Does car insurance cover vandalism?

How is car vandalism defined?

Car vandalism is when someone intentionally damages or defaces your vehicle. It can happen anywhere — on the road, in your driveway, or in a public parking lot. The most common acts of auto vandalism include:

• Slashed or damaged tires
• Broken windows, headlights, or taillights
• Spray paint damage
• Dents or scratches from keying
• Putting sugar or other substances into your gas tank

Is vandalism covered under insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance coverage can cover vehicle damage that is beyond your control. Deductible options for comprehensive coverage generally range from $0 to $2,000, depending on your insurer and state. If the cost of vandalism repairs is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may make sense to file a comprehensive claim.

Does vandalism raise your insurance rates?

Filing a vandalism car insurance claim could result in a rate increase, depending on your insurer and state.

What to do if your car is vandalized

If your vehicle sustains vandalism damage, here are a few steps to take:

1. Document the damage: Walk around the vehicle, take notes, and check whether anything was stolen or damaged inside.
2. File a police report: Contact law enforcement and file an official report of the incident as soon as possible. A promptly filed police report can help if you choose to file an insurance claim.
3. Take photos: Don't rely solely on the police report to document the damage. Take your own photos of anything that was damaged or destroyed.
4. Contact your insurance company: Include as much information as you can, including the official police report. Your insurance company's representative can help you decide if you should file an auto insurance claim and may send out a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage.

How to protect your car from vandalism

While car vandalism is usually random, you can take these steps to help prevent it:

• Park in well-lit areas or a covered garage when possible
• Remove valuables from your vehicle or store them out of sight
• Install a home security camera aimed at your parking spot, or use a car security camera when parking away from home
• Make your vehicle look protected by installing an alarm, adding a blinking security light or security system decals
• Vary when and where you park, so criminals can't predict your routine
• Choose parking spots that are visible to foot traffic or security patrols
• Consider using two security cameras facing each other to increase the chances of capturing suspicious activity
• Look for camera features like wide field of view, motion detection, strong battery life, and cloud backup in case the device is damaged

What should I do if my car window is broken?

Move your car to a safe spot and cover any broken windows with plastic and tape to prevent more damage. If rain enters through the broken window and causes additional damage, your insurer may not cover it. Learn more about how car insurance covers windshield and glass damage.

How should I fix a keyed car?

Get a repair estimate from a trusted body shop as soon as possible and provide that information to your insurance company when filing your claim. Act quickly to minimize the possibility of rust forming in deep scratches; if you put off repairing your keyed car and rust develops, your insurance may not cover the costs.