Imagine walking back to your car only to spot a long, nasty scratch etched into the panel. It's clear that a key did the damage, slicing right through the paint and even into the metal. If the scratch is deep, it's more than just an eyesore—it could be serious and lead to rust. Before rushing to the repair shop, it’s worth checking if your car insurance policy covers this kind of damage. The good news is that if you have comprehensive coverage, most full-coverage policies will handle the repair costs. Of course, you'll need to file a claim and cover your deductible first.
Does insurance cover my keyed car?
If you're curious about whether your insurance covers a keyed car, here's the scoop: your car insurance policy can take care of it, but only if you have the right type of coverage. Here's what you need to know:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance, also known as scratch and dent insurance, protects against things like fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and weather-related damage, including incidents like your car getting keyed. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage car insurance, that usually means you already have comprehensive coverage, and it will likely cover your keyed car damage, depending on your coverage limits and deductible.
However, comprehensive coverage is optional coverage. So, if you only carry liability auto insurance and not any additional coverage, your insurer won’t cover the damage from someone keying your car.
Comprehensive deductible
Speaking of deductibles. Comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay to your insurance company before they cover the rest of the claim. Most insurers offer deductible options like $250, $500, or $1,000, but for high-value vehicles, you might be required to have a higher deductible, like $1,500 or $2,000.
If you decide to file a comprehensive claim, you'll first need to pay your deductible. For example, if you have $1,500 in keyed car damage and a $500 deductible, you'll cover the $500, and your insurance will pay the remaining $1,000.
But, if your deductible is $500, and the cost to repair your keyed car is only $300, it wouldn't be worth going through your insurance. Even if you tried to submit a claim, it would likely be denied since the repair cost is less than your deductible.
What is the repair cost for keyed car damage?
It could be as little as $50 to as much as $1,000 or more. This is because the cost to fix a scratch on your keyed car depends on how deep the damage goes. There are two types of damages if a car gets keyed:
Surface damage
