Scratches, flat tires, broken window or broken mirror: how to be compensated when your car is vandalized?
In 2016, 5% of French households with a car said they had been victims of an act of vandalism against their car. Flat tires, scratches, broken glass, broken rear-view mirror: acts of vandalism are characterized by willful damage to public or private property such as vehicles. Every year, the number of cars that have suffered an act of vandalism is very high. How to react when faced with this type of situation? What are the rules to follow to benefit from compensation from your insurance? The main steps to follow.
Will my insurance reimburse me if my car is vandalized?
In the event of a vandalized car, the compensation from the insurance depends on the insurance contract taken out. If the vandalized car is insured against all risks, acts of vandalism are compensated by the insurance. In addition, a contractual deductible will certainly be deducted depending on what the contract signed provides. On the other hand, in the case of a third-party car insurance contract, acts of vandalism are not covered. Compensation depends on the possibilities of recourse against the perpetrator(s).
Good to know
In the event of vandalism, the insured generally has no penalty. But in the majority of cases, the "Damage" deductible remains the responsibility of the insured, unless the perpetrator is identified and an action against him is successful.
Read also: Auto insurance deductible: operation, types, terms of payment
How to react immediately after an act of vandalism on your car?
Broken door, broken window, damaged or even torn rear-view mirror, flat tire, scratches on the bodywork, broken headlights or lights, presence of a tag or graffiti that is difficult to remove: acts of vandalism on a car can take many forms.
The first thing to do when you see this type of act is to stay calm and quickly gather as much evidence as possible in order to file a complaint. Take photos (of good quality) of the damage from all angles and collect, where possible, testimonials.
Read also: Burned car and insurance: how does it work?
File a claim for vandalism
The second step, depending on the seriousness of the act of vandalism, is to go to a gendarmerie or a police station to file a complaint.
Explain the situation in detail and accurately describe the damage to your vehicle. Feel free to show the photographs you have taken. Keep the complaint receipt that will be given to you.
Declare the act of vandalism on his car to his insurance
If you are covered for acts of vandalism, make a declaration to your insurance as soon as possible after the observation of the damage. Add to your request the receipt of the complaint, the photographs of your vehicle as well as all the documents that you deem relevant to the situation.
Depending on the case, the insurance organization will appoint an expert to assess the damage more precisely. If the act or acts of vandalism are proven, the insurance will pay you the compensation according to the terms provided for in the contract.
GOOD TO KNOW
It is not uncommon for auto insurance organizations to have partnerships with mechanics. Do not hesitate to inquire about this subject because you can potentially benefit from quality services. You will also have the assurance of dealing with a trusted professional by turning to a partner selected by your insurer.
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