Share :
Share :
Experiencing vandalism as a car owner can be an incredibly frustrating and financially burdensome ordeal. Whether it's a smashed window, scratched door, slashed tires, or graffiti on your vehicle, the resulting damage can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed with repairs and whether your insurance covers it.
Understanding how car insurance in Ontario addresses vandalism thoroughly is essential. This knowledge can provide you with peace of mind and valuable guidance should you ever need to file a claim.
In this blog, we’ll explore what counts as vandalism (for insurance purposes), what type of coverage you need, and how to protect your vehicle from unexpected damage.
Auto vandalism happens when someone purposely damages a vehicle. It can come in various forms, but if your insurance policy includes the right coverage, it might help cover the cost of repairs. In Canada, under the Criminal Code, individuals can face charges of criminal mischief for vandalism if they damage or alter someone else's property without permission.
Common types of vandalism include:
If your car is vandalized, filing an insurance claim quickly is essential. However, your policy must have the appropriate coverage for the repairs to be covered.
Not all policy types cover vandalism. Make sure your car insurance includes comprehensive coverage to protect against vandalism. You can't add this coverage after the damage occurs. With comprehensive coverage, your insurance will pay for vandalism damage, but you'll need to pay a deductible. Whether or not you should file a vandalism claim depends on the cost of the damage and your policy deductible. If the repair costs are less than your deductible, then it may make more sense to pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive coverage not only gives you financial help if your car is vandalized, it also covers you if your car is stolen. If the damage is extensive, like a stolen car, the deductible is less small compared to the replacement cost. So, it would make sense to file a claim. Your decision to file a claim or pay for repairs depends on your specific circumstances and deductible amount. Speak with our brokers if you are not sure if you should file or pay for vandalism damage yourself.
Remember that comprehensive coverage doesn't cover personal items stolen from your car. You must file a claim with your renters policy or homeowners insurance. If you're worried about vandalism or other non-collision damage, consider adding comprehensive to your policy.
Comprehensive insurance in Ontario covers several types of vandalism affecting your vehicle. This includes damage like:
In Ontario, comprehensive does not cover certain vandalism cases. Damage caused intentionally by the policyholder is not covered. In fact, if you intentionally damage your car and file a claim, you are committing insurance fraud. You could face criminal charges. Damage from an accident falls under collision coverage. Additionally, some policies may exclude vandalism occurring in war zones or due to civil unrest. Always check your policy for specific exclusions or limitations.
Here is an example to illustrate vandalism and how your policy may or may not cover you:
Sarah parks her car in a busy city lot. When she returns, she discovers someone has keyed her car door, leaving a long, unsightly scratch. Since Sarah has comprehensive coverage on her auto insurance, she can file a claim. After paying her deductible, the insurance company will cover the repair of the damage to her car door.
In Ontario, your policy will say if you need to pay the deductible fully or partially in the event of a claim related to vandalism. Speak with your insurer to get clarification.
Any car insurance claim could raise your rates, but comprehensive claims for vandalism typically result in smaller increases than at-fault collision claims. Whether and how much your rates rise depends on several factors, including your claims history.
A vandalism claim may cause little to no rate change if you have few or no previous claims. However, if you've made multiple claims, even minor ones, insurers may consider you a higher risk, leading to a larger increase. It's also important to note that insurers may raise rates for everyone if similar claims are rising in your area due to the increased overall risk, such as in the case of vehicle theft surcharges.
Use Thinkinsure to car insurance quotes and find the best coverage to meet your driving needs.
You don’t have to report vandalism damage to your insurance unless you plan to file a claim for repairs. If repair costs exceed your deductible, reporting is essential. If the damage is minor and under your deductible, you might pay out of pocket to avoid premium increases. Also, note that reporting the incident to the police may be required in some cases.
Vandalism is often a crime of opportunity, so reducing these chances is key. Whenever possible, park in a garage or well-lit area, preferably near other vehicles. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car. Consider installing an alarm or anti-theft device, and always lock your car and remove all belongings when parked.
Vandalism is a frustrating reality, but having additional coverage can help ease repair costs - understanding your policy and deductible is crucial. By taking steps to prevent vandalism and knowing how to file a claim, you can protect your vehicle and finances.
Share
| Categories | Auto |
|---|---|
| Tags | Auto Coverage |
Checkout our latest articles on insurance and other helpful topics.
Are you wondering how much a careless driving ticket will affect your insurance in Ontario? Get our questions answered and learn how much you may see your rate go up.
Got a careless driving ticket in Ontario? Here’s everything you need to know about careless driving charges, fines, and penalties.
You may not have control over the rain, but you can control how you handle hydroplaning (aquaplaning). Here’s how hydroplaning can happen and what to do to prevent it.
Our experts offer 25 safety tips for driving in the rain. You’ll discover the best lights to use, what speed limit to follow, how to drive safe when it’s raining.
