One of the most disheartening experiences is discovering your car has been keyed. This could leave an individual helpless and frustrated. This malicious act of vandalism often leaves individuals with a myriad of questions, including whether their car insurance will cover the damages incurred from keyed cars.
In the ever-evolving landscape of car insurance, there are tons of car insurance companies that offer coverage for unforeseen events like this.
This article is aimed at providing valid information on steps to take when you discover your car has been keyed, as well as other tips that would help broaden your horizons. Rest assured, you are in the right place if you seek answers to all the probing questions on your mind.
Does Car Insurance Really cover keyed cars?
The answer to his question largely depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the specific policy of the insurance company. However, car insurance typically provides protection from unexpected events like keyed cars, depending on the type of coverage you sign up for.
Individuals who purchase comprehensive coverage alongside their car insurance will cover the damage costs associated with keyed cars, owing to the fact that it is an act of vandalism, and a car insurance policy with comprehensive coverage covers such costs.
It is important to understand that not all insurance policies will cover keyed cars. There are distinct insurance policies, and they vary depending on the insurance provider and the specifics of your coverage.
What to do If Someone Keyed Your Car?
What do I do if someone keys my car? We understand how tense you will be if you find out your car has been keyed. We know how it feels. This is why we will be offering advice on what to do if you find out your car has been keyed. Here are some steps to take:
• Assess the damage
The first step is to assess the damage and document all damages incurred by taking photos and videos of the car’s state and affected areas after it was keyed. Inspecting your car will help to determine the extent of the damage incurred.
• File a police report
The next step is to contact the nearest police station and file a report. Ensure that you provide them with detailed information about the incident. You may be asked to back up your report with documentation that proves this claim. That is why we strongly advise that you take pictures and seek help from witnesses to the incident; this will ultimately support your report. Even if there is suspicion of vandalism, filing a police report is a good idea.
• Contact your insurance provider
Afterwards, reach out to your car insurance provider and narrate the incident to them. Provide all the documents you have gathered that will serve as evidence. You can also ask about the claims process and coverage options. Your insurance provider will then guide you through the steps to take, which include the deductible and coverage plans of your insurance policy.
• Obtain repair estimates
Afterwards, inquire about repair costs from auto body shops. There are a number of insurance companies that have repair shops they collaborate with. You can ask for recommendations and other requirements needed to determine the cost associated with repairing your car.
• Schedule Repairs
As soon as you’re done with the repair estimates, schedule the repairs to be done by the auto body shop you intend to use. The process of repair will help restore damaged areas. You could even ask them repaint your car if there’s a need for it.
How to Prevent Your Cars from Being Keyed
What are the preventive measures for car keying? It is better to prevent certain situations than allow them to arise. There are strategies for preventing cars from being keyed, which include:
- Installation of car alarms
- Parking your cars in areas with high security, such as CCTV surveillance or a security guard
- Parking in well-lit areas
- Parking within a designated parking line.
- Leaving enough space between your car and the next one parked beside you.
Additionally, you can park in private parking lots or garages. These precautionary measures will help prevent or reduce the chances of your cars being keyed.
FAQs
Does collision coverage pay for a keyed car?
Unfortunately, collision coverage does not cover costs related to a keyed car. What collision coverage does is that it typically covers losses and damages incurred during a collision with another car or stationary objects lying around the environment where the collision happens.
Comprehensive coverage is the only policy that pays for a keyed car, simply because it covers vandalism.
When should I file a claim for my keyed car?
If you discover your car has been keyed, the immediate course of action is to file a claim if you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy.
For individuals who have a high deductible, you can consider getting a quote to fix the damage associated with keyed cars from your insurance company. Kindly note that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, your claim will not be approved, as this is the only policy that covers keyed cars.
