Yes—if you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, vandalism is typically covered. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against non-collision-related events such as theft, fire, hail, animal damage, and vandalism.

If you only carry liability insurance (which is required by law), you won’t have coverage for vandalism damages. Liability insurance only pays for damage you cause to others, not damage to your own car.

Common Types of Vandalism Covered by Insurance

If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy may help cover damage from:

• Broken windows or mirrors
• Slashed or punctured tires
• Keyed paint or other surface damage
• Spray paint or graffiti
• Stolen or broken parts (like antennas, mirrors, or emblems)

What To Do If Your Car Is Vandalized

1. Document the Damage
   Take clear photos of all visible damage to your vehicle, and note the date and time you discovered it.
2. File a Police Report
   Contact your local police department to file a report. Most insurance companies require a police report when filing a vandalism claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
   Call your insurance agent or file a claim online. Be prepared to provide your photos, police report number, and a description of what happened.
4. Schedule an Inspection or Repair Estimate
   Your insurance company may direct you to an approved repair shop or send an adjuster to inspect the damage and provide an estimate.
5. Pay Your Deductible
   You’ll be responsible for your comprehensive deductible before insurance covers the remaining cost of the repairs.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?

A vandalism claim is considered a comprehensive claim, which is usually classified as a “not-at-fault” incident. This means it’s less likely to cause a significant rate increase, but it may still have an impact depending on your insurance company and overall claims history. In most cases your rates will go up. Your car insurance rates should not increase as much as if you had an at fault accident.

How to Help Prevent Vandalism

While you can’t prevent all risks, here are some tips to reduce your chances of experiencing car vandalism:

• Park in a well-lit, secure area
• Use a garage or covered parking when available
• Install security cameras or dash cams
• Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle
• Consider an alarm or anti-theft system

Do I Have to Pay The Comp Deductible?

Yes, with any comprehensive claim, you will have to pay your comprehensive deductible. The car insurance deductible is the amount that you pay first, before this insurance company pays the claim. Most common deductibles now are $500 or $1000. You will have to pay this deductible to get your vehicle repaired.

Questions About Your Car Insurance?

If you’re unsure about your coverage or have questions about filing a claim, the team at Ameriguard Insurance is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you have the right protection moving forward.

Contact us today (763)767-0522 to review your auto policy or get a quote on comprehensive coverage.