Collisions and break-ins are common threats that vehicle owners face, and fortunately, the damage caused by these scenarios is typically covered by auto insurance. However, less common situations, such as vandalism, leave many drivers wondering if they're protected. Learn more about how auto insurance companies handle instances of vandalism so that you know how to move forward.

Coverage Matters

Vandalism can range from someone intentionally breaking out the windows in your vehicle to someone keying the car door to a suspect spray painting the hood. However, no matter the outcome, the damage is always the result of an incident that did not involve an accident. For this reason, drivers are only protected against vandalism damage if they have comprehensive coverage. Unlike collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is meant to cover non-collision related events. If you do not have this coverage, it is a good idea to speak with an agent about it to ensure you're protected from every angle.

The Process

Unfortunately, you cannot just contact your insurance company and file a claim for vandalism damage. The insurance company has a process that you must adhere to, and it typically involves filing a police report. In some instances, vandalism is an incident of passion, in that someone close to the vehicle owner caused the damage. So, if the owner has any information, they'll be required to relay it to the officers and ultimately, provide the report to the insurance company. The insurance company may then use this information to recoup the cost of repairs to your vehicle from the responsible party. The police report serves as proof that the damage occurred. 

Deductibles May be Tricky

Fortunately, incidents of vandalism may only cause minor damage. Minor damage often means minimal repair costs. The problem is that for insured drivers who have a higher deductible, the value of the damage to the vehicle might be far less than the amount of the deductible. For instance, the repair costs may be around $200, but the driver's deductible is $500. Any driver with vandalism damage should look over their policy closely to see if the damage to the vehicle has a higher value than their deductible. Otherwise, there may be no need to file a claim.

If you have specific questions about vandalism and your auto insurance, make it a point to reach out to your insurance carrier as soon as possible to ensure you are properly informed on your coverage. Find an auto insurance professional, like those at Kesner Insurance Agency Inc, for more help today. 

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