Automobile

Vandalism

The first thing you notice as you come up to your car is a deep scratch that runs along the entire side of the car! You're hopping mad! Someone vandalized your car. If the scratch were less visible, you might not do anything about it.

Are you covered?

Yes, if you purchased coverage for damage to your vehicle. That's Section B of your policy (Comprehensive or All Perils). Your insurer will deduct the amount of your policy deductible from the compensation amount.

Example of a deduction

Amount to repair your vehicle $1,500
Your policy deductible $200
Total amount paid by your insurer $1,300

Items stolen from your car?

Your car is vandalized and your laptop is stolen. Your home insurance policy covers items stolen from your car. You'll have two claims to make. One to your auto insurer for the damage to your vehicle. And the other one to your home insurer for the theft of your laptop.

Don't have home insurance? In that case, you won't be covered for the items stolen from your car. For more information, visit the Theft and vandalism page.

Five steps to follow

Discover the five-steps process in case of vandalism.

Your insurer will indemnify you within 60 days following receipt of your request and the supporting documents. For a speedy claims settlement, make sure you have all the relevant documents handy.

Payment

Garage recommended by your insurer

You don't have to handle the payment. Your insurer will issue the cheque directly to the garage.

Your garage

Your insurer will issue a cheque in your name and that of the garage. You must endorse it and remit it to the garage once you're satisfied the repairs have been made.

Short-term rental of a vehicle (Endorsement 20).

This coverage allows you to rent a vehicle for a specified period of time, should you lose the use of your vehicle following an accident.

Rundown of a settlement process in a vandalized car

Settlement process in a vandalized car

Police report release Contact your insurer Appraise the damage Agree on a settlement Indemnity payment

Take photos of the damage caused and contact the police as soon as possible. They will fill in and give you the number of the report.

Call your insurer or broker as soon as possible. Send him a copy of the police report number.

Your insurer will examine your vehicle to appraise the damage and establish the cost of repairs. He may suggest a garage for the repairs. You may also choose your own.

Your insurer will repair your car according to the terms and conditions under your policy.

Depending on the agreement, your insurer may indemnify you or reimburse the garage directly.