Auto Vandalism: Are You Covered By Insurance?

Vandalism to your car can be upsetting, but comprehensive auto insurance can help cover the costs of repairs. Comprehensive coverage is optional and not required by state law, but it can be a valuable addition to your policy. It covers damage to your vehicle that is beyond your control, including vandalism, theft, and weather-related damage. It's important to note that comprehensive insurance only covers the car itself and necessary repairs, not any personal belongings inside that may have been damaged or stolen. If your car has been vandalized, it's best to document the damage, file a police report, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. However, depending on the cost of repairs and your deductible, it may not always be worthwhile to file a claim, as it could result in a rate increase.

What is auto vandalism?

Auto vandalism refers to the intentional destruction or damage inflicted on a vehicle. This can take several forms, including body damage, defacement, broken windows and lights, and slashed or stolen tires. Vandalism is typically carried out by spraying paint, using sharp objects, or putting substances in the gas tank.

Body damage or defacement involves scratching the paint or spray-painting the car's exterior. Minor scratches may be buffed out, but often a new paint job or panel replacement is necessary. Broken windows, headlights, or taillights usually require replacement, while damaged tires may leave the car undrivable and in need of a tow truck.

Vandalism is a criminal act and is considered a property crime. It can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the state and value of the property damage. The perpetrator may face penalties, fines, community service, or jail time.

To prevent auto vandalism, it is recommended to park in well-lit, populated areas, garages, or driveways, and to avoid leaving valuables visible inside the vehicle.

What does auto insurance cover?

Auto insurance covers certain driving-related mishaps that occur on or off the road, as defined by your selected coverages. While coverages may vary by state, these are the standard coverages on most auto insurance policies:

Auto liability coverage

Auto liability coverage is required in nearly every state. If you're found at fault in an auto accident, liability coverage can pay for damage to other vehicles, damage to objects, bodily injuries to other drivers and their passengers, and lawsuits if you're sued due to an accident.

Auto comprehensive coverage

Auto comprehensive coverage protects against damage to your car caused by events that are out of your control, including theft, windshield and glass damage, vandalism, falling trees, and more. 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 will be covered for vandalism. Any belongings within the car that are damaged or stolen won't be covered by your car insurance.

Auto collision coverage

Auto collision coverage covers your vehicle if it overturns or collides with another vehicle or object, including trees, guardrails, and fences. Collision coverage is generally sold with a separate deductible. Even if you are at fault for the accident, your collision coverage will reimburse you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible.

Medical payments/Personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical payments coverage is offered in most states, while personal injury protection is a broader coverage that's available only in the states that require it to be offered. Both cover medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident (regardless of fault).

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UM/UIM) and property damage (UMPD)

UM/UIM can pay for vehicle damages and injuries caused to you and your passengers when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage.

Other optional coverages

Other optional coverages include rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, loan/lease payoff coverage, and more.

What to do if you don't have comprehensive insurance

If your car has been vandalised and you don't have comprehensive insurance, there is unfortunately not much you can do. Your insurer is under no legal obligation to cover the costs of repairing your car. Your best course of action is to report the vandalism to the police and hope that the culprit is caught. If they are, you can then seek financial damages against them.

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that will generally help cover vandalism claims. It's designed to pay for repairs to your vehicle caused by things other than a collision. This includes damage from animals, falling trees, natural disasters, theft and vandalism. If you have a car loan or lease, you're likely required to have comprehensive insurance.

If you don't have comprehensive insurance, you may want to consider purchasing it to protect against future vandalism or other damage. It can usually be purchased for $50-$100 per year, depending on your insurer. The potential cost of damages from vandalism or another uncontrollable event is far greater than the five-year cost of comprehensive coverage.

When to file a claim

If your car has been vandalised, you may be wondering whether to file a claim with your insurance provider or pay for the repairs yourself. Here are some things to consider when making that decision:

The cost of repairs vs your deductible

If the cost of repairing the damage is lower than your comprehensive deductible, it makes more sense to pay for the repairs yourself. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the repairs cost $400, it wouldn't be worth filing a claim. Even if the cost of repairs is only slightly higher than your deductible, it may still be more cost-effective in the long run to pay for the repairs yourself, as filing a claim could cause your insurance rates to rise when you renew your policy.

Your insurance history

If you have made several insurance claims in the past, you may be deemed a "risky" driver and your insurance rates are likely to increase. If you have made few or no prior claims, you will probably experience minimal or no rate changes as a result of filing a claim for vandalism.

Crime rates in your area

If similar types of vandalism claims are on the rise in your area, insurance companies may increase the cost of comprehensive coverage for everyone in the region due to the increased risk.

Your financial situation

If you have a car loan or lease your vehicle, you are likely contractually obligated to repair it. In this case, you may have no choice but to file an insurance claim if you cannot afford the repairs yourself.

The likelihood of catching the vandal

If law enforcement manages to arrest the person responsible, you can seek financial damages against them. In this case, you may decide it's not worth filing an insurance claim.

The type of damage

Comprehensive coverage will only cover the cost of repairing the car itself. Any belongings inside the car that were damaged or stolen would need to be claimed under your renters or homeowners insurance policy.

What to do if your car window is broken

If your car window is broken, it can be a distressing experience. Here's what you should do:

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It's normal to feel panicked or anxious, but take a moment to breathe and remain calm. If the window was broken as a result of theft or vandalism, contact the police immediately. Take precautions to secure any personal items that are still in the car, and move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.

Document the Damage

Before touching anything, thoroughly document the scene. Take pictures of the broken window from different angles, and photograph any other damage to the interior or exterior of your vehicle. Note any missing property, including car components, insurance and registration papers, or other items.

File a Police Report

Contact your local police department and file an incident report. Be honest and provide as many details as possible. Ask for a copy of the report, as you may need it when filing an insurance claim.

Protect Your Personal Information

If your wallet, purse, or important documents were stolen, take immediate action. Contact your bank and credit card company to report lost cards and place a hold on your accounts. If your ID and home keys are missing, consider changing your locks for safety.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Speak with your insurance agent to determine your coverage. Inform them of what happened and provide them with the police report and any other relevant information. They will guide you through the claims process and may send an adjuster to assess the damage.

Protect Your Vehicle

Until the window is professionally replaced, take steps to protect your car's interior from the elements and potential theft. Cover any broken windows with tape and plastic to prevent rain or snow from entering the vehicle. If possible, store your car in a locked garage or secure location.

Clean Up the Glass

Before driving your vehicle, ensure that all broken glass is safely removed. Wear heavy gloves and use a vacuum cleaner to remove glass from the interior of your car, including under the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Wipe down the window frame with a damp cloth to remove dust or grime.

Get Your Window Professionally Repaired

Contact a reputable and experienced auto glass specialist to repair or replace your window. They will assess the damage and provide you with a cost estimate. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, check if the repair or replacement is covered under your policy.

Frequently asked questions