Is Vandalism Covered Under an Auto Liability Only Policy?
- Liability coverage is required in most states. States that do not require it make the vehicle owner prove he has sufficient financial assets to cover costs of any accident he causes. Comprehensive coverage is not required by any state.
- Liability insurance compensates people who were injured in an accident you caused. It generally covers their medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering, according to carinsurance.com.
- Comprehensive insurance pays for damages to your car that were not caused by an accident. This includes theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters or hitting an animal while driving, according to insure.com.
- If the vandals can be found, police can arrest them. If they are convicted, a judge can order them to pay restitution to you, or you can sue them in small claims court.
- States may have victim compensation boards that reimburse victims when all other avenues have been exhausted. Some states, such as Washington, limit compensation to victims of violent crimes. Check with your state to see if it covers vandalism to cars.