Essential Insights at a Glance

• Comprehensive insurance plans typically handle repairs for keyed car scratches; collision coverage, however, stays out of it.
• Repair expenses for keyed cars fluctuate widely, generally ranging between $500 and $1,500 depending on the damage’s severity.
• Before rushing to file a claim, consider your comprehensive deductible, as it might influence whether pursuing insurance is financially practical.

Deep gouges in your car’s paintwork go beyond mere aesthetics—once keyed, the damage might require extensive work. Prior to visiting a repair shop, verifying if your insurance policy extends coverage is a wise step. Usually, full coverage plans that include comprehensive protection will foot the bill for keyed repairs, provided you file a claim and cover your deductible. The insurance experts at Bankrate clarify your available options, empowering you to weigh between claiming or paying out of pocket.

Will Insurance Cover Damage from Keying?

If your policy encompasses comprehensive coverage—which safeguards against theft, vandalism, and weather-related incidents—filing a claim for a keyed vehicle is generally viable. Conversely, possession of only liability insurance excludes coverage of such intentional damage to your car.

Repair Price Tag: How Much to Refinish a Keyed Vehicle?

The cost to fix a keyed scratch hinges on how far the damage penetrates beneath the surface. Superficial scrapes affecting merely the top coat will incur the lowest charges. For example, minor blemishes confined to a single panel, such as near the door handle, often require only a modest touch-up.

In contrast, deep scratches reaching down to bare metal, or damage spanning multiple panels, push repair costs upward. Uncommon paint shades can also hike prices, as matching hues demands special attention. Labor expenses specific to your region further influence overall costs. Extensive restoration stemming from vandalism might exceed $1,000, making it smart to gather multiple quotes before committing to repairs.

Quick Fact: According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, vandalism accounts for roughly 25% of all comprehensive insurance claims in the United States, with average repair costs hovering around $1,200 per incident.

Claiming for Keyed Car Repairs: Will Your Premium Take a Hit?

One crucial factor to mull over before lodging a claim is the potential hike in your insurance premium—even trivial incidents can nudge rates upwards. Yet, keyed car claims don’t typically cause as sharp an increase as those involving at-fault collisions. These adjustments usually materialize when your policy renews.

Repeated claims within a short timeframe amplify these hikes. For example, filing multiple claims over a couple of years can trigger a steep premium jump. Insurers offset payouts on claims—even for cosmetic damage you didn’t cause—by pushing up future rates. So weigh the short-term benefit of filing against possible premium inflation over the coming years.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Your Keyed Car?

The decision pivots on your deductible amount and the severity of the damage sustained.

Scenario 1: When Filing Makes Financial Sense

Suppose your deductible is low and the wreckage is extensive. Imagine returning to find your entire vehicle marred by key scratches. If the repair quote comes in around $1,500 and your deductible is just $250, submitting a claim could save you $1,250 out of pocket. Although this might slightly elevate your premium, the increase often pales compared to those following at-fault accident claims.

Scenario 2: When Filing Might Not Pay Off

Conversely, consider a minor six-inch scratch near your door. The repair estimate is $400, but your deductible stands at $750. Filing here means you’d spend more than covering the repair yourself, and your premium could climb as a result. Thus, skipping the claim and paying directly often proves more economical.

What Steps to Take If Your Car Gets Keyed

Dealing with keyed damage involves a familiar claims process. Key actions include:

1. Recording the time and exact location of the incident, supplemented by clear photographs.
2. Filing a police report to document vandalism officially.
3. Contacting your insurer promptly if you carry comprehensive coverage.
4. Bringing your vehicle to a trusted repair shop for a thorough assessment.

Should you opt to file a claim, your insurer may reimburse you after you’ve settled with the mechanic or pay the shop directly. The comprehensive deductible is deducted from the insurance payout, obliging you to cover the remainder. For instance, with a $500 deductible on a $1,500 repair, you’d pay the initial $500 and insurance handles the remaining $1,000.

Practical Tips to Deter Vandalism

To keep your ride safe from malicious damage, consider these often overlooked yet effective tactics:

• Install a car alarm or security device: Vehicles lacking factory-installed security can benefit greatly from alarms or flashing lights that discourage tampering.
• Park strategically: Secure, locked garages or brightly lit areas under surveillance significantly reduce vandalism risk. Avoid secluded or dimly lit spots.
• Lock up and hide valuables: Visible belongings tempt vandals. Always lock doors and conceal personal items in the glovebox, trunk, or under seats.
• Vary your parking habits: Changing where and when you park disrupts potential perpetrators’ patterns, making your car a less attractive target.

Owning a well-maintained car only to find it keyed can be disheartening. Luckily, comprehensive insurance often softens the financial blow. Once repaired, applying preventative measures can guard against future incidents.

Common Questions About Vehicle Vandalism and Insurance

How Is Car Vandalism Defined?

Vandalism encompasses intentional damage inflicted upon a vehicle. This includes keying, tire slashing, broken windows, spray-paint attacks, theft of ornaments, egging, or contaminating the gas tank with substances like sugar or salt. Unsure if your coverage protects you? Review your policy’s comprehensive coverage clause or reach out to your agent for clarity.

When Should I File an Insurance Claim for a Keyed Car?

If your auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage and your car is keyed, consider filing a claim—but keep your deductible and the damage cost in mind. Claims below your deductible seldom make financial sense, and without comprehensive coverage, your insurer won’t approve the claim.

Will Filing a Vandalism Claim Increase My Premium?

Post-claim premium changes vary widely based on insurer and personal factors. The average cost of full coverage insurance in the U.S. was approximately $2,638 per year as of early 2025 (Quadrant Information Services data). For precise impact, talk directly with your insurance representative.

Does Collision Insurance Cover Keyed Car Damage?

Collision coverage—typically aimed at damages from accidents involving other vehicles or objects—does not extend to intentional vandalism like keying.