Does auto insurance cover you if someone keyed your car?

It’s upsetting to discover that someone keyed your car. Although repairs cost time and money, comprehensive coverage helps pay for vandalism.

However, your deductible still applies even if you didn’t cause the damage. Before filing a comprehensive insurance claim, determine if your deductible is more than the needed repairs. It may be cheaper to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Whether you file an insurance claim, be sure to file a police report. Vandalism is illegal, and the person responsible must pay for any damages if found.

Keep reading to learn how insurance covers a keyed car and what to do if someone keys your car.

Does insurance cover a keyed car?

If someone keys your car, insurance might cover repairs. However, comprehensive coverage must be in place to handle acts of vandalism.

Your vehicle and the amount of damage incurred determine the cost of repairs. For example, repairing a custom paint job is more costly than repairing merely the clear coat on a standard paint job.

Since repairing paint includes sanding and repainting, repairs can cost up to $2,500 per panel. In addition, if multiple panels are damaged, repair costs can be very expensive.

However, having your insurance company handle repairs might not be your best option.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), comprehensive usually comes with its own deductible. In some cases, your deductible may be higher than the cost of vehicle repairs.

In addition, filing a claim can increase auto insurance rates. While a comprehensive claim doesn’t typically raise rates, filing multiple claims can send up a red flag.

What should you do if your car is keyed?

Knowing what to do if someone keys your car makes the repair process smoother. If you find that your car was keyed, follow these steps for a painless restoration process.

First, take photos of the damage. Then, write down the time and place where the damage occurred.

Next, file a police report. Vandalism is a crime. And if the police locate the person who keyed your car, they can be held responsible for repairs.

Then, call your auto insurance company. Find out if you have comprehensive coverage, and begin the claim process. An adjuster will inspect your vehicle and let you know if your insurance covers the damage.

Next, take your vehicle to a repair shop for an estimate. The amount of damage will determine the repair cost. For example, if only the clear coat is damaged or the scratch is very small, repair costs will be lowered. However, if the damaged area is substantial, expect higher fees.

Finally, consider repair costs to determine your next steps. If the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, you will have to pay out of pocket. However, if repair costs are high, work with your insurance company to begin the repair process.

In addition, consider whether you can fix the damage yourself. Although the repairs may not look the same as if they were done by a professional, costs will be significantly less. Depending on your vehicle’s condition, you may even decide to forgo repairs.

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What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Basic insurance doesn’t include comprehensive coverage since states don’t require it. However, it only costs around $12 a month to add it to your policy.

Although liability and collision coverage are relative to accidents, comprehensive insurance covers damages unrelated to an accident.

Comprehensive covers damages from:

• Vandalism
• Fire
• Theft
• Falling debris
• Acts of nature

Since keying a car is an act of vandalism, comprehensive insurance covers repairs. However, you’ll still have to pay a deductible even if the damage isn’t your fault.

Deductibles generally range between $250 and $1,000, so it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket for repairs.

How much is auto insurance that covers a keyed car?

Since you need comprehensive coverage to repair a keyed car, consider full coverage auto insurance.

What is considered full coverage auto insurance? Liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance combine to create full coverage. In addition, full coverage includes other coverage required by your state, such as personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

For comparison, this table reveals average rates from top auto insurance companies based on coverage type. Consider whether the cost of full coverage insurance is worth it.

Although full coverage auto insurance averages $30 a month more than liability coverage, it may be cheaper than paying out of pocket for damages.

How can you save on auto insurance?

First, add discounts for the cheapest full coverage auto insurance. Insurance companies offer various discounts based on the driver, policy, and vehicle. Most drivers qualify for more than one discount, so bundle them for the most savings.

This table lists discounts offered by top insurance companies. If the discount amount is known, it is listed.

Next, increase deductibles to lower rates. However, doing so means more out-of-pocket costs if your vehicle is damaged.

Finally, shop around for affordable auto insurance. Every company offers different rates, so compare multiple companies to find cheap full coverage car insurance.

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Insurance That Covers a Keyed Car: The Bottom Line

Basic auto insurance won’t pay if someone keys your car. However, comprehensive insurance covers vandalism. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay your deductible, even if you didn’t cause the damage.

The cost of repairs depends on your vehicle and the damage it incurs. If repair costs are low, it may be cheaper to pay for repairs yourself. In addition, auto insurance rates may increase if you file too many claims within a certain duration.

Full coverage auto insurance offers the most protection for your vehicle and includes comprehensive coverage. Add discounts and shop around to find the lowest auto insurance rates that cover a keyed car.

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