Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Yes, car insurance does cover vandalism, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. If you just have the basic liability coverage, your auto insurance policy won’t cover your car’s repair or replacement costs caused by vandalism. 

If you don’t already have comprehensive coverage, you may want to contact your insurer to add it to your policy. And if you are shopping for car insurance, make sure your policy includes comprehensive coverage if you want financial protection against vandalism-related damage. 

In this article, you will learn what qualifies as auto vandalism, how car insurance covers vandalism, optional coverages to consider, whether deductibles apply, whether premiums can increase after a vandalism claim, and what steps to take if your car is vandalized, including the steps to file a claim.

What is Auto Vandalism?

If someone intentionally damages your car or defaces its appearance, it is considered auto vandalism. Here are some common examples of auto vandalism. 

• Keying or scratching the car’s paint  
• Slashing the tires  
• Breaking windows or mirrors  
• Spray painting or graffiti on the vehicle  
• Damaging headlights or taillights  
• Egging the car  
• Denting or kicking the vehicle  
• Tampering with locks or door handles  
• Stealing emblems, antennas, catalytic converter or exterior accessories  
• Pouring harmful substances on the car’s paint or interior

How Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Car insurance mainly covers vandalism through comprehensive coverage. If you want financial protection against vandalism-related damage, you should make sure comprehensive coverage is included in your auto insurance policy. 

In addition to carrying the right car insurance coverage, it is also important to choose an insurer that offers reliable claims support and timely assistance when unexpected incidents occur.  

In such cases, it’s best to acquire a policy from an insurer that provides coverage in your state or city. For instance, if you’re located in Michigan, it is ideal to obtain car insurance including comprehensive coverage from a reliable Michigan-based insurance provider.  

Before purchasing a policy, it is important to understand how comprehensive coverage applies to vandalism-related claims and what types of damage may be covered. Let’s explore comprehensive coverage in detail for a clearer understanding.

Comprehensive Coverage

The thing is, vandalism can happen at any moment. No matter how careful you are, it may not always be possible to ensure that your car is safely parked, especially when you’ve parked it on the streets, in an open garage, or in a public parking space.   

If you carry comprehensive coverage, your insurer may help pay for vandalism-related repair costs or compensate you for the vehicle’s actual cash value if the car is declared a total loss. Actual cash value refers to your car’s current market value after depreciation. 

Here’s an example to help you better understand how comprehensive coverage works in a vandalism-related claim. Suppose you parked your car on the street or in a public parking lot while eating at a restaurant. When you return, you discover that someone smashed your windows and left deep scratches and dents across the vehicle. 

After taking your car to a repair shop, the total repair cost comes out to $4,000. If you have comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, your insurer would typically pay $3,500, while you would be responsible for paying the remaining $500 out of pocket. 

However, if the vandalism damage is so severe that the repair costs exceed your car’s actual cash value, your insurer may declare the vehicle a total loss. For example, if your car’s actual cash value after depreciation is $12,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer would typically pay around $11,500 after subtracting the deductible.

Does Collision Coverage Apply?

Collision coverage may apply if someone vandalizes your car by intentionally hitting it with their vehicle. However, if the vandalism does not involve a vehicle-related crash or impact, collision coverage generally will not cover the damage. In such cases, coverage may only apply if you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. 

If you want complete protection against vandalism, both collision and comprehensive coverage can be helpful. While comprehensive coverage mainly covers most acts of vandalism, collision coverage can be helpful if someone vandalizes your car by hitting it with their vehicle. So, if you don’t have collision coverage, you may have to bear any crash-related vandalism damage out of your pocket.

Car Insurance Coverages That Can Help with Vandalism

If you want broader protection against vandalism, it may help to combine comprehensive coverage with other optional coverages and add-ons. While comprehensive insurance typically covers repair or replacement costs caused by auto vandalism, additional coverages can provide extra financial protection depending on the situation.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage does not directly pay for vandalism repairs, but it can still be helpful if your vehicle becomes undrivable after an act of vandalism. This optional coverage is designed to provide emergency roadside services such as towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. 

For example, if vandals slash your tires, damage your battery, or break your car locks and leave you stranded, roadside assistance may help cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a repair shop or getting immediate roadside help. This can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and make it easier to handle the situation after the incident. 

Since roadside assistance is usually available as an add-on to an auto insurance policy, it can provide extra peace of mind alongside comprehensive coverage, especially if you frequently travel long distances or park your vehicle in public areas.

Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage

If your car is being repaired after a covered vandalism claim, you may need a temporary vehicle while your own car is in the shop. Rental car reimbursement coverage usually works alongside comprehensive or collision coverage and is designed to reduce the inconvenience of being without your vehicle. 

For example, if your car is severely damaged due to vandalism and needs to stay in the repair shop for a few days or about a month, rental reimbursement coverage may help cover daily rental car expenses up to your policy’s limits. However, coverage typically only applies if the vandalism damage itself is covered under your insurance policy. 

