Vandalism can be one of the most annoying claims for car insurance. If you park in difficult terrain, you know that vandalism can be a risk and that it is usually not about you. But someone who deliberately damages your property feels personal, even if you were an accidental victim. If you have recently suffered a nasty breakup or have a vengeful enemy, vandalism can sometimes be a terribly unfortunate consequence of your personal life affecting your financial life. Does car insurance cover vandalism?
What coverage does the car repair with the key?
A car with a key is considered a vandalized car, and vandalism is covered by a comprehensive part of the car insurance policy. Determining if you bought insurance is quite simple: Check the declaration page to see if the amount in dollars is provided as part of a comprehensive or non-collision insurance. One amount should be deductible and the other amount should correspond to the amount of insurance. If you can’t locate the application page, contact your insurance agent or check your insurance online.
If you still cannot determine your coverage, call the carrier’s customer service number for assistance.
Filing for vandalism is not so difficult; it’s more about your time and related inconveniences. Save time by understanding the complaint process and start with these simple steps. It never hurts to ask your claimant how to speed up the process. Nobody wants to deal with an insurance claim, especially because of a vandal. The best advice is to settle your claim as soon as possible so that you can fix the vehicle, move with life and put this mess behind.
How much is insurance if my car is devastated?
I stayed at the hotel and went out to the car the next morning. It turned out that my window was broken and the interior of my car was devastated. I have made an insurance claim, but I wonder how much will be covered?
Like all insurance policies, your policy other than collision insurance will be deductible. If your car is vandalized and you decide to make a claim, your insurance will cover the total cost of vandalism minus the deduction. The actual cost depends on the type of vandalism and damage to the car. It can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand.
Given that you have to pay a deduction, it’s not always worth paying for a claim with an insurance company. If your tax deductible costs $ 1,000, and fixing the vandalism in your car costs only $ 400, there is no reason to go through insurance. I recommend simply paying for damages out of pocket.
What to do if you do not have comprehensive insurance
Unfortunately, not much can be done if the car is devastated and you do not have comprehensive insurance. Your insurer has no legal obligation to cover the cost of car repairs. Ideally, law enforcement would arrest the person or persons responsible and bring civil charges against him.
Tips for protecting your vehicle against vandalism:
- Park the car in a place with lighting, especially if you are not after sunset. If you park in the dark, a vandal can damage your car unnoticed.
- Equip your vehicle with a security system. Modern options include cameras that provide evidence that law enforcement can use to catch the perpetrator, and loud alarms that will scare off thieves and vandals.
- If possible, store your vehicle in an internal garage. Most of them are well lit and have security cameras that protect your car from vandalism.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times. Unlocked vehicles are much more vulnerable to destruction. You should even lock your car when you are parked in your own home and when you get gas or drop into the store for a minute.
