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Sometimes it’s a slighted party hell-bent on exacting their revenge on your beloved wheels. Other times it’s an inexplicable act of carnage with no apparent purpose. Either way, a vandalized car can ruin your week. Still, if you want to make things right and get your much-needed repairs, you’ll need to make a few moves after the fact.

If you find your car vandalized, do these things to cover your bases and repair your ride

Vandalism is a broad topic when it comes to cars. After all, vandalism could be something as simple as a smashed wing mirror or keyed paintwork. However, it can also be an event that totals your car, like arson or extensive cosmetic damage. Regardless of the severity, you should make a few moves after finding your car vandalized.

  • Contact the authorities and file a police report
  • Provide any information or footage you have to the authorities
  • Document the damage immediately
  • File a claim with your insurance provider
  • Consider changing your parking habits
  • Never confront an agitated criminal at the scene

Let’s say you return to your car after a work day and find it vandalized. It has deep, unsightly gouges in the paint after someone keyed it. Bummer. But first thing is first: you should contact the authorities. Call the police and file a report. This will help you with your insurance claims and might be the first step in holding the responsible party accountable.

As part of your efforts with the authorities, give the police any information or media you have that might help them find the criminal. If your car was within view of a camera, the footage might assist the police in identifying the person who vandalized your car.

Over 95% of American adults have access to a smartphone, per Statista. That means a quick and easy means to document the damage to your car. Take many pictures and be prepared to share them with your insurance provider.

Now for the obvious one: contact your car insurance provider and file a claim. If you have comprehensive car insurance, there is a good chance that your damage will be covered. Include a copy of the police report.

Finally, if you witness acts of destruction, don’t confront the vandal. Doing so could turn a serious situation into a potentially dangerous one. Keep your safety in mind. Also, consider changing your parking habits. Don’t allow the potential of repeated vandalism.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).