Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism? What You Need to Know

Younis ShuaibUpdated October 20th, 2025

Share

• 
• 
• 

Kids will be kids — until kids will be criminal vandals, spray-painting rude designs all over your new SUV and leaving you wondering, does car insurance cover vandalism? Yes, vandalism such as graffiti, keying, or broken windows is often covered under eligible plans. But you have to have the right policy in place before a vandalism incident happens to get it fixed by your insurer.

Learn the different types of coverage that can apply to vandalism damage, which common damage falls under vandalism, the claims process, and tips on keeping your car safe.

How Comprehensive Coverage Protects Against Vandalism

If you have an existing loan and car payment for your vehicle, you likely have full coverage car insurance, or liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Liability covers damage you could do to someone else in an accident, and collision covers damage you might do to your own vehicle by accidentally hitting a curb or mailbox.

But comprehensive car insurance is the key to filing a claim when something non-accident-related happens to your car, like a tree falls on it or someone keys your doors. Whether the damage is just cosmetic or includes repairing windows from a smash-and-grab theft, keeping comprehensive coverage on your policy even after your car is paid off is a good idea if you live in a high-crime area or do not have a secure parking location.

Does insurance cover car vandalism even for minor things like stolen emblems? Yes, car insurance will cover common vandalism issues like:

• Keying
• Graffiti
• Broken windows
• Slashed tires
• Damage to windows or emblems

What’s Not Covered by Your Policy

What gets covered after a vandalism incident all comes down to what your policy states. The incident must fall under the policy's definition of vandalism.

You are also likely still responsible for paying your deductible even on a vandalism claim, which is the out-of-pocket cost you pay before your insurance policy covers the rest. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute in 2023, average vandalism claim costs ranged from about $2,000 to $3,000. Having a deductible lower than these averages can help you get more of a vandalism claim covered by insurance.

Policies may also make note of exclusions, or vandalism incidents that would not be covered. If a household member keys the car of another member on purpose, this likely would not be covered. Make sure you pin down what your car insurance will cover for vandalism before buying a policy.

How To File a Vandalism Claim

Trying to figure out how car insurance works when you're dealing with something like vandalism can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Get your car back on the road as soon as possible when you file a vandalism claim with your auto insurance. Start by following these steps:

1. Get a police report: While you don't technically need the police report to file the claim, it can help the process and is also the starting point for any legal action you may take against the vandal.
2. Document the damage: Ideally, you'll have photos of your car saved from the time you purchased your policy to serve as "before" photos. But even if you don't have those, take photos now to show the insurance company the damage.
3. Submit your claim: You can typically submit a claim through your insurer's app, over the phone, or with the help of your agent.
4. Stay in touch: Keep in touch with the representative handling your claim, the technicians working on your repairs, and your agent. They'll help you line up repairs, rental cars, deductible payments, or loss payouts.

Tips To Prevent Vandalism

It's no secret that there is a connection between car insurance and theft and vandalism. Though auto insurance can cover vandalism, rates are often higher in areas where theft and vandalism happen more frequently. Take steps to protect your vehicle — and potentially get lower local rates — by following these tips:

• Park in a secure area: Opt for a garage when available to protect your car from vandalism and other accidental damage. If a garage is not available, try to find well-lit, surveilled, or gated parking to discourage vandalism or theft.
• Install cameras or alarms: Install cameras overseeing your parking area. Consider putting motion lights or alarms around this area. Use internal alarms in your vehicle to startle anyone attempting to break into it.
• Put on a car cover: Avoid catching the eye of vandals or thieves by covering your car when it's parked.
• Use physical prevention: Get a steering wheel lock or a catalytic converter cage to prevent theft.
• Coordinate with neighbors: Organize a neighborhood watch if your neighbors and yourself are facing an increase in vandalism.
• Hide valuables: Don't attract unwanted attention to your vehicle by leaving money or electronics visible inside. Instead, put valuables in a locked glove compartment or trunk to hide them from vandals.

Compare Car Insurance Options for Vandalism Protection

So is car vandalism covered by insurance? With the right coverage, it is. The best way to find affordable types of car insurance that cover vandalism is to shop around. Compare car insurance rates on policies that fit your needs and your budget.

See today's best rates for you in a few minutes with EverQuote. Getting customized quotes is always free and simple.

FAQs