Does car insurance cover vandalism? Auto vandalism can be a costly and frustrating situation. Whether your car gets sprayed with paint, broken windows, or slashed tires, expenses can easily add up. That is why it is very important to know if your car insurance can cover vandalism.
Read on to understand how auto insurance covers vandalism and how the coverage works. Also, this article will help you learn how you can easily file a claim for vandalism done to your vehicle.
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
You need to know that your auto insurance policy will only cover vandalism if comprehensive coverage is included in your policy. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are included in the full coverage of your vehicle policies.
Generally, the state law does not require you to have full coverage. So unless you are very sure you carry this coverage, you will have to check your policy to know if it has comprehensive coverage.
Note: Comprehensive insurance for car vandalism does not cover stolen personal belongings in a vandalism accident. Coverage for your personal belongings may come from your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
What Does an Insurer Consider Car Vandalism?
The common issues most insurers consider as auto vandalism include:
- Tires are being punctured or slashed intentionally.
- Car panels being damaged or destroyed by an object
- Vehicle glass is being smashed.
- Vehicle wing mirrors being kicked off or pulled
- Panels on a car were scratched with a very sharp object or keyed.
Generally, damage that is done to your vehicle intentionally can be referred to as vandalism.
How Can I File For a Vandalism Claim?
As soon as you notice damage, insurance claims for vandalism should be filed. You might have to report to the police before contacting your insurance company. To make sure the process goes very easily, it is essential to know the steps that you need to take in filing a car vandalism claim.
Contact Police and File a Report
The first step you need to take is to ensure that you are not in danger. Vandalism is a crime, so if it happens, you will have to contact your local police. If you want to file a claim with your insurer, a police report will be needed. So, this step cannot be overlooked.
It is very important to gather evidence by taking photos with your phone. And jot down details of the vandalism damage while they are very fresh. The police may come to the scene or not. If they do, provide them with evidence. And if they do not file the report via phone, Be very honest and give as much information as you can remember. Ensure that you ask for a copy of the report; you may have to tender it to an insurer representative.
Contact your Auto Insurance Provider
Contact your insurer immediately and file for the claim. This can be done over the phone, on mobile apps, or online if your insurer has one. The insurer will ask for certain details, and you have to provide them.
Meet with your Claim Adjuster
The claim adjuster will have to meet with you for an inspection, so you will need to set up a time and allow them to check your vehicle. The claim adjuster will now jot down the damages done to your car. And also explain the necessary steps that will be taken.
Get your Car Repaired or Replaced
Once your claim has been approved by your insurer, you will have to take your car to the repair shop. Your carrier may provide lists of repair facilities. However, you can go to a facility of your choice even if it is not included in the list. The process might take longer than you expected. The repair costs might exceed the amount your provider has agreed to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Auto-Vandalism?
Auto vandalism is an intentional act of damage or destruction done to a vehicle. There are different forms, but with the right coverage, you will get the right help to make payment for the repairs.
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism in Canada?
Yes, destruction caused by vandalism can be covered by a car insurance policy in Canada. However, you must have added All Perils coverage or other coverage against perils to your policy. Your insurance provider will compensate you within 2 months of getting your claim and all your evidence.
Does Insurance Cover Car Theft?
Yes, your auto policy generally covers theft and vandalism. However, you need to know that the policy won’t cover the theft of your personal belongings in your car. In this case, you will have to check your renter’s or homeowner’s policies. Ensure you file a report with the police and insurance company immediately after the theft.
What Happens if My Policy Does not Have Comprehensive Coverage for Car Vandalism?
Just so you know, damages caused by vandalism are not always covered by your auto insurance. Unless your insurer includes comprehensive coverage in your policy, Note: It is considered fraud to add policy coverage after vehicle loss, vandalism, or other damages. Then file for a claim that happened before the policy was effective.
So, if you are very concerned about vandalism or other damages in the future, it is a good idea to add comprehensive coverage to your policy.
What Can Help Prevent Auto Vandalism?
We can say that vandalism is a crime of opportunity. This means that preventing it will reduce the opportunity for it to happen. You can always prevent vandalism by parking in a secured driveway or garage, investing in a car alarm system, and removing important belongings from your car. And locking your car upon arrival at the garage.
Conclusion
Purchase car insurance today, and make sure to include comprehensive coverage. With this, you can prevent sudden financial expenses when vandalism and other damages occur. You can purchase a policy from insurers like Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide, Geico, and many more.