Since repair times can sometimes take longer depending on the extent of the damage, rental car reimbursement coverage can provide added financial protection and help you continue your daily routine without paying the full rental cost out of pocket. 

Keep in mind that most insurers offer rental car reimbursement coverage for up to 30 days, while some may provide coverage for a slightly longer time period. If it takes longer than the coverage duration, then you may need to cover the additional car rental expenses out of pocket if you opt to continue renting a car.

Gap Insurance Coverage (if you have financed the car on loan)

If your financed or leased car is declared a total loss due to severe vandalism, gap insurance coverage can help cover the difference between your car’s actual cash value (ACV) and the remaining balance on your auto loan or lease. Since vehicles depreciate over time, your insurance payout may sometimes be lower than what you still owe to the lender. 

For example, suppose your car loan balance is $28,000, but after extensive vandalism damage, your insurer determines that your car is totaled and its actual cash value is only $23,000. In that case, your comprehensive insurance would typically pay up to the car’s ACV minus your deductible, while gap insurance may help cover the remaining $5,000 balance owed on the loan. Without gap coverage, you may have to pay that difference out of pocket. 

Gap insurance is especially helpful for newer vehicles, long-term auto loans, or cars with low down payments, since these situations can increase the chances of owing more than the vehicle’s current market value.

When Does Car Insurance Not Cover Vandalism? 

While car insurance can provide financial protection against vandalism, coverage does not apply in every situation. Whether your claim is covered usually depends on the type of insurance you carry, the circumstances of the incident, and your policy’s exclusions and limitations. 

In many cases, vandalism claims are covered under comprehensive insurance. However, there are certain situations where your insurer may deny the claim or refuse to pay for part of the damage.  

Some of these common exclusions and limitations include: 

• You only carry liability-only car insurance without comprehensive coverage  
• The damage is less than or close to your deductible amount  
• The vandalism was intentional or caused by someone listed on your policy  
• Fraudulent or staged vandalism claims  
• Normal wear and tear mistaken for vandalism damage  
• Pre-existing damage to the vehicle  
• Delayed reporting of the vandalism incident to the insurer  
• Failure to cooperate with the insurance investigation process  
• Damage to personal belongings left inside the car  
• Policy lapse due to missed premium payments  
• Custom parts or modifications that exceed your policy’s coverage limits  
• Mechanical breakdowns or electrical failures unrelated to vandalism 
• The car was being used for commercial activities when it was vandalized

Does Your Car Insurance Deductible Apply to a Vandalism Claim?

Yes, car insurance deductibles usually apply to vandalism claims. Since vandalism is typically covered under comprehensive coverage, you’ll generally need to pay your deductible before your insurance provider covers the remaining repair or replacement costs. In some cases, involving vehicle-related impacts, collision coverage deductibles may also apply. 

For example, let’s say your car sustains $4,500 worth of vandalism damage after someone smashes the windows and sprays paint on the vehicle. Now, if your comprehensive coverage deductible is $500, your insurer would typically pay $4,000, while you would need to cover the remaining $500 initially out of pocket.

Will Car Insurance Go Up After a Vandalism Claim?

Generally, car insurance rates may not increase significantly after a vandalism claim because vandalism is usually covered under comprehensive insurance, which applies to damages that are largely beyond your control. Since these claims are considered non-fault incidents, insurers often treat them differently from at-fault accident claims. 

However, a rate increase is still possible depending on your insurer, claim history, location, and the number of claims you’ve filed in recent years. According to the Zebra, the average annual premium increased from $1,759 to $1,849 after the first comprehensive claim, and to $1,936 after a second comprehensive claim within three years. 

Similarly, discussions on Reddit show mixed experiences among drivers. Based on the first thread, this policyholder reported a noticeable premium increase of 30% after filing comprehensive claims, while the discussion in the other thread stated that their insurers did not raise rates for vandalism or other comprehensive claims. 

So, whether your car insurance premium increases after a vandalism claim mainly depends on your insurer, your claims history, your location, and other key factors affecting your car insurance cost.

What to do if Your Car Has Been Vandalized?

If your car has been vandalized, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible, since vandalism is considered a criminal act. Filing a police report is often important when submitting a car insurance claim, as many insurers may ask for official documentation of the incident during the claims process. 

You should also take photos or videos of the damage, document any missing or broken parts, and contact your insurance provider promptly to report the claim. The insurance company may review the police report, photos, repair estimates, and other evidence to verify the damage before approving coverage. 

If your claim is approved, your insurer may help cover the repair or replacement costs based on your policy coverage and deductible amount. However, the exact payout will depend on your coverage limits, the extent of the vandalism damage, and the terms of your policy.\

What to do if Your Car Has Been Vandalized?

If your car has been vandalized, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible, since vandalism is considered a criminal act. Filing a police report is often important when submitting a car insurance claim, as many insurers may ask for official documentation of the incident during the claims process. 

You should also take photos or videos of the damage, document any missing or broken parts, and contact your insurance provider promptly to report the claim. The insurance company may review the police report, photos, repair estimates, and other evidence to verify the damage before approving coverage. 

