AutoInsurance.com is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines.

Find Your Perfect Policy: 866-843-5386

Last updated: October 9, 2024

Car Vandalism Coverage: Should I File a Claim?

If your repairs are less than your deductible, is filing a claim worth it?

Find The Right Insurance

Let our Perfect Policy Connectors do the work for you!

Auto Insurancephone-icon(855) 909-2474Request a free quote

Find The Right Insurance

Let our Perfect Policy Connectors do the work for you!

Auto Insurancephone-icon(855) 909-2474Request a free quote
Share
Twitter brand
Facebook brand
Linkedin brand
Reddit brand
Envelop icon
Share
Twitter brand
Facebook brand
Linkedin brand
Reddit brand
Envelop icon

If your car is vandalized, you may be wondering if car insurance covers the damage to your vehicle, or if filing a claim with your insurance company is even worth it. We’ll help you make that decision and educate you on auto vandalism and insurance in general.

Savings icon
Find out if you’re overpaying for auto insurance.
Save on car insurance
Savings icon
Find out if you’re overpaying for auto insurance.

See how much you could be saving! Let’s get started by entering your ZIP Code:

Vandalism Coverage

Before we discuss vandalism coverage, let’s define what auto vandalism is in the first place.

What Is Auto Vandalism?

Auto vandalism is whenever anyone intentionally damages or defaces your car. It does not include damage from weather, potholes, or auto burglary.

What is auto vandalism?

Auto Vandalism Examples

Here are some different types of auto vandalism:

  • Slashed tires
  • Broken windows
  • Keyed cars
  • Broken taillights, headlights, or windows
  • Spray paint damage
  • Dents
  • Sugar or other substances in the gas tank

When Does Auto Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Vandalism coverage is not usually available on its own but included under the umbrella of comprehensive coverage. While property damage liability, required by every state except New Hampshire and Virginia, covers damages that you or another driver made to your car or another piece of property, it doesn’t cover vandalism, as the vandal isn’t another driver but a pedestrian. In sum, auto insurance covers vandalism only if you have comprehensive coverage.

NOTE:

Aside from vandalism, comprehensive coverage includes damages from weather conditions like hail, fires, floods, and falling rocks.

Is Vandalism Coverage Necessary?

No states require comprehensive auto insurance coverage, but many people choose to get it if they have newer cars. However, if you have an older car, it’s probably not necessary. Of course, the amount of car insurance you need beyond your state’s minimum coverage is your decision.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Is Vandalized

If your vehicle is vandalized, follow these steps:

  1. Record the damage: Note the damage to your car and see if anything has been stolen from it. Take pictures of everything as evidence.
  2. File a police report: Call the police and have them make a report, which you can include in your claim. Learn more about claims and police reports.
  3. File a claim: If you choose to file a claim, contact your insurance agent and give them all of the information you have, including the police report, photos, and notes.
  4. Repair the damages: Finally, repair the damages, whether that means fixing them yourself or taking the car to a repair shop. If you have a broken window, we recommend putting tape or plastic around it until you can get it fully repaired. As for keyed cars, cover the scratch with a temporary clear coat, plastic, or fabric to protect it from the elements.1

Car Insurance and Vandalism

When your car gets vandalized, you might consider filing a claim with your insurance provider, or paying for repairs out of pocket. Which option is best to minimize the cost of your auto insurance?

Will a Vandalism Claim Raise Car Insurance Rates?

Unfortunately, vandalism could negatively impact the cost of car insurance, raising your premiums even if it wasn’t your fault.

Should You File a Vandalism Claim?

If your vandalism repair costs are lower than your comprehensive deductible, it makes sense to avoid filing a claim and simply pay out of pocket.

FYI

Deductibles for comprehensive coverage can range from $0 all the way up to $2,000.

How to Prevent Auto Vandalism

We have a few recommendations to help you avoid auto vandalism in the first place:

  1. Park in open, well-lit, and populated areas.
  2. Avoid parking near trucks, dumpsters, or anything else that obstructs visibility, as this could make it easier for someone to vandalize your car without getting caught.
  3. Don’t park near loitering people or anyone sitting in vehicles.
  4. If possible, park in garages rather than on streets, in alleys, or in driveways.
  5. Try not to park in public for extended periods if you can avoid it.
  6. Lock your garages and gates at all times.
  7. Install good lighting around your house; motion-activated lights are ideal.

how to prevent auto vandalism

Recap

Depending on the size of your deductibles and premium, comprehensive coverage, which covers vandalism, may or may not be worth your while. However, we recommend a comprehensive coverage policy if you have a new or relatively new car. The truth is that damage doesn’t just come from other drivers, but from everything around you, from weather conditions to pedestrians.

 

FAQs

What type of insurance covers vandalism?

The type of auto insurance that covers vandalism is comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage includes damages from things other than drivers, such as hail, potholes, and vandalism.

Is vandalism covered by auto insurance?

Vandalism is only covered if you have comprehensive coverage. Property damage only covers damages from other drivers, not vandalism.

What should I do if my car is vandalized?

ake these steps if your car is vandalized:

  1. Write down all of the damages.
  2. Take pictures.
  3. File a police report.
  4. File a claim with your insurance provider that includes the police report, notes, and photos. If the repair costs are less than your comprehensive deductible, pay for the repairs out of pocket.
  5. Get your car repaired.
  6. If you filed a claim and it’s covered, get reimbursed for the repairs.

Does car insurance go up after a vandalism claim?

Most likely, yes, your car insurance will go up after a vandalism claim. That’s why it’s not worth it to file a claim if the repair costs are less than your comprehensive deductible.

Citations

  1. Does car insurance cover vandalism? Progressive. (2021).
    https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-car-insurance-cover-vandalism/