Vandalism And Theft: Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage For Stolen Items

Whether auto insurance vandalism coverage includes stolen items depends on the type of items in question. Comprehensive auto insurance covers vandalism, but it only covers the vehicle itself and its pre-installed components. Personal items stolen from inside a vandalised car are not covered by auto insurance, but they may be covered by homeowners or renters insurance.

Comprehensive coverage includes vandalism damage

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that helps protect your vehicle in the event of an accident that is not caused by a collision. It covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. For example, if you hit a deer while driving, the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage. However, if you swerve to avoid the deer and hit a tree, comprehensive coverage does not apply as this type of accident is considered a collision with an object.

Comprehensive coverage will usually cover theft, as well as repair costs from break-in damages. It is important to note that comprehensive coverage will not cover any personal items within the car if they were stolen in a vandalism-related incident. Coverage for personal belongings would typically come from renters or homeowners insurance.

Vandalism refers to someone intentionally damaging or defacing your vehicle. It can occur whether your car is on the road, parked in your driveway, or in a public parking lot. Common acts of auto vandalism include slashed or damaged tires, broken windows, headlights, or taillights, dents or scratches from someone keying your car, and putting sugar or other substances into your gas tank.

If your car has been vandalised, you should take the following steps:

• Inventory the damage: Evaluate the harm and take notes. Check if anything inside the vehicle was stolen or damaged.
• File a police report: Contact the authorities and file an official report as soon as possible.
• Contact your insurance company: Provide as much information as possible, including the official police report.

Comprehensive coverage on your auto policy can cover vandalism to your car, minus any deductible, as intentional damage to your vehicle is beyond your control. Deductible options for comprehensive coverage can range from $0 to $2,500, depending on your insurer and state. If the cost of vandalism repairs is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a comprehensive claim.

Comprehensive coverage doesn't cover personal items

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects your vehicle from damage caused by non-collision events beyond your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. While comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, it does not cover personal items within the car if they are stolen in a vandalism incident.

Comprehensive coverage will only cover the components and features that are permanent, pre-installed parts of the car. It will not cover your own personal belongings left inside, such as an iPod or wallet. For instance, if your car window is broken and your personal items are stolen, comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairing the broken window, but not the cost of replacing your stolen items.

In the event of theft of personal items from a vehicle, it is recommended to file a claim through your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage from a specific provider, your policy may include some coverage for items stolen from your car. It is advisable to check your policy or contact your insurance provider to learn more about your specific coverage.

It is important to note that comprehensive coverage is not the same as full coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers non-collision-related damage to your vehicle, while full coverage is an ambiguous term that typically refers to both comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as any other coverage mandated by your state.

Vandalism is not covered by liability insurance

If you have comprehensive insurance for your car, it will cover deliberate acts of vandalism such as slashed tires, broken windows, or taillights, or damaged paint. However, liability insurance does not cover vandalism. It usually protects against bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident.

Vandalism is the intentional destruction or damage to a vehicle. It comes in a few common forms, but if you have the right coverage in your policy, then auto insurance might help pay for the repairs. Here are some types of vandalism:

• Body damage/defacement: Car body damage can occur through spray painting or using sharp objects to scratch paint off the car’s exterior, for example. Sometimes minor scratches can be buffed out, but often these types of body damage require a new paint job or replacement panels.
• Broken windows and lights: Broken windshields or other car windows almost always require replacement, and damaged headlights or side mirrors also generally require a new part to be installed.
• Slashed or stolen tires: If tires are slashed or stolen, your car will not be driveable, so it may require a tow truck to get it into the repair shop. It’s a good idea to check your policy and see what is covered by your insurance.

Comprehensive coverage will usually cover theft, as well as repair costs from break-in damages. However, it will not cover any personal items within the car if they were stolen in a vandalism-related incident. Coverage for your belongings would come from your renters or homeowners insurance.

Vandalism may increase insurance rates

Vandalism can be a costly affair, and if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may help cover the cost of repairs. However, filing a vandalism claim may not always be the best option.

Comprehensive coverage, along with collision coverage, is usually included in full-coverage auto insurance policies. While state laws do not mandate full coverage, you may have opted for it or have a financed vehicle that requires it. In this case, your insurance will cover the repairs minus your deductible.

Will vandalism increase my insurance rates?

It depends on your insurer, state, and driving history. While filing a claim for vandalism is not considered your fault, you may see a slight increase in the cost of your comprehensive coverage upon renewal. This is more likely if you have a history of multiple claims.

Insurance companies may also increase rates across a region if similar types of claims are on the rise in that area. For example, after a social media video showed how easy it was to steal Kias and Hyundais, insurance companies increased the cost of comprehensive coverage for these vehicles.

If your car has been vandalised, it is important to begin the claims process as soon as possible. First, ensure you are not in any danger, then contact your local police department to file a report. Take photos and make notes on the details of the vandalism, including the date, time, location, and any missing items. These will be useful when filing your claim.

Contact your auto insurer to file the claim, then meet with their claims adjuster so they can inspect the vehicle. Once your claim is approved, take your car to a repair shop. Your insurer may provide a list of preferred repair facilities, but you can usually choose your own.

Comprehensive coverage is optional

Comprehensive coverage will usually cover theft and vandalism, as well as repair costs from break-in damages. It will not, however, cover personal items stolen from your car, such as an iPod or wallet. These items would likely be covered by a homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Comprehensive coverage is a great option if you want peace of mind and to know that you're covered in the event of any unforeseen events. It can be added to almost any type of vehicle insurance, including auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance. It is also usually included in full coverage auto insurance policies.

The cost of comprehensive coverage depends on the value of your car, your personal preferences, and your financial circumstances. It is worth noting that comprehensive coverage will not cover any damage caused by hitting another vehicle or object, as this is covered under collision coverage.

Frequently asked questions