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If someone breaks into your car or vandalizes it, your first instinct may be to panic. That's understandable. It's a violation of your personal space, and it also means costly repairs are needed to fix the damage done by the thieves. But if someone breaks into your car, does your insurance cover it?
The answer is yes, but it is a little more complicated than that. Your car insurance may cover damage to your vehicle from a break-in or vandalism, but it doesn't cover stolen items. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself financially when your car is broken into or vandalized:
Key takeaways
- Damages from break-ins and vandalism are often covered under comprehensive car insurance.
- Stolen personal items are covered by homeowners' or renters' insurance.
- Your comprehensive insurance may cover rental cars.
- Some credit cards provide rental car protection.
What to do after a car break-in or vandalism incident
Having your car broken into or vandalized can be a very stressful situation. However, it's important that you collect yourself and do what's necessary so that there's a better chance of your car insurance covering the damage.
Here are the steps you should take after a car break-in or vandalism incident:
1. Assess the area
Check the area around your vehicle to see if you notice any evidence that may be helpful to the investigation into the break-in. Pay attention to people around the area. If the break-in just happened, the person responsible may still be nearby. If you feel unsafe in any way, call the police and wait in a secure location.
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2. Don't touch anything inside the car
The police may want to take fingerprints or other evidence from your vehicle to help identify the person responsible for the break-in or vandalism, especially if there have been numerous incidents in your area. Avoid touching or disturbing anything inside the car until the police arrive and can process the scene.
3. Take photos of any damage
If you have your phone on you, take pictures of any damage caused by the break-in. This includes any dents, scratches, slashed tires, broken windows, and anything in the surrounding area. This information will be useful for police investigating the incident and your insurance company when you file a claim. If anything was stolen, make a list of the stolen items and their estimated value.
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4. Contact the police and file a report
Unless the crime is still in progress, you should contact the local police department's non-emergency number to report the incident. If officers arrive on the scene, provide them with details on what was taken or damaged. You may be instructed to file the report at the police station or online. However, when you file the report, make sure to get a copy or at least the report number. Your insurance provider may require this information to process your claim.
Information you'll need when you file a police report includes:
- Your driver's license
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance documentation (card or declaration policy)
- List of property stolen and estimated value
- Photos of damage
5. Notify your insurance company
After you've spoken to the police and filed a police report, you should notify your car insurance provider about the incident. Insurers will also want details on what was damaged and stolen, as well as any pictures you took and the police report. Whether the damage is covered depends on your policy. Comprehensive coverage usually applies to break-ins and vandalism.
Before you actually file a claim, you should get an estimate on the damage. If your deductible exceeds the cost of the damage and stolen items, it might not make sense to file a claim, which could increase your premium rates.
Will car insurance cover a break-in or vandalism?
The type of insurance coverage you carry is the main factor in whether the damage and stolen items will be covered after a break-in or vandalism of your vehicle. Standard liability insurance usually doesn't cover damage to your car caused by theft or vandalism. In these situations, you'll need comprehensive coverage, which is typically optional on auto insurance policies.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events, including theft and vandalism. If someone smashes your window, slashes your tires, or breaks your door lock to steal something from inside your vehicle, your comprehensive coverage usually pays to repair the damage.
However, it's important to note that your deductible will apply, so you may want to consider whether filing a claim is worth it. Most comprehensive insurance policies have deductibles of $500 or $1,000. For example, if your car has $500 in estimated damages, but you have a $1,000 deductible on your comprehensive insurance, it is probably not worth filing a claim.
While comprehensive coverage typically pays for damage to your vehicle, it doesn't usually cover any personal items stolen from inside your car. Those losses would instead fall under your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy. However, it is still wise to document the stolen items and their value because that information is needed for the police report, and for the claim with your homeowners or renter insurance.
The claims process for vandalism or break-ins usually requires documentation, including a police report and photos of the damage. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage and direct you to an approved repair shop.
Rental car break-in or vandalism
While break-ins or vandalism to your vehicle are stressful enough, having it happen to a rental car you are using can add an extra layer of anxiety. The steps you need to take if your rental car is broken into or vandalized are pretty much the same steps you would take if it were your own vehicle. First and foremost, you need to document the scene, take pictures, and contact the police to file a report.
Additionally, you'll want to notify the rental company as soon as possible. They'll give you instructions on what to do next, whether that means bringing the car back, exchanging it, or waiting for an inspection. Most rental agreements require prompt reporting of any damage, and failing to do so could result in penalties and you may be held responsible for the full repair costs.
In most cases, if you have comprehensive insurance on your own vehicle, it should also cover rental cars. Several credit cards offer car rental insurance as a benefit to their cardholders. However, there could be limits to the car rental insurance provided by your insurer or credit card, so it's wise to familiarize yourself with those coverages before renting a car. If you purchase the rental company's loss damage waiver (LDW), make sure it covers vandalism.
FAQs
Will my insurance go up if someone breaks into my car?
If you file a claim for damages after someone breaks into your car, then there is a good chance that your insurance premiums will increase. That's why it is important to consider the estimated damage and your deductible before you file a claim, because it may not be worth it.
Will my insurance go up if someone vandalized my car?
Again, any time you file a claim with your insurance company, there is a good probability that your insurance rates will increase. That includes if your car is vandalized and you file a claim for damages.
Does insurance cover theft if your car door is unlocked?
Yes, insurance still covers theft of items from your car, even if the door is left unlocked. However, the stolen items are usually covered by your homeowners or renters' insurance, not your car insurance. Comprehensive car insurance covers damages to your vehicle during a theft. But if the door is unlocked, thieves shouldn't have to damage your car to gain access and steal your stuff (but they still might).
Bottom line
Dealing with a car break-in or vandalism can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take, and what your insurance may or may not cover, can make the situation more manageable. By acting quickly to document the damage, filing a police report, and contacting your insurance company, you have the best chance of getting the repairs or losses covered. Comprehensive coverage is often key to protecting yourself financially after this kind of incident.
Before you file a claim, weigh the cost of repairs against your deductible and consider the potential impact on your premium. If you're not already covered, it might be time to review your auto policy or speak with your insurance provider about adding comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind.
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