Car insurance not only helps protect you and your vehicle if you get in an accident, but also may provide coverage for other unexpected events like theft or vandalism. This coverage will vary by policy, so it’s helpful to understand what your policy will and won’t cover if your car is vandalized or stolen. That way, you’ll know exactly how to proceed if you have to file an auto insurance claim. Let’s walk through how auto insurance coverage works for events like theft and vandalism.
What is comprehensive insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your car caused by something that’s out of your control, such as a natural disaster, theft, vandalism or other unpredictable events. If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, you’ll typically be covered up to the actual cash value of your vehicle in the event your car has been stolen.
Car Insurance You Need in Different Scenarios
- Your car is damaged as a result of a break-in: Comprehensive coverage should cover repair costs for things like broken door locks and smashed windows.
- Your car is stolen: If you have comprehensive coverage, your vehicle’s value should be covered.
- Your vehicle is vandalized: Common damage to cars from vandalism includes slashed tires, broken lights, spray paint and dents and scratches. If the cost of the repairs for an act of vandalism is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may make sense to file a comprehensive coverage claim.
- Your personal belongings were stolen from your car: Comprehensive coverage only covers components that are permanent or pre-installed parts of your car. If you have a home insurance, property insurance or renters policy, you may be covered for personal belongings stolen from your car.
What to Do if Your Car is Broken Into, Vandalized or Stolen
If your car is broken into, vandalized or stolen, there are several steps you need to take before filing an auto insurance claim. First, you should document the damage, taking notes, pictures and seeing if there were any witnesses to the damage who can provide details. Then, you should file a police report. Filing a police report in a timely manner will help corroborate your claim.
After you’ve documented damage and contacted the police, you should then contact your insurance company. Having personal records of the damage as well as an official police report can help expedite your claim and make the process easier overall.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find the Best Car Insurance For You
Your car is an important asset, so you want to make sure it stays protected. At SelectQuote, we can help you find the right comprehensive coverage policy to give you peace of mind in the unfortunate event of car theft or vandalism. Our licensed insurance agents can search trusted carriers on your behalf in just minutes, making the insurance shopping process quick and easy.
