Good news: Car insurance covers vandalism—like keying, slashed tires, or other malicious acts—but only if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of car insurance and vandalism, plus what you can do to protect your car from pesky vandals.
TL;DR
- Vandalism refers to intentional damage caused to your car by malicious acts—like keying, spray paint, or slashed tires
- Comprehensive coverage is required on your car insurance policy to cover vandalism-related damage
- When filing a car insurance claim for vandalism, you’ll need a police report and photo documentation of the damage
- Parking in well-lit secure areas, using anti-theft devices, and installing security cameras can help deter potential vandals
How does car insurance cover vandalism?
In the US, vandalism tends to spike during the summer months, with July seeing the highest incidents. Luckily, car insurance can help cover the costs if your car gets damaged by vandalism when you include comprehensive coverage on your policy. Here’s a quick look at the coverages that might apply:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage offers financial assistance for repairing or replacing parts of your car damaged by vandalism. If your car is keyed, spray-painted, or dented, this coverage helps cover repair costs, which can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the severity. The coverage amount is usually based on your car’s actual cash value (ACV) and is subject to your deductible, usually between $100 and $1,000.
Extended glass coverage
Extended glass coverage is an optional add-on that can significantly lower or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses for windshield repairs or replacement. If you opt for this coverage, you may only pay $50 or even nothing at all, depending on your policy.
Depending on where you live, when you drive with Lemonade Car and include comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, you may have the option to add extended glass coverage. This coverage differs from comprehensive coverage, as it is specifically designed to provide protection for car glass damage—like a windshield, or a sunroof— unrelated to a collision. The best part? Under this coverage, there is typically little to no deductible.
When does car insurance cover vandalism?
Vandalism is when someone intentionally damages your car. This could include actions like:
- Keying your car
- Breaking windows
- Spray-painting the body, including graffiti
- Slashing tires
- Stealing hubcaps or side mirrors
- Putting sugar (or other harmful substances) into your gas tank
Imagine this: One night someone graffiti’s the hood of your car and slashes your tires while it’s parked in public street parking next to your apartment. Repairing the paint job and replacing the tires costs $2,000. If you have comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, you’d pay that amount out of pocket, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,500, provided your claim is approved.
When is vandalism not covered by car insurance?
If your policy includes only liability or collision coverage, you’ll need to pay for repairs entirely out of pocket.
For example, if someone keys your car but you only have liability insurance, your insurance company won’t cover the damage since liability focuses on paying for harm caused to others’ property—not your own car. You’d be responsible to cover the cost of repairs out of pocket.
Also, any intentional damage caused by the owner or fraudulent actions (like purposely damaging your car to make a claim) won’t be covered.
How can I protect my car from vandalism?
While you can’t always prevent vandalism, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of vandals targeting your car.
Opt for safe parking spots
Park in well-lit, busy areas, secure garages, or places with surveillance cameras whenever possible. Vandals are less likely to target cars in high-traffic areas or where they can be easily recorded.
Use security measures
Install anti-theft devices—like car alarms, steering wheel locks, or dash cams to deter vandals. Visible security features can discourage potential criminals.
Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight
Do not leave valuables such as electronics, bags, or any other items in plain sight inside your car. This reduces the temptation for vandals to break in.
Car insurance typically doesn’t cover personal belongings stolen from your car, but renters insurance or homeowners insurance can provide protection for your stuff.
Install a car cover or tarp
A car cover can act as an additional deterrent to vandals by making it harder to access and damage your car. Choose a cover that fits securely and can be locked or tied down to keep vandals from easily removing it. This can also protect your car from the elements and other types of damage.
What should I do if my car’s been vandalized?
Finding out your car’s been vandalized can be super stressful, but with a few simple steps, you can get things back to normal in no time:
- File a police report: Report the incident to your local police department. It’s an essential step to filing claims related to vandalism.
- Document the damage: Take clear photos of the vandalism from multiple angles. Cover all areas, including paintwork, windows, etc.
- Protect your car: If broken windows or other damage make your car unsafe, move it to a secure area or cover exposed sections to prevent further damage.
- File a claim: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claim process.
At Lemonade, we designed our digital claims process to be as quick and easy as possible. Just submit your claim through the app with the help of our chatbot, AI Jim. We’ll pair you up with one of Lemonade Car’s claims adjusters to help you with the rest of the process.
If you have extended glass coverage, and only need to file a claim for the broken glass, make sure to select “Glass damage only” during the claims process. Once you answer a few more questions, tap the ‘Send details to Safelite’ button at the bottom of the screen, we’ll pass your details to our trusty auto-glass repair partner, Safelite.
From there, Safelite will coordinate with you directly to assess your car’s damage and arrange repairs.
Before we go…
Comprehensive car insurance has you covered when it comes to vandalism. It’ll take care of repair costs and glass replacement, so you can relax knowing your car’s protected. If you don’t have this coverage yet, now might be a good time to think about adding it!
Ready to get started? Get your free quote today.
FAQs
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim for vandalism?
Filing a vandalism claim can impact your insurance premiums. Repeated claims or a history of vandalism in your area may also lead to higher rates.
Can dash cams help prevent vandalism?
Dash cams don’t prevent vandalism but can deter vandals or record evidence that might help in your case. Some cameras include motion sensors that activate when your car is parked. Video proof can also assist the police and strengthen your insurance claim.
Can acts of vandalism include chemical damage to a car?
Yes, acts of vandalism can include damage like substances poured on the paint, such as acid or sugar in the gas tank. Comprehensive coverage generally covers these types of damages. Always document the damage and file a police report to support your insurance claim.
Can I choose my deductible for comprehensive coverage?
Yes, most insurance companies allow you to select your deductible when you purchase an auto insurance policy. Typical deductibles range between $100 and $1,000. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premiums but means you’ll pay more out of pocket for vandalism claims.
Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim for vandalism?
Yes, you’ll need to document the damage by taking clear photos and filing a police report. These records are crucial when submitting an insurance claim for vandalism. Your insurance company may also ask for repair shop estimates as part of the claims process.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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