Car Vandalism: Comprehensive Insurance as Your Shield Against Malicious Damage – How to Act Correctly!
2 May 2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A deep scratch in the paintwork or a knocked-off side mirror – vandalism to your car is more than just a nuisance. It often means high costs and a lot of effort. However, with the right insurance and knowledge of the correct procedures, you can minimize the damage.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Comprehensive insurance covers most vandalism damage, often excluding tire damage; a deductible is common.
Report vandalism damage to the police and your insurance company (usually within a week) immediately, and document everything carefully.
The settlement of damages caused by vandalism through comprehensive insurance will lead to a downgrade of the no-claims class; for minor damages, it may be cheaper to pay yourself.
Understanding Vandalism on Your Car: What Your Comprehensive Insurance Covers
Vandalism refers to the deliberate damage of others' property by third parties. Typical car damages include paint scratches, often caused by a key, or dents from kicks. Your comprehensive insurance covers most of these damages. Partial coverage insurance handles it differently. An exception is often tyre damage; here, attempts at fraud are not uncommon. This causes over 200 million euros worth of damage annually in Germany.
Report damage: Regulation within seven days
Discovering vandalism damage? Act immediately! Report the damage to your insurance company, usually within a week. Document all damages in detail with photos from various perspectives. Always file a report with the police as well. This is often a prerequisite for the insurance coverage. An initial call to 110 is sufficient. The average processing time is often just a few days.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
A structured approach will help you efficiently manage the damage claim:
Take immediate photos of the damage: Produce at least five images from different angles.
Notify the police: File a report against unknown persons (emergency number 110).
Contact your insurance: Report the damage by phone or online, usually within seven days.
Complete the damage form: Provide all information truthfully and completely.
Obtain an estimate: Have a repair shop estimate the repair costs.
Coordinate with the insurance company: Do not commission any repairs without the insurer's approval.
Check your deductible: Clarify the amount of your contractually agreed deductible.
These steps ensure prompt processing by your insurer.
Scope of comprehensive insurance: More than just scratches
The comprehensive insurance covers the costs for many intentional damages. This includes scratched paintwork, broken windows, detached mirrors, and antennas. Glass breakage is often also part of partial coverage. Dents in the bodywork or graffiti are typical acts of vandalism. Your comprehensive insurance also covers these damages. Repair costs can quickly reach four figures. It is important: The damage must not be self-inflicted. The comprehensive insurance also applies if the perpetrator escapes without being identified. This is the case in over 90 percent of instances.
Third Party, Fire and Theft vs. Comprehensive: The Key Difference in Vandalism
Third-party, fire and theft insurance offers very limited coverage for vandalism damage. Typically, only glass breakage such as smashed windows and sometimes fire damage are covered. It does not cover paint scratches, dents, or broken-off mirrors. For this, you absolutely need comprehensive insurance. A comprehensive claim resulting from vandalism often leads to a downgrading of your no-claims discount. For smaller damages below 1,000 Euros, it might be sensible to cover the costs yourself.
Expert knowledge: Legal aspects and burden of proof
In insurance law, the rule is: You must prove the vandalism damage. The mere presence of scratches is often insufficient for courts. The Cologne Higher Regional Court (Ref.: 9 U 85/24) confirmed this. Comprehensive documentation and a police report are therefore essential. Our expert tip: Record possible witnesses and the exact time of the discovery. The insurance company examines whether there is malicious intent by third parties. Under § 823 BGB, the perpetrator is liable. However, they are rarely found. The resolution rate is often below 20 percent.
Important paragraphs and rulings:
Knowledge of relevant legal fundamentals can be advantageous in the event of damage:
§ 823 BGB (Liability for damages): The party responsible for the damage is generally liable.
Insurance Contract Act (VVG): Regulates the rights and duties of the insurer and the insured, such as notification obligations.
AKB (General Terms for Motor Vehicle Insurance): Here the exact benefits and exclusions of your policy are defined.
Cologne Higher Regional Court, decision dated 01.08.2024 (Ref.: 9 U 85/24): Emphasizes the high burden of proof on the insured in cases of vandalism damage.
Federal Court of Justice ruling (e.g. IV ZR 212/05): Distinguishes between theft and vandalism damage in partial coverage.
This knowledge helps you better assert your rights.
Excess and no-claims discount: Keep an eye on costs
Fully comprehensive insurance contracts usually include an excess. This is often between 150 and 500 euros. You bear this sum yourself in the event of a claim. Settling a vandalism claim through comprehensive coverage leads to a downgrade of your no-claims discount (NCB). This means higher contributions in the following year. Our expert tip: Carefully consider whether reporting minor damage is worthwhile. Paying for these yourself is often cheaper in the long term. A downgrade can increase contributions by up to 30 percent.
Prevention: How you can better protect your vehicle
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as 100% protection against vandalism. However, you can minimise the risk. Park your vehicle on well-lit and busy streets wherever possible. A garage or a secure car park offers the best protection, reducing the risk by an estimated 70 per cent. Avoid parking in areas known for vandalism, especially during major events. An alarm system can be a deterrent, with installation costs starting at around 200 euros. Consider when comprehensive cover is no longer worthwhile if your vehicle is older.
Conclusion: Well insured and acted correctly in the case of car vandalism
More useful links
FAQ
What exactly does my comprehensive insurance cover in case of vandalism?
Your comprehensive insurance usually covers costs for malicious damage such as scratches, dents, broken mirrors or antennas, and graffiti. Pure tire damage is often excluded. You will find the exact conditions in your General Terms and Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance.
What should I do if my car has been vandalized?
Document the damage immediately with photos. Report the incident to the police (file a report) and your insurance company without delay, usually within seven days.
Is it always worth settling a vandalism claim through comprehensive insurance?
Not necessarily. Since a claim can lead to a downgrade of your no-claims discount, in the case of minor damages (e.g., under 1,000 euros), it might be cheaper to pay for the repair yourself to avoid premium increases.
What is the difference between partial coverage and comprehensive coverage in cases of vandalism?
Partial coverage usually compensates for glass breakage and fire damage in cases of vandalism. Comprehensive insurance additionally covers intentional damage such as scratches, dents, etc.
How can I prevent vandalism to my car?
Park in well-lit areas or garages whenever possible. Avoid places known to be risky. An alarm system can provide additional deterrence. However, a residual risk always remains.
Who bears the burden of proof for vandalism damage?
As the policyholder, you need to prove the vandalism damage. This means you must demonstrate that an act of malice or mischief was committed by a third party. A police report and photos are very important in this regard.
