With low car inventories at auto dealerships across the country, car vandalism, car theft, and auto parts theft are on the rise. The last thing you want is to discover after the fact that your policy doesn’t provide essential protection from vandalism.
In fact, you might want to make a point of asking your insurance agent this one vital question? Does my car insurance cover vandalism? If not, you want to make a change to your coverage before you need to file insurance claims for car vandalism.
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
Depending on the type of policy you have, vandalism may or may not be included in your auto insurance coverage. For instance, a liability-only plan doesn’t provide protection against damage to your vehicle. It only covers protection for damage you do to the property or person of others.
On the other hand, if you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, you should be covered from all instances of vandalism. This includes shattered windshields, car keying, spray-painting, etc. You can file insurance claims for car vandalism with your insurer and will be reimbursed for the cost of repairs.
One thing to consider, though, depending on the extent of the damage, is that it may be cheaper, in the long run, to pay for repairs out of pocket rather than filing a claim. You’ll have to determine which is the best choice for you within the specifics of your policy. For instance, if your deductible is greater than the total claim, it might be in your best interest to pay for the repairs yourself without risking higher future insurance costs.
What Constitutes Vandalism to a Vehicle?
In the case of vandalism, the only thing covered by insurance is the required repairs to your car. It does not extend to the contents of your vehicle or things inside your car. In addition to vandalism, comprehensive insurance coverage provides protection for the following types of damage to your vehicle:
- Car theft.
- Damage from animal encounters.
- Falling trees or branches.
- Flood damage.
- Hail damage.
How to File Insurance Claims for Car Vandalism
The process is straightforward and easy to accomplish. These are the steps you need to take when filing a vandalism claim.
- Report the incident to the police as soon as you notice the vandalism damage to your vehicle.
- File a police report with your local precinct. You’ll need a copy of this for your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance company to report the incident and speak with a claims adjuster.
- Get the required repairs for your vehicle. Do not make repairs until after you’ve spoken with your claims adjuster to determine what documentation, photographs, etc. the insurance company needs.
Vandalism is not at all a victimless crime. It can completely disrupt your sense of security and safety. Fortunately, with the right insurance protection, it doesn’t need to be a disruption to your life. We can help you get the right protection for your vehicle and answer all your insurance questions, including, “Does car insurance cover vandalism?” and many, many more.
Arnold Insurance is happy to help you understand the ins and outs of your auto policy and to help you get the protection you desire from your auto insurance coverage. Contact us today to learn more and to discover the many ways we can help with all your insurance and risk management needs.
