Yes, if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, your insurance company can help cover the cost of repairs due to vandalism, minus any deductible.  

Acts of vandalism can be both financially costly, as well as upsetting or traumatic. Imagine that you walk out of your house, heading to your car and find a broken window, your tires slashed, and graffiti sprayed on your vehicle. Or perhaps you’re just walking back to your car and find someone keyed the exterior.  

Repair expenses can add up quickly. If you lease your vehicle, you’re most likely obligated to fix your car before returning it… and even a keyed car can lead to other problems down the road, such as rust setting in. Nor could you safely drive around with windows that had been smashed.  

Understand how insurance coverage for vandalism works, what you should consider before filing a claim, and even if filing is always the best option.  

Probably the same way you do. Vandalism is the intentional damage or defacing of property, in this case your vehicle. Whether your ride is parked in your driveway, on the side of the street, or in a public parking lot, vandalism may include: 

• Broken windows, headlights, or taillights 

• Graffiti damages 

• Dents or scratches from getting your car keyed 

• Slashed, stolen, or damaged tires 

• Removing or bending car emblems 

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that policyholders may elect to purchase. While it is not required by state laws, many leaseholders do mandate that so you will want to check with your policy to see if you have comprehensive. 

Comprehensive insurance will generally cover you for the vandalism damage done to your vehicle, minus the insurance deductible. Exceptions can include personal items left inside the car that may have been stolen, damaged, or destroyed in the incident. 

The loss of personal items would generally fall into the category of renters or homeowners insurance. 

Firstly, make sure you are safe. Whoever damaged your car could still be out there. Do not stay in an area that you deem dangerous. 

But if the coast is clear, then take a quick inventory of the damages your car has sustained. Take photos of anything that was defaced or destroyed. This includes snapshots or video of broken glass, debris, and other signs of damage left around your car.  

If you’re filing a police report, ask for an officer to come out and assess the scene as you found it. This may help to document the situation if you file with your insurance company. 

Unlike a car accident that could involve injuries and property damage, you may not legally be required to contact either the police or your insurer. As always, check state regulations and your policy. 

However, if you lease your vehicle, you’re probably contractually obligated to repair it. 

The choice to file is yours and may depend on a few other factors. For starters, you will want to see if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your plan, and then you will need to factor in the amount of your deductible versus the repair costs. If the damage and cost is small, you may not even meet the deductible threshold. As an example, if the repairs cost $350 and you have a deductible of $500, then you would still be required to pay the $350 on your own. 

However, if your repairs are estimated at $15,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurance would likely kick in. 

It’s possible that a vandalism claim could influence your premiums and result in a rate increase. If so, this rise tends to be smaller than other claims such as those involving a collision. 

Always take all steps you can to minimize the risk of vandalism before it happens. 

Not only will the culprit face legal consequences for their actions, but your insurance company may be able to sue them for the damages they inflicted on your vehicle. 

Like other claims, time is of the essence to make sure the process goes smoothly. If you wait too long after you notice the damage, your insurer may not cover you. 

You may need to file a police report before filing a claim. A customer service rep can help you determine this. 

Yes. While car vandalism can be random, and there is no way to 100% protect yourself, there are still important steps you can take to help prevent it — such as parking in well-lit areas or a covered (locked) garage at home. And always remove valuables from sight (ideally, take them into your home or at least hide them in a trunk or glove compartment). 

Many shoppers remember to hide shopping bags during winter holidays… but drivers should heed this warning all year long and remove any temptations from sight. This includes purses, wallets, cellphones, computers, and any other items that could be of interest to someone. 

A broken car window is not something you want to wait to fix. Outside debris can easily enter your car, making it dangerous to drive… as well as potentially causing more damage — when it’s sunny or in a rain or snowstorm. Insurance may not pay to repair further damage. 

While covering any broken windows with tape and plastic may be a temporary fix (and of course, be mindful of this solution as you don’t want to damage exterior paint), get your windows fixed quickly. 

As always when it comes to broken glass, be extra careful of getting near jagged edges. 

You can bring your car into a trusted body shop to get an estimate on the cost of repairs. When speaking with your insurer, you can supply them with the body shop’s quote during your claims process.  

Remember that rust can form in deep scratches. If you put off repairing your keyed car and rust does develop, insurance may not cover the costs.  

Speed is of the essence again as graffiti is usually easier to remove the sooner it has been painted on. It is estimated that the paint is usually easiest to remove within the first 72 hours. Repairs can be costly. Don’t wait. 

The perpetrator of this crime would likely be held financially responsible. 

There are many DIY methods for removal on the internet and social media, but we suggest you bring your car to a trusted body shop. 

It goes without saying that you cannot drive on slashed or damaged tires. This goes for tires that have been vandalized, as well as normal wear and tear or other damages on the road. 

Auto theft can also fall under the category of comprehensive insurance, which may also cover stolen parts from your vehicle. 

Protect yourself from being a victim of car theft all year long, as well as during winter, when thefts spike up to 25%. 

As always, empowered drivers are safer drivers, more thoughtful drivers, and more engaged drivers. Check out the blogs and content on our social media channels for more helpful tips, including: 

• 5 Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving 

• 6 Ways to Defend Yourself Against Drunk Drivers 

• Peak Deer Season: How to Prevent Collisions 

• How to Stay Safe in Tornado Alley

Find out more about how Novo can lower your premiums while offering best-in-class car insurance:   

• Introducing Novo    

• Auto Insurance: Transformation or Disruption    

• Current State of Auto Insurance