Vandalism to a car: Is this covered?

Report of Car Vandalism 

If your car has been vandalized, it’s important to always file a police report. Filing a report allows the police to track down the perpetrators, and it enables you to seek compensation from them for the damage you’ve suffered. If there are frequent incidents of vandalism in the neighborhood, the police can also take additional measures and mobilize the community to prevent vandalism. In cases of vandalism, it is not necessary to call 112 unless you catch the perpetrators in the act. In that case, the police can respond urgently to apprehend the perpetrators immediately. You can file a report of vandalism to your car at the police station, but you can also file a report online. You won’t need to visit the police station; you can simply file a report from home on your computer or laptop. If you wish to file a claim from your insurer, filing a report is absolutely necessary. 

If you have liability insurance with limited comprehensive coverage, you will usually be compensated for damage, but only under the following conditions:
• You have windshield damage. 
• Vandalism occurred as a result of riots.
• Your car has been damaged due to a break-in or attempted break-in.
• Your car was used for joyriding.

Any other acts of vandalism to the car—such as punctured tires, broken mirrors, or scratches in the paint—are only eligible for reimbursement if you have comprehensive auto insurance. 

What about the deductible and claim-free years? 

In most cases, when filing a claim for vandalism damage to your car, you’ll have to pay a deductible. The amount of the deductible depends on your insurance policy and insurance company. The amount of the deductible is specified in the policy terms and conditions. This may also mean that it’s more practical not to file a claim—for example, if the cost of the damage is less than the deductible. In this case, you’re better off paying for the damage yourself. Filing a claim for vandalism damage to your car also affects your no-claims years. This can cause you to drop a few notches on the no-claims discount scale.The extent of the damage is not taken into account in this process. Once again, it’s wise to carefully consider whether the amount of the claim is worth the loss of your no-claims years. 

Car Vandalism: The Perpetrator Has Been Identified —What Now?

If the perpetrator of the vandalism to the car is known, it becomes somewhat easier to recover the damages. In that case, you can file a claim directly against the perpetrator. It should be noted, however, that the perpetrator must be financially able to compensate you for the damages or that his or her liability insurance is willing to reimburse you for the damage. If the perpetrator is unable to reimburse you or if their insurance company refuses to cooperate, it is possible, in exceptional cases, to file a claim with theMotor Vehicle Guarantee Fund. A condition for this is that the vandalism to the car was caused by another vehicle and that this vehicle is either uninsured or reported as stolen. Is the perpetrator under 14 years of age? In that case, you must file your claim with the parents or the parents’ liability insurance.

Car vandalism: Perpetrator unknown —what should I do now?

If the perpetrator of vandalism against your car is unknown, you cannot file a claim against them. In that case, you can turn to the Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund. Two requirements apply here: the damage must have been caused by a motor vehicle, and a third party must be held liable for the damage, even if that party is unknown. Your damages will only be reimbursed if you have done everything possible to track down the perpetrator. You can prove this, for example, by filing a police report. If you meet these conditions, the Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund will reimburse you for the vandalism damage to your car.

Vandalism Damage to Your Car?

Damage to your car caused by vandalism is, of course, extremely frustrating. If someone has intentionally scratched your car or kicked off the side mirror, there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. Destruction or damage caused deliberately is classified as vandalism. Unfortunately, in many cases, you’ll have to cover the cost of the damage yourself, unless you’re properly insured. In any case, always contact your auto insurance provider after damage caused by vandalism. If the damage to the car was caused by children under 14, the parents of those children are fully liable. It doesn’t matter whether the damage was caused intentionally or not. Of course, there’s a difference between a child who intentionally scratches a car and one who accidentally grazes it with a bicycle, but from the insurance company’s perspective, this distinction doesn’t matter.