Does Auto Insurance Cover Vandalism or Theft?

Introduction: What Happens If Your Car Is Damaged or Stolen?

Discovering your car has been vandalized or stolen can be stressful and expensive. Many drivers assume their auto insurance automatically covers these situations, but coverage depends on the type of policy you carry. This article explains when auto insurance covers vandalism or theft, what you need to look for in your policy, and how to make sure you’re properly protected in California.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Yes, auto insurance can cover vandalism—but only if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy.

Vandalism includes damage such as:

• Scratched or keyed paint
• Broken windows or mirrors
• Slashed tires
• Graffiti or intentional damage

Comprehensive coverage pays to repair this damage, minus your deductible. Without comprehensive coverage, vandalism repairs are your responsibility.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Car Theft?

Yes, theft is also covered under comprehensive insurance.

If your vehicle is stolen and not recovered, comprehensive coverage pays the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the loss, minus your deductible. If the car is recovered with damage, comprehensive coverage pays for repairs.

Liability-only policies do not cover theft.

What About Theft of Personal Items Inside the Car?

Auto insurance typically does not cover personal belongings stolen from your vehicle. Instead:

• Renters or homeowners insurance may cover stolen personal property
• Coverage depends on your policy limits and deductible

Items like laptops, phones, and bags are usually covered under personal property insurance, not auto insurance.

What Coverage Do You Need to Be Protected?

To protect against vandalism and theft, your auto policy should include:

• Comprehensive coverage
• A deductible you can comfortably afford
• Optional gap insurance if you lease or finance your vehicle

Choosing the right deductible and coverage limits is critical to balancing cost and protection.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Required in California?

No. California law only requires liability insurance. However, comprehensive coverage is often required by lenders if your vehicle is financed or leased.

Even when it’s optional, comprehensive coverage is usually worth it—especially in urban areas where theft and vandalism risks are higher.

How Claims Work After Vandalism or Theft

If your car is vandalized or stolen:

1. Report the incident to local law enforcement
2. File a claim with your insurance company
3. Pay your deductible (if applicable)
4. Your insurer covers repairs or payout based on vehicle value

Timely reporting helps ensure a smoother claims process.

How eWay Insurance Helps Protect You from Theft and Vandalism

At eWay Insurance, we help drivers avoid costly surprises by:

• Reviewing your policy to confirm comprehensive coverage
• Helping you choose deductibles that fit your budget
• Adding gap coverage if your vehicle is financed or leased
• Comparing carriers to find the best price for full protection
• Coordinating auto and renters or homeowners insurance for broader coverage

Our focus is making sure you’re protected before something happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vandalism considered an at-fault claim?
No. Vandalism and theft are non-collision claims and typically don’t count as at-fault accidents.

Will filing a vandalism or theft claim raise my premium?
It can, depending on your insurer and claims history, but these claims generally have less impact than collision claims.

Does comprehensive coverage cover catalytic converter theft?
Yes. Catalytic converter theft is usually covered under comprehensive insurance.

Is broken glass from vandalism covered?
Yes. Broken windows or windshields from vandalism are covered under comprehensive coverage.

Can eWay Insurance help me lower my comprehensive coverage cost?
Yes. We can adjust deductibles, compare carriers, and identify discounts to help reduce your premium.

Final Thoughts

Auto insurance can cover vandalism and theft—but only if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Without it, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs.

eWay Insurance helps California drivers make smart coverage decisions that protect their vehicles and finances. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers vandalism or theft, now is the perfect time to review it and make sure you’re fully protected.