What Every Driver Needs To Know!
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism? What Every Driver Should Know
If you’ve ever found your car keyed, your tires slashed, or windows broken, you’re not alone—and you may be wondering if your auto insurance covers the damage.
The good news? In most cases, yes – car insurance does cover vandalism, but only if you carry the right type of coverage. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected and get peace of mind.
What Type of Insurance Covers Vandalism?
To file a vandalism claim, you must have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle that was vandalized. Comprehensive coverage – or full coverage – protects against damage to the vehicle while you are not operating it. Some of the most common forms of vandalization includes:
- Broken windows and mirrors
- Slashed tires
- Spray paint or graffiti
- Stolen parts or damage from attempted theft
- Keying/scratching or intentional damage to the body
Real Life Insurance Stories From Our Agents
- “One of our clients had a brick thrown through their back window and had some items stolen. Their insurance replaced the window but did not cover replacement of stolen items or interior cleanup.“
- “Someone drilled a hole through the passenger side door lock, popped open the door and stole the stereo and CDs. Unfortunately, their insurance company didn’t cover any of these losses because of the type of policy they had.“
- “We just had a gas tank drained when a hole was drilled through it! What a hassle! Their insurance covered all repairs and associated costs – but not for new fuel.“
- “An insured of ours had their car stolen, trashed, and completely ruined, 100% destroyed. Insurance paid out the value of the car.“
We see stories like these far too often. It’s heartbreaking when a client learns their damage isn’t covered – especially when it could have been, if comprehensive coverage had been included. In many cases, the decision to skip it came down to cost. We understand budgets are tight, but we also know how expensive it can be to go without the protection you truly need. Remember that if you only carry liability coverage (which is required by law), vandalism is not covered. If you’re curious about your own auto coverage and if you need to make any changes, contact your agent at Reliable Insurance Agency before it is too late!
Does Filing a Vandalism Claim Affect Insurance Rates?
Many insurance companies view vandalism as a “not-at-fault” claim – meaning you didn’t cause the damage. However, repeated claims over time can lead to rate increases, especially if you’re in a high-risk area. Before filing any claim, it is smart to weight the cost of your deductible against the cost of repairs. Your insurance agent should be able to help you decide the best course of action.
Steps to Take If Your Car Is Vandalized
- Document the damage: take multiple photos from different angles and zoom levels to capture the damage inflicted.
- File a police report: most insurers require this as part of the claim process.
- Contact your insurance agency: make them aware of the damage and seek their advice if opening a claim is the right decision for you
- Get an estimate for repairs: work with a reputable repair shop. Ask your agent if you need suggestions of some good places to go
How to Add or Check Your Coverage
Not sure if your policy includes comprehensive coverage? We can help with that! At Reliable Insurance Agency, we’ll review your current policy and recommend affordable options to better protect your vehicle from damage – whether it’s vandalism, deer collisions, or hailstorms.
FAQs About Auto Vandalism Insurance
Q: Do I need a police report to file a vandalism claim?
Yes. Most carriers require a report to verify the damage wasn’t self-inflicted or fraudulent.
Q: Is a keyed car covered by insurance?
Typically, yes – but only if you have comprehensive coverage.
Q: Will my rates go up if I file a vandalism claim?
Not always, but frequent claims may affect your premium. Talk to your agent about the best approach.
Bottom Line
Comprehensive auto insurance is your best defense against vandalism – and we can help you find a policy that fits your needs. If your vehicle was damaged or you want to protect it better, our local team is here to help. With offices located in Cloquet, Hermantown, and Superior, we know the unique risks of each community and help you tailor a policy that makes sense.
👉 Contact Reliable Insurance Agency today for a quick policy review or quote comparison.
