Is Vandalism Covered Under Car Insurance Policy?

Vandalism Car Insurance Policy

Owning a car is a significant investment for most people and protecting it from various risks is essential. One way to safeguard your vehicle is by purchasing a car insurance policy, which provides financial coverage against damages or losses incurred due to accidents, natural calamities, thefts, and other unforeseen events. However, there is one such cause or factor that more often leaves a car owner confused about the coverage – which is vandalism. When it comes to vandalism, many car owners are often unsure if it gets covered under their motor insurance plan.  

In this article, we will grasp the concept of vandalism and whether it gets covered under a car insurance policy in India. 

What is Vandalism?

Vandalism is a malicious act that involves intentionally damaging or destroying someone else’s property, including cars. It can take various forms, such as scratching the car’s paint, breaking the windows, denting the body, or defacing the vehicle with graffiti. Vandalism can occur in any location, including public places, parking lots, and residential areas. Unfortunately, vandalism is not uncommon in India, and car owners need to understand how their insurance policy protects them against such incidents.

Vandalism: Is comprehensive motor insurance necessary? 

In India, car insurance policies get generally categorised into two types: comprehensive car insurance and third-party liability insurance. 

Third-party liability insurance is legally mandatory and covers damages or losses caused to third-party property or persons by your vehicle. However, it does not cover damages to your vehicle due to vandalism or any other reason. As a matter of fact, a third-party car insurance policy does not provide any coverage for damage or loss to your vehicle. The purpose is to protect you from any financial or legal “liability.” However, you may receive coverage for the “losses” you may incur due to damage to your vehicle under comprehensive car insurance. A comprehensive motor insurance policy offers cover for damages or losses to your car, including those caused by vandalism, in addition to third-party liability coverage.

What does comprehensive car insurance cover imply?

Apart from the mandatory third-party liability coverage, here are some common coverages under a comprehensive car insurance policy in India –

  • Accidents: Comprehensive car insurance covers damages or losses to your vehicle due to accidents, whether it is a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object. This includes repairs or replacements of damaged parts, as well as any medical expenses for injuries sustained by you or your co-passengers
  • Theft: If your vehicle gets stolen, comprehensive car insurance can provide coverage for the value of the stolen vehicle. However, you need to file a police report and follow the required procedures to claim theft coverage.
  • Fire and Explosion: Comprehensive car insurance covers damages caused by fire or explosion, whether it’s due to an accident or other causes. 
  • Natural Calamities: This category of motor insurance provides coverage against damages or losses caused by natural calamities, such as cyclones, floods, storms, and earthquakes. 
  • Malicious Acts: Comprehensive motor insurance covers damages or losses to your vehicle due to malicious acts, including vandalism, rioting, and acts of terrorism.
  • Personal Accident Cover: This kind of motor insurance typically includes personal accident coverage for the owner-driver, providing compensation in case of accidental injury or death while driving the insured vehicle.

How can you claim for vandalism under a comprehensive car insurance policy

Comprehensive car insurance is a popular choice among car owners in India because it offers extensive coverage against a wide range of risks, including vandalism. It typically covers damages or losses to your car due to thefts, strikes, accidents, fires, riots, natural calamities, and malicious acts, which include vandalism. 

If your car gets vandalised, you can file a claim with your car insurance provider to seek compensation for the damages incurred. However, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your policy, as different insurance companies may have specific requirements and limitations regarding vandalism coverage. 

When filing a claim for vandalism under a comprehensive motor insurance policy, you need to follow the standard procedure for making an insurance claim. 

  • Firstly, you should report the incident to the nearest police station and file an FIR or First Information Report, which serves as evidence of the vandalism. 
  • You should inform your insurance company and provide the necessary details as soon as possible. 
  • The details should include the FIR or police report, photographs of the damages, and any other relevant information. 
  • The insurance company will assess the damages and verify the claim before processing it for settlement.

Factors to consider about vandalism coverage

It is essential to note that vandalism coverage under a car insurance policy may have certain limitations and exclusions. 

  • For instance, some policies may cover only damages to the car’s exterior, such as scratches, dents, and broken windows, while excluding damages to the car’s interior or theft of personal belongings from the car. 
  • There may be a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out of your pocket before the insurance company settles the claim. The deductible amount may vary depending on your policy and can impact the overall claim settlement.
  • It is crucial to understand that insurance companies may have specific conditions for vandalism coverage. For instance, some policies may require the car to be parked in a secured or designated area, such as a garage or a parking lot, to be eligible for vandalism coverage. If you park your vehicle in an unsafe or prohibited area, the insurance company may reject the claim or may not provide adequate reimbursement. 

Conclusion

Under a car insurance policy, Vandalism coverage is essential to protecting your car against potential damages caused by intentional and malicious acts. By investing in a comprehensive car insurance policy, you can avail of the much-needed financial safety net and repair or replace your car without bearing any significant financial load. It is vital to review and understand the terms and conditions of your motor insurance to ensure that it includes coverage for vandalism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *