If you’re a car owner in the UK, you’ve likely pondered about the question, “Does car insurance cover vandalism?” It’s a pertinent question, indeed, given the incidence of car vandalism in recent years.
However, there is no straightforward answer. The extent of coverage largely depends on the specific type of insurance policy you hold.
This article aims to provide a thorough response to this query, shedding light on how car insurance policy wording approach vandalism and what you can do if you find yourself a victim of this upsetting crime.
Understanding vandalism from an insurance perspective
Before we dive into the specifics of insurance coverage, it’s important to know what insurers regard as vandalism. Vandalism, or ‘malicious damage’ as some insurers refer to it, involves deliberate harm to your vehicle.
Examples of the most common forms of car vandalism are:
- Keying or scratching of car panels with a sharp object
- Broken or ripped off wing mirrors
- Smashed windows or windscreens
- Tyres being purposely punctured or slashed
- Graffiti or other forms of defacement on the car body
Vandalism and your car insurance cover
The crucial question, “does car insurance cover vandalism in the UK?” isn’t a simple yes or no answer. It largely depends on the type of insurance policy you have:
- Comprehensive car insurance policy: This is the most inclusive policy and typically provides cover for vandalism damage. However, the amount you can claim varies among insurance providers.
- Third party, fire and theft policy: This policy usually doesn’t cover acts of vandalism. But, exceptions may occur if the vandalism arises during an attempted theft of your vehicle.
- Third party only policy: This policy does not provide cover for vandalism under any circumstances.
Therefore, it’s imperative to peruse your policy terms to understand fully the extent of insurance cover provided for malicious damage.
The impact of vandalism claims on your no-claims bonus
When you make a claim for vandalism, insurers generally classify it as an ‘at-fault’ claim. This is because, even though you’re not to blame, the perpetrator is often untraceable, leaving your insurer unable to recoup any costs from them.
However, here at Budget Insurance, you will be entitled to have any excess that you have paid refunded.
Unfortunately, an ‘at-fault’ claim typically impacts your no-claims discount (NCD), potentially causing your premiums to increase at renewal time.
Steps to take if your car is vandalised
If you find your car vandalised, it’s crucial to follow these steps:
- Report to the police: Use the non-emergency 101 phone number to report the incident and obtain a crime reference number.
- Preserve the scene: Avoid cleaning or moving anything until you’ve spoken to your insurer.
- Collect evidence: Take photographs or videos of the damage to your car. Review any available CCTV or dashcam footage.
- Contact your insurer: Provide your insurer with all the details about the incident, including the crime reference number, time, date, and location.
Preventing car vandalism
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of car vandalism, certain measures can reduce the likelihood:
- Secure parking: Park in well-lit areas, preferably near your property, to deter vandals.
- Security measures: Invest in security systems like alarms, GPS trackers, and CCTV.
- Hide valuables: Avoid leaving any tempting items visible in your car.
Conclusion
So, “does car insurance have vandalism cover in the UK?” Yes, it can, but it largely depends on the type of car insurance policy. It’s vital to understand your insurance cover and take necessary steps to prevent vandalism. If you’re ready to explore your options, get covered today with Budget Insurance!