If your claim is approved, your insurer may help cover the repair or replacement costs based on your policy coverage and deductible amount. However, the exact payout will depend on your coverage limits, the extent of the vandalism damage, and the terms of your policy.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim for Vandalism?

If your car has been vandalized, filing a car insurance claim as soon as possible can help speed up the investigation and repair process. Since vandalism claims are usually covered under comprehensive insurance, your insurer may ask for specific documents and evidence before approving the claim. 

While the exact claims process may vary depending on the insurance company, these are the general steps you should follow after discovering vandalism damage to your vehicle. 

• Report the incident to the police: Contact the police and file an official vandalism report. Many insurers may require a police report number as part of the claims process.   
• Document the damage thoroughly: Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage from multiple angles before cleaning or repairing the vehicle. You should also document any broken or missing parts.   
• Contact your insurance provider promptly: Notify your insurer about the vandalism incident as soon as possible. Delayed reporting could sometimes complicate the claims process or affect coverage eligibility.   
• Provide all required information and evidence: Your insurer may ask for the police report, photos, videos, repair estimates, location details, and a description of how the incident occurred.   
• Get a damage inspection or repair estimate: Depending on your insurer, you may need to visit an approved repair shop or schedule an inspection with a claims adjuster to assess the damage.   
• Pay your deductible if the claim is approved: If your vandalism claim is covered under comprehensive insurance, you will usually need to pay your deductible before the insurer covers the remaining repair costs.   
• Complete the repairs or replace the vehicle: Once the claim is approved, you can proceed with repairing your vehicle through the repair shop approved by your insurer or a repair facility of your choice, depending on your policy terms. If your car is declared a total loss due to severe vandalism damage, your insurer may compensate you based on the vehicle’s actual cash value, which can help you replace the car. 
• Keep copies of all claim-related documents: Save copies of repair invoices, claim documents, police reports, emails, and communication with your insurer for future reference.

How to Prevent Car Vandalism?

Nothing can feel worse than walking to the parking lot or garage to find your car vandalized. While it’s not possible to always prevent vandalism, taking certain precautions may help reduce the risk of your vehicle becoming a target. 

Here are some effective tips to help prevent car vandalism. 

• Park your car in well-lit and secure areas whenever possible.  
• Use a garage or gated parking space to limit public access to your vehicle.  
• Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the car.  
• Install a car alarm or anti-theft security system.  
• Use a dash cam or security camera for added monitoring and evidence collection.  
• Lock all doors and fully close the windows before leaving the vehicle unattended.  
• Avoid parking in isolated or high-crime areas whenever possible.  
• Consider using a steering wheel lock or additional visible security devices.  
• Regularly check your vehicle for signs of tampering or suspicious damage.  
• Keep your comprehensive coverage active to maintain financial protection against vandalism-related damage.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Car with the Right Insurance Coverage

If you want to keep your car financially protected from vandalism, then there’s no better alternative than ensuring the right car insurance coverage. If you already have car insurance, review your policy to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage.  

If not, contact your insurer to add it to your policy. Whereas, if you don’t have car insurance yet, and you’re exploring coverage to find out the best options, comprehensive coverage is something you should consider.  

This coverage doesn’t just cover vandalism, but it also protects your car financially from various unexpected events that are beyond your control, such as theft, fire, water damage, flood, falling objects, flood, storms, earthquake and other natural disasters. 

Keep in mind that vandalism can also happen if someone intentionally rams your car with their vehicle, so you should also consider collision coverage. If you’re exploring an affordable car insurance policy in Michigan, you should contact us to get a free quote with expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you claim vandalism on car insurance?

Yes, you can claim vandalism on car insurance if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. After reporting the incident to the police and your insurer, your insurance provider may help cover the repair or replacement costs minus your deductible. 

What is vandalism damage in a car?

Vandalism damage in a car refers to intentional damage caused by another person, such as keying the paint, breaking windows, slashing tires, spray painting, or damaging mirrors and lights. These damages are typically covered under comprehensive car insurance. 

Does vandalism count as a fault claim? 

No, vandalism is generally considered a non-fault insurance claim because the damage is caused intentionally by another person and is usually beyond your control. However, filing multiple comprehensive claims within a short period may still affect your insurance premium, depending on your insurer.

What to do if someone pops your tires?

If someone pops or slashes your tires, you should document the damage with photos, file a police report, and contact your insurance provider to check whether your coverage applies. If your vehicle becomes undrivable, roadside assistance coverage may help pay for services such as installing a spare tire or towing your car to the nearest repair shop. 

Is it worth reporting a scratch to insurance?

It depends on the severity of the scratch and your deductible amount. If the damage involves deep paint scratches that may cost $1,000 to $1,500 or more to repair, filing an insurance claim may be worth considering, especially if the repair cost exceeds your deductible. However, if the damage only requires minor repairs costing around $150 to $400, filing a claim may not be worthwhile since the repair cost could be close to or below your deductible amount.