One of the most frustrating car insurance claims is vandalism. If you park in an unsavory location, you know that vandalism is a possibility and that it often has nothing to do with you. Even if you were an unintentional victim, it still seems personal when someone purposely damages your stuff.
Vandalism may sometimes be an unhappy result of your personal life that affects your financial life if you've just gone through a painful breakup or have a vindictive adversary. Smashed headlights, damaged windows, and keyed autos are common vandalism. You may be unsure whether your insurance will cover the damage if your car has been vandalized.
What Insurance Coverage Fixes a Keyed Car?
A keyed car is a vandalized car, and your auto insurance policy's comprehensive coverage will provide compensation for vandalism. It's easy to determine if you bought the insurance or not: Check your declaration page to discover whether comprehensive or other than collision coverage includes a monetary value.
The first sum should represent your deductible, and the second should represent your insurance cost. Contact your insurance agent or look up your insurance policy coverage online if you can't find your declaration page. Call your insurance provider's customer care line for assistance if you still have trouble understanding your coverage.
The difficulty of filing a vandalism claim is mainly related to your time and the discomfort it causes. Start with these easy steps to understand the claims procedure and save time. Asking your insurance claims adjuster for advice on expediting the process never hurts.
Most individuals dislike dealing with insurance claims, particularly those brought on by vandals. The best suggestion is to file the claim as soon as possible so you can fix your car, get on with your life, and leave the snafu in the rearview mirror.
Steps for Making a Vandalism Damage Claim
Get a Police Report
Most insurance providers demand or highly advise submitting a police report for vandalism claims. Take pictures of the damage and call 911 as soon as you see that your car has been damaged. It is severe when someone intentionally damages your car, and the police must properly record it. If the perpetrator is identified, the insurance provider may pursue the person to pay for the losses. If you catch them, you may be able to make a police report against them.
Speak With the Claims Adjuster
A claim involving vandalism nearly necessitates inspecting the damage by an adjuster. Unfortunately, allegations of theft and vandalism are sometimes made falsely. Vandalism claims are always meticulously documented by insurance adjusters who are on the lookout for red flags of possible fraud.
Check to See if You Have Rental Car Coverage
If you have coverage under your insurance, you may be reimbursed for a car rental while your car is being repaired. Some insurance provides you coverage automatically without you having to buy it. Even though the sum is often little, every little bit counts. Automatic coverage limitations might be as low as $15 per day for a maximum of $30. You might check your declaration page or contact your insurance agent to determine your limitations if you acquired coverage.
Take Your Vehicle in for Repair
The process of repairing your automobile ought to run without a hitch. Look for a repair service that will stand behind their work and provide a warranty. Find out whether your insurance provider provides guaranteed work via any of their authorized body shops by inquiring about it.
Pay Your Deductible
In most cases, you will be required to pay your deductible to the repair business while your vehicle is being serviced. Your deductible amount is determined by your selected settings when you add the car to your insurance policy. Before your repair, you should find out how much your deductible will cost. When you pick up your automobile, you do not want to be taken aback by any surprises.
When getting a police report and submitting a claim for vandalism, try not to put things off until the last minute. The perpetrators of vandalism usually get away with their crime, but it is always conceivable that someone saw something or that a camera recorded the event on video. It is to your advantage to be familiar with the terms of your auto insurance policy and be aware that you are protected against incidents such as breaking your vehicle. Contacting your auto insurance agent is your best choice if you have any inquiries about your current coverage.
