It can be disheartening to realize that your car was the main target of vandalism when you discover slashed tires or broken glass in your car. However, this could make you concerned if car insurance can cover such an event known as vandalism.
Yes, your car insurance can cover vandalism if you have comprehensive coverage without a deductible since the damage was deliberately done. Vandalism involves damages inflicted on your car like key scratches, graffiti, tire slashes, and broken windows. Furthermore, if the fee to fix damage costs more than your deductible, you can consider filing a claim.
What is car vandalism?
Car vandalism is deliberate damage that is inflicted on your car. In addition, it happens in various ways, but your car insurance might cover repairs if you have suitable coverage in your policy. The following are some of the kinds of vandalism you may come across:
Body harm/defacement
The use of spray paint or a sharp tool to scratch the outer part of your vehicle is car body damage. Occasionally, little scratches could be buffed, but these kinds of body harm need a new paint job or substitute panels.
Broken windows
Broken windows like windshields or mirrors always need replacement, and damaged headlights also mandate new parts to be fixed.
Stolen or slashed tires
Your car won’t be able to be driven if its tires are stolen or slashed, so getting it into the repair shop might need a tow truck. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to review your policy to find out what your insurance covers.
It’s important to start the claims procedure as soon as possible if you want your insurance to pay for the repairs after your car has been vandalized. However, you need to have the appropriate coverage in your policy for insurance to assist in covering the damages.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
Generally, comprehensive insurance coverage can cover car vandalism instead of being purchased separately. Property damage liability covers repairs that you or another driver makes to your vehicle or other property. However, it excludes vandalism because the vandal is a pedestrian rather than a driver. This coverage is mandated by all states except New Hampshire and Virginia. Furthermore, vandalism is only covered by auto insurance if comprehensive coverage is purchased.
What Does Car Insurance Not Cover for Vandalism?
If your car is damaged by vandalism, comprehensive insurance will usually cover it, less your deductible. Personal belongings left inside the vehicle that may have been taken, broken, or destroyed in the collision may be an exception. In addition, personal property loss is covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
What to Do If My Car Is Vandalized
Firstly, ensure your safety since the person who wrecked your car might still be out there. Never remain in an area you believe to be dangerous. Additionally, take a brief inventory of the damages your car has incurred, though, if all is well. Take pictures of anything that has been vandalized or damaged.
This includes pictures or videos of glass that has broken, trash, and other indications of damage around your car. A police officer should come out and evaluate the scene as if you found it if you are filing a police report. This could be useful in case you need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
How to Prevent Vandalism
Preventing vandalism is a suitable way to save money on repair costs that come with it. First of all, set up a camera and lighting where you park your car on your property and park it in a busy area. In addition, do not leave your personal property like your sunglasses, phones, or other little appliances inside your vehicle since they would be stolen easily. Also, another main target for thieves could be your bags, which could contain laptops in them.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim for Vandalism
Filing a car insurance claim for any type of damage can be difficult. However, some specific methods can simplify filing a claim. The following include:
Take pictures of the incident
You can get details of the incident by taking pictures with your mobile phone. Additionally, you shouldn’t move your car or remove debris until the authorities arrive.
Get a police report
You must report the damage and loss to the police and get an official police report. In addition, this can help simplify the claim procedure.
Track of the claim
Once you report your car insurance claim, you will get a claim number to assist in monitoring its progress. Furthermore, you would be given a friendly representative to reply to any inquiry you have.
Get claim settlement
Depending on the circumstance, your provider may cover your claim for repair or might compensate you. In addition, your claim payment will be determined by the terms and coverage in your insurance policy.
