Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Last Updated on December 4, 2025

Many drivers aren’t fully sure what their auto insurance actually covers—especially when it comes to vandalism. Policies can be written in dense, technical language, making it hard to remember what’s included and what’s not. Fortunately, figuring out whether vandalism is covered is easier than it seems. Once you understand the different types of auto insurance, you can quickly determine whether you’re protected against vandalism and other non-collision damage.

Key Takeaways

• Vandalism is covered under comprehensive insurance, not liability or collision.
• Without comprehensive coverage, you must pay vandalism repair costs yourself.
• Comprehensive also covers theft, fire, weather damage, and falling objects.
• If your vehicle is financed or leased, comprehensive is usually required.

Basic Types of Car Insurance

The first—and most common—type of coverage is liability insurance. Liability is required by law in almost every state and covers:

• Damage you cause to other vehicles
• Medical bills for others if you injure them in an at-fault accident

Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle or your own medical bills. If someone vandalizes your car—or if you hit something—you’re responsible for repairs unless you carry additional coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays to repair your own vehicle after an at-fault accident or collision with another object (guardrail, tree, pole, etc.). However, collision still does not cover vandalism, theft, or weather damage.

Comprehensive Coverage: The Protection You Need for Vandalism

Comprehensive coverage is the type of insurance that protects your vehicle from non-collision damage—including vandalism. Common events covered under comprehensive include:

• Theft or attempted theft
• Broken windows or slashed tires
• Spray paint or keying damage
• Falling objects (tree limbs, debris)
• Storm and weather damage
• Fire or explosion

If your car is vandalized, comprehensive coverage pays for repairs after you meet your deductible. Without comprehensive, you must pay for vandalism damage entirely out of pocket.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury coverage—also known as PIP—covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident. It does not apply to vandalism unless a vandalism event somehow results in injuries.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist insurance protects you if another driver causes damage but doesn’t have adequate coverage. Like collision, it does not apply to vandalism.

Does Comprehensive Coverage Always Cover Vandalism?

Yes. Vandalism is specifically listed as a covered “peril” under comprehensive coverage. According to insurance industry data, more than 700 vehicles are vandalized every day in the United States. Without comprehensive coverage, you would be responsible for fixing:

• Broken glass
• Spray paint or graffiti
• Dented body panels
• Slashed tires
• Damaged locks or ignition

With comprehensive insurance, you pay your per-incident deductible, and your insurer pays the rest.

The Cost of Comprehensive Coverage

The cost of comprehensive varies widely based on your state, insurer, deductible, vehicle type, and local vandalism rates. In many states, comprehensive coverage adds around $200–$400 per year to an existing policy—far lower than the outdated “$1,000 per year” rule of thumb.

You can control the cost by choosing a higher deductible. Just make sure the deductible isn’t higher than what you’d realistically pay out-of-pocket for typical vandalism repairs.

Comprehensive Coverage for Financed or Leased Vehicles

If your car is financed or leased, comprehensive coverage may already be required by your lender or leasing company. Most lenders insist on comprehensive and collision coverage until the vehicle is fully paid off.

It’s smart to review your policy to:

• Confirm that comprehensive is included
• Check your deductible amount
• Understand how much coverage applies to vandalism repairs

Frequently Asked Questions About Vandalism & Car Insurance

The Final Word

Yes—car insurance can cover vandalism, but only if you carry comprehensive coverage. Liability-only policies do not protect your vehicle from vandalism, theft, or weather-related damage.

If you live in an area where vandalism is common—or simply want peace of mind—adding comprehensive coverage can save you from expensive out-of-pocket repairs. It’s one of the most valuable optional coverages you can include in your policy.