What Type of Insurance Covers Vandalism?
Comprehensive coverage covers vandalism damage to your vehicle.
Comprehensive covers non-collision damage:
- Vandalism (keying, graffiti, broken glass)
- Theft or attempted theft
- Weather damage (hail, floods, falling trees)
- Fire
- Animal strikes (hitting a deer)
Liability and collision don't cover vandalism.
- Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others—never your own vehicle
- Collision insurance covers crashes with other vehicles or objects, not intentional damage
Bottom line: You need comprehensive coverage for vandalism protection. Liability-only policies offer no coverage for vandalism damage.
For a complete breakdown of what car insurance covers, see our guide on what does car insurance cover.
What Vandalism Damage Is Covered?
Comprehensive insurance covers virtually all intentional damage to your vehicle:
Paint damage:
- Keyed scratches and etched messages
- Spray-painted graffiti
- Acid or chemical damage to paint
Glass damage:
- Broken windows
- Smashed windshields
- Shattered mirrors
Tire damage:
- Slashed or punctured tires
- Tire deflation (valve stems removed)
Body damage:
- Dented panels
- Scratched or damaged trim
- Broken lights (headlights, taillights)
Interior damage (if vandals broke in):
- Ripped seats or dashboard
- Broken electronics
- Damaged steering wheel or gear shift
Other malicious acts:
- Sugar in gas tank
- Fluid contamination (oil, coolant)
- Stolen or destroyed parts (mirrors, wipers, license plates)
What about stolen items from your car? Your car insurance does not cover personal belongings stolen during vandalism. For that, you'd file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance. For more, see our article on does car insurance cover personal belongings.
How Much Does Vandalism Coverage Cost?
Comprehensive coverage typically costs $150–$500 per year, depending on:
- Your vehicle's value. More expensive cars cost more to insure.
- Your location. High-crime areas have higher comprehensive premiums.
- Your deductible. Choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $250 reduces your premium by 30–50%.
- Your driving record. Clean records qualify for lower rates.
Comprehensive is relatively affordable. Even if you drop collision coverage on an older car, keeping comprehensive makes sense because it protects against theft, weather, and vandalism—risks that don't depend on your vehicle's age.
For help deciding what coverage you need, read our guide on comprehensive vs collision insurance.
When Should You File a Vandalism Claim?
Consider these factors before filing:
1. Compare repair cost to your deductible. If vandalism damage costs $400 to repair and your deductible is $500, filing a claim doesn't help. You'd pay the full amount either way.
2. Consider rate impacts. Comprehensive claims typically don't increase your rates because they're not your fault. However, filing multiple claims in a short period (2+ in 3 years) may raise premiums or lead to non-renewal.
3. Calculate your break-even point. File a claim only if repairs significantly exceed your deductible—ideally by $500–$1,000 or more.
Example scenarios:
- Keyed door ($800 repair, $500 deductible): File the claim. Insurance pays $300.
- Broken side mirror ($200 repair, $500 deductible): Pay out of pocket. You'd get nothing from insurance.
- Smashed windshield + slashed tires ($1,200 repair, $500 deductible): File the claim. Insurance pays $700.
Does your state offer glass coverage waivers? Some states (Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina) require insurers to offer $0 deductible glass repair or replacement. If you have this coverage, windshield damage from vandalism is covered with no out-of-pocket cost.
How to File a Vandalism Claim
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of claim approval:
1. File a police report immediately.
- Call the police and report the vandalism
- Get a copy of the police report (or the report number)
- Insurers require a police report for vandalism claims
2. Document the damage thoroughly.
- Take photos of all damage from multiple angles
- Include wide shots showing the vehicle location and close-ups of specific damage
- Take photos of the scene (e.g., security cameras nearby, broken glass on the ground)
- Note the date, time, and location
3. Contact your insurance company.
- Report the claim within 24–48 hours
- Provide the police report number
- Ask about the claims process and timeline
4. Get repair estimates.
- Your insurer may send an adjuster to inspect damage
- Or they may ask you to get estimates from approved shops
- Don't start repairs until the claim is approved
5. Consider security camera footage. If the vandalism occurred in a parking lot, apartment complex, or business with security cameras, request footage. This can help police identify suspects and strengthen your claim.
6. Complete repairs. Once your claim is approved, you'll pay your deductible and insurance covers the rest. Use a shop recommended by your insurer for guaranteed workmanship.
Will a Vandalism Claim Raise Your Rates?
Usually not. Comprehensive claims are considered no-fault, so most insurers don't surcharge for a single vandalism claim.
However:
- Multiple claims in a short period (2+ comprehensive claims in 3 years) may raise rates or lead to non-renewal
- Some insurers do raise rates for any claim, regardless of fault—check your policy
- Claim frequency matters more than claim type; frequent filers are seen as higher risk
Ask before filing. Before submitting a vandalism claim, call your insurer and ask:
- Will this claim affect my rates?
- How many comprehensive claims have I filed in the past 3 years?
- Is there a claims-free discount I might lose?
This helps you decide whether filing is worth it.
What If You Don't Have Comprehensive Coverage?
If you only have liability insurance, you're paying 100% of vandalism repair costs out of pocket.
Should you add comprehensive?
Add comprehensive if:
- Your car is worth $3,000+
- You live in a high-crime area
- You park on the street or in public lots frequently
- You can't afford $1,000–$3,000 in unexpected repairs
Skip comprehensive if:
- Your car is worth less than $2,000
- Annual comprehensive premium exceeds 10% of your car's value
- You have significant emergency savings
Comprehensive is one of the most affordable coverage types—often just $10–$30/month—and protects against theft, weather, and vandalism. For most drivers, it's worth keeping even after dropping collision coverage.
For more on coverage decisions, see our guide on how much car insurance do I need.
How to Prevent Car Vandalism
Park in well-lit, visible areas. Vandals target cars in dark, secluded spots. Park near security cameras, building entrances, or under streetlights.
Use a garage when possible. Parking in a locked garage eliminates most vandalism risk.
Install a dashcam with parking mode. Dashcams with parking mode record 24/7 and capture vandalism on video. This helps police identify suspects and strengthens insurance claims.
Avoid high-risk areas. Don't park in neighborhoods with high crime rates or frequent vandalism reports.
Remove valuables from plain sight. Visible items attract break-ins and vandalism. Store valuables in the trunk or at home.
Consider a car cover. If you park outside long-term, a car cover deters casual vandalism and protects against weather damage.
Install motion-activated alarms. Car alarms with tilt, glass-break, and motion sensors deter vandals and alert you to suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others. Vandalism to your vehicle requires comprehensive coverage.
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. You'll pay your deductible, and insurance covers the rest. Paint repair typically costs $500–$2,000 depending on severity.
Yes, under comprehensive coverage. However, if the cost to replace your tires is less than your deductible, you'll pay out of pocket.
Yes. Nearly all insurers require a police report for vandalism claims. File the report immediately after discovering the damage.
Most insurers require you to report vandalism within 24–72 hours. Check your policy for specific deadlines, but report it as soon as possible.
Yes. File both an insurance claim and a police report. If the vandal is identified and convicted, your insurer may seek reimbursement from them (subrogation), and you may get your deductible back.