Progressive Auto Insurance: Understanding Vandalism Coverage

Progressive Auto Insurance does cover vandalism, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events outside of your control, including theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. Vandalism includes slashed tires, broken windows, dents, scratches, spray paint, glue in locks, and any type of defacing of the vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer, who will reimburse you or pay the auto shop directly for the repairs.

Comprehensive coverage includes vandalism

If your car is vandalized, comprehensive coverage will pay for the cost of repairs minus your comprehensive deductible. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and $1,000 worth of vandalism damages, insurance will give you $500 for repairs. It's important to note that comprehensive coverage only covers damage to the vehicle itself and not any personal belongings inside the car that may have been damaged or stolen.

When deciding whether to file a claim for vandalism, consider the cost of repairs and your deductible. If the cost of repairs is only slightly more than your deductible, it may be cheaper to pay for the repairs yourself rather than filing a claim, as your insurance rates may increase as a result of filing a claim.

To file a claim for vandalism, follow these steps:

• Document the damage to your car by taking photographs from multiple angles and noting your parking location, the date, and time you discovered the damage.
• File a police report by contacting your local police department. Provide them with your contact information and ask for a copy of the report to give to your insurance company.
• Contact your insurance company to file a property damage claim, either online, through a mobile app, or by phone. They will ask for details about the damage, the date and time, the police report, and other relevant information.
• Choose a repair shop, which may need to be a pre-approved shop selected by your insurance company.
• Pay your deductible, which will typically be between $500 and $2,500, directly to the repair shop or as reimbursement to your insurance company.
• Ask your insurance company about rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired.

Vandalism is considered any intentional damage

If your car is vandalized, you should first safely document the damage, taking photos from multiple angles and noting the date, time, and location of the incident. You should also file a police report by contacting your local police department. This is an important step, as many insurance companies require a police report before submitting an insurance claim for vandalism.

In terms of insurance coverage, comprehensive coverage is the only type that covers acts of car vandalism. This includes damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events that are outside of your control, such as theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. Comprehensive coverage is optional and not required by law in any state, but it is highly recommended if you want protection against vandalism.

If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for vandalism with your insurance company. However, comprehensive coverage typically requires you to pay a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket to file a claim. The deductible can range from $50 to $2,000, depending on your insurer and state. You can adjust your deductible, but keep in mind that a lower deductible will result in a higher premium, and vice versa.

When deciding whether to file a claim for vandalism, consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible. If the repairs are cheaper than the deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. Additionally, filing a claim may result in a rate increase, so consider the potential long-term costs as well.

Comprehensive coverage is optional

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. While it is often referred to as "comprehensive insurance," it is actually a specific coverage on an existing policy, not a separate type of insurance.

Comprehensive coverage is typically part of what is considered a "full coverage" policy. Adding it won't raise the price of your premium significantly, and it could save you a lot of money if your car is badly vandalised. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and $1,000 worth of vandalism damages, insurance will give you $500 for repairs.

If you don't have comprehensive coverage and your car is vandalised, your insurer is not legally obligated to cover the costs of repairing your car. In this case, your best option is to file a police report and hope that the person responsible is caught and forced to pay for the damages.

Comprehensive coverage is usually required by lenders if you lease or finance your vehicle. If you own your vehicle outright, you can decide whether or not this coverage is worthwhile. It may be worthwhile if your vehicle has a high cash value or you cannot afford the cost of repairs or replacement out of pocket.

Comprehensive coverage doesn't include personal items

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects your vehicle from damage caused by non-collision events 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 covers vandalism to your car, it does not include personal items.

Personal items refer to belongings that you own within the car, such as a laptop, a stereo that wasn't a part of the car, or a purse. If these items are damaged or stolen during an act of vandalism, they will not be covered by your car insurance comprehensive coverage. Instead, they would be covered under a separate policy, such as renters or homeowners insurance.

It is important to understand the limitations of your comprehensive coverage. While it provides valuable protection for your vehicle, it does not extend to personal belongings inside the car. If you have valuable items that you regularly keep in your car, consider getting separate coverage for them to ensure they are protected in case of vandalism or theft.

Additionally, comprehensive coverage requires you to pay a deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost of repairs is $1,000, you will pay the first $500, and your insurance will cover the remaining $500. It is essential to weigh the cost of repairs against your deductible when deciding whether to file a claim.

In summary, comprehensive coverage is a valuable protection for your vehicle against vandalism, but it does not include personal items. Be sure to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered and consider additional coverage for valuable personal items you keep in your car.

Comprehensive coverage is separate from collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects your vehicle from damage caused by non-collision events 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 is often part of a full-coverage policy, it is separate from collision coverage.

Collision coverage protects your car from damage caused by colliding with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. This is different from comprehensive coverage, which covers damage from events outside of your control, such as vandalism, theft, fire, weather, or accidents with animals.

Comprehensive coverage is highly recommended if you want protection against vandalism and other non-collision damages. It is especially important if your vehicle is valuable or prone to vandalism in your area. Comprehensive coverage can provide financial protection and peace of mind.

While comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement, it is important to note that it has a deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your repairs cost $1,000, your insurance company will pay $500 towards the repairs.

When deciding whether to file a claim for vandalism, consider the cost of repairs and your deductible. If the cost of repairs is only slightly more than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself. Filing a claim may result in an increase in your insurance rates, so it is important to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding.

Frequently asked questions