Will my auto insurance cover the cost of the damage if someone keyed my car?

"Keying" is a relatively common form of automotive vandalism in which a vandal takes the pointed end of a key and drags it along the side of a vehicle. This causes a significant amount of damage to the paint and, in severe cases, the body of the vehicle.

Most people know that keying can cause a lot of damage to a car, but you're probably wondering, "does my auto insurance cover the damage if someone keyed my car?".

In short, yes, car insurance can cover the repair costs if someone keys your vehicle. But auto insurance doesn't automatically protect you from vandalism.

Here's why:

Will insurance cover me if someone keyed my car in Canada?

Drivers can purchase a unique form of car insurance known as comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage financially protects policyholders' vehicles from a wide array of risks and perils that (generally) occur off of the road. 

Some of these risks include natural disasters, fires, explosions, falling objects, theft and of course, vandalism.

If your vehicle is damaged by one of these risks or perils, your auto insurance company can cover all or a portion of your losses (depending on your coverage limits).

But, policyholders should note that comprehensive coverage is an optional form of car insurance, which means that it's not automatically included in your policy. 

So, if you've been wondering, "someone keyed my car will insurance cover it?", you'll likely be covered if you've added comprehensive coverage to your policy. But, if you don't have comprehensive coverage and someone keys your car, your car insurance company will not cover any of the related expenses.

Something else to consider: If you decide to place the comprehensive claim, it will be subject to the deductible. Deductible is the amount you pay for the repairs before the insurance company pays. When choosing a deductible, choose how much you are willing to be out of pocket before the insurance money is paid.

Example: If you have $1,500 worth of damage, and a $1,000 deducible, you will pay $1,000 and the insurance company will pay $500. Most companies allow for $250, $500 or $1,000 deductible options. High value vehicles may be required to have higher deductibles.

You may also be asking if it will affect your claims history status and negatively affect your pricing moving forward? In short, no. Placing a comprehensive claim will not impact your future premiums.

Click here or speak to your Surex insurance advisor to learn more about comprehensive coverage.

Someone keyed my car; what do I do now?

There are certain steps that you should take if someone keys your vehicle.

We suggest taking the following steps after noticing that someone has keyed your vehicle:

• Document the key damage: Take as many pictures and videos of the damage as you can. If possible, try to track down security footage and witnesses who may have seen the vandal. You can share the documented damage with the authorities and your car insurance company (should you decide to make a claim).
• Reach out to your auto insurance provider: You should notify your auto insurance provider of the damage, even if you're not sure if you're going to file a claim.
• Contact the authorities: Filing a police report is one of the best things you can do if your car gets keyed, especially if you know who vandalized your vehicle.
• Get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic: Professional mechanics see vandalism damage, like keying, on a regular basis. This level of hands-on experience gives them the ability to provide you with accurate quotes for the damage. You can provide this quote to your insurance company if you choose to file a claim for the damage.

Taking these steps will ensure that you're able to deal with the damage quickly and efficiently. So, if you've been asking yourself questions like, "what can I do if someone keyed my car?", insurance companies are here to help. But, as a reminder, you need to invest in comprehensive coverage to qualify for protection against vandalism.

How much money does it cost to repaint a car that's been keyed?

The cost to repair a vehicle that's been keyed depends on a variety of factors, like the severity of the damage and the quality of the paint. The type of car that you drive can also play a role in determining the price of the repairs.

That being said, we can say that these types of repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to over $1,500. This is a sizable expense for what may appear like minor, aesthetic damage.

4 tips for protecting your vehicle from vandalism

Do you want to protect your vehicle from avoidable damage like vandalism? Feel free to give some of these tips a try:

• Park your car in a locked garage during the evening and while you're away from home.
• If you need to park your car outside, try to park it in an area that you can see from a window in your home.
• Avoid leaving money or expensive items (like laptops, smartphones, etc.) in your vehicle for prolonged periods of time. If you need to keep the items there for more than a few hours, store them in an area that's out of sight (like in the trunk or a hidden storage compartment).
• While parking in public parking lots, look for spaces that are well-lit. Bonus points if the parking lot (or nearby businesses) have security cameras.

Utilizing these tips will reduce the risk of potential vandalism, like keying.

Don't forget — the best way to financially protect your vehicle from vandalism is by investing in comprehensive insurance! Are you looking for quotes for comprehensive insurance? Contact our team at Surex to get started today!

Save up to 25% when you bundle multiple insurance policies with a Surex insurance provider

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