You’ve just discovered your car has been vandalized: a door has been keyed, a mirror or window smashed, graffiti tagged, or the catalytic converter is missing. Will your insurance pay for it? Is it better to pay for repairs out of pocket?
This guide explains what types of vandalism are covered, when filing a claim makes sense, and whether a vandalism claim can change your premium.
We reviewed FSRA guidance on optional auto insurance and Ontario’s standard policy rules to confirm when comprehensive and all-perils coverage pay for vandalism. We also checked our Ontario quote data to see how many drivers carry this coverage and what it usually costs.
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
Yes, but only if your policy includes comprehensive or all-perils coverage. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario explains that comprehensive insurance coverage “can pay for losses, other than those covered by collision or upset coverage, including perils listed under specified perils coverage, falling or flying objects, missiles and vandalism.” All-perils coverage combines comprehensive and collision coverage into a single add-on.
If your car is vandalized, mandatory Ontario coverage (third-party liability, statutory accident benefits, uninsured automobile coverage, and DCPD) and collision coverage will not help. Only comprehensive or all-perils coverage pays for vandalism damage to your own vehicle. You also must have the comprehensive or all-perils coverage already in place before the vandalism happens. If the damage is already there when the policy activates, it won’t be covered.
Read More: How Comprehensive Car Insurance Works in Ontario
MyChoice.ca’s auto insurance quote data for Ontario shows that 43.5% of drivers carry standalone comprehensive coverage and 77% have comprehensive or all-perils on their policies. This means that 23% of Ontario driver, nearly 1 in 4, will not have insurance coverage if their cars are vandalized. Our Ontario quote data shows the average insurance premium for comprehensive coverage in Ontario costs around ~$200 per year.
Should I File a Claim for Vandalism or Pay Out of Pocket?
As with other types of damage, a car owner may choose to pay for vandalism damage repair out of pocket if the work will cost less than their insurance deductible. If the damage will cost more to repair than simply paying the deductible, then filing a claim is typically more cost-effective.
Read More: How Car Insurance Deductibles Work
The repair cost estimates below are based on pricing published by Canadian auto glass, collision repair, detailing, tire and automotive service providers. Actual costs vary by vehicle, location and extent of damage.
- Side mirror repairs can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,500 or more, depending on whether a portion or all of the mirror needs to be replaced and if it houses technologies like heating or built-in cameras and sensors.
- A replacement windshield costs between $300 and $800, while a replacement side or rear window runs from $200 to $500.
- Paint repairs may be quoted at anywhere from $75 for a simple buff to $2,000 or more for complicated work depending on your vehicle type and location.
- If your tire has been slashed, you’ll typically be advised to replace both tires on the same axle at a minimum to ensure even tread depth and wear. You’ll need to pay for the new tires as well as the removal and installation work.
- A stolen catalytic converter is almost always worth an insurance claim. Between the replacement parts and extensive repairs, this work often costs thousands of dollars.
- Don’t forget to consider other potential costs such as towing the vehicle to a shop or securing a rental car.
Read More: How to Protect Yourself from Catalytic Converter Theft
Will a Claim for Vandalism Increase My Auto Insurance Rate?
Vandalism coverage requires you to have a comprehensive or all-perils add-on for your insurance policy. Vandalism claims fall under comprehensive or all-perils coverage and are treated as not-at-fault. A single claim usually does not produce the same rate increase as an at-fault collision claim. However, multiple comprehensive claims in a short period can still affect your premium or renewability. Separately, if vandalism or theft is rising in your area, your insurer may raise comprehensive rates for the whole neighbourhood at renewal, even if you never filed a claim.