. You may need a copy of the report for your insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance company to file the claim. They will ask for details about the incident, such as the date, time, location, and a police report number.
• Meet with the claims adjuster, who will inspect your vehicle and explain the next steps.
• Take your car to a repair shop. Your insurance company may provide a list of preferred repair facilities, but you can usually choose your own.

Vandalism claim process

If your vehicle is vandalised, it's important to begin the claims process as soon as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a vandalism claim:

Record the Damage

Note the damage to your car and check if anything has been stolen from it. Take pictures of everything as evidence. It's also a good idea to write down details of the vandalism while they are fresh in your mind.

File a Police Report

Contact the police and file an official report of the incident as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of the report, as you may need to give it to your insurance claim representative. The police department may or may not send someone to the scene. If they do, they will want to inspect your vehicle. If no one is available, you may need to file the report by phone. Be completely honest and give as many details as you can.

Contact Your Auto Insurer

File the claim as soon as possible. This can usually be done over the phone, and many insurers have mobile apps or online tools that allow claims filing. The insurer will likely 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.

Meet With the Claims Adjuster

Vandalism claims often require an inspection by a claims adjuster, so you will need to set up a time for them to view the vehicle. The adjuster will take note of the damage and explain the next steps in the claim process.

Repair the Damages

Once your auto insurer approves your claim, take your car to the repair shop. The insurer may provide you with a list of preferred repair facilities, but you can usually use a facility of your choice that's not included on their list. Keep in mind that if you do not use the insurer-recommended shop, the process could take longer or repair costs could exceed the amount that your insurer has agreed to pay.

What counts as vandalism?

Vandalism is the intentional destruction or damaging of property that defaces, mars, or otherwise diminishes the property's value. It is a property crime that involves the intentional destruction of another person's property. In Michigan, vandalism is called "Malicious Destruction of Property".

Vandalism can take many forms, including:

• Slashed or damaged tires
• Broken windows, headlights, or taillights
• Dents or scratches, such as from someone keying a car
• Spray painting or using sharp objects to scratch paint off a car's exterior
• Putting sugar or other substances into a gas tank
• Carving initials into public park trees or public benches
• Writing on a store window with a marker
• Breaking a building's windows
• Knocking over grave markers

Vandalism is not always the same as the crime of "destruction of property" or "damage to property", as these crimes can cover more serious physical damage. However, some states use these categories to also cover acts of vandalism. Therefore, what is considered vandalism in one state may be considered destruction of property in another.

Does vandalism affect insurance rates?

Whether vandalism affects insurance rates depends on several factors. While some sources state that filing a vandalism claim will not affect insurance rates, others mention that it could result in a rate increase, depending on the insurance provider, the state, and the driver.

Policyholders with minimal prior claims usually do not experience rate changes associated with comprehensive claims. However, drivers who file several small claims are likely to be deemed "risky" and may see an increase in their insurance rates. Additionally, if the cost of repairs is lower than or close to the deductible, filing a claim may not be beneficial, as the cost would be the same or higher in the long run.

It is also important to note that comprehensive insurance covers vandalism to the car itself but does not cover any personal items within the car that may have been damaged or stolen during a vandalism incident. Coverage for personal belongings would typically come from renters or homeowners insurance.

What to do if your car is vandalised

Discovering that your car has been vandalised can be upsetting, but there are steps you can take to ensure that you handle the situation effectively. Here is a list of actions to take if your car is vandalised:

• Prioritise your safety: Before doing anything else, make sure you are in a safe environment. If you discovered the vandalism in a deserted parking lot at night, don't approach the vehicle alone. Wait until daylight or find a well-lit area with other people around. If there is any immediate danger, such as broken glass or exposed wires, call the police or emergency services right away.
• Document the damage: Take detailed pictures and videos of the vandalism from various angles. Get close-ups of any major damage and wider shots to show the overall extent. Don't disturb any evidence or touch or clean anything, as this could hinder a police investigation.
• Secure the vehicle: If windows were broken or doors damaged, take steps to secure your car to prevent further damage or theft. Cover broken windows with cardboard or plastic, and if necessary, move the car to a safe location like a garage or a well-lit, locked parking area after you've taken photos and documented all damage.
• Contact the authorities: Vandalism is a crime, and filing a police report is crucial. This helps document the incident for potential legal action and is often required by your insurance company to process a claim. Explain the situation and request an officer be dispatched to the scene. Provide the investigating officer with a description of the damage, any witnesses, and the location and approximate time of the incident. Get a copy of the report, as your insurer will use it to manage your claim.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and inform them about the vandalism. They will guide you through the claims process and explain what information and documentation they need.
• Arrange for repairs: Removing and repairing the vandalism as soon as possible can help you put the incident behind you and reduce the time needed to rent or borrow a car. Don't try to fix the damage yourself; leave that to the professionals. Contact your insurance company to see if they recommend a specific repair shop in your area. If not, seek out recommendations and reviews from friends and locals. Request a detailed estimate from the selected repair shop before they begin their repairs, and keep all receipts and documentation related to the repairs.

Frequently asked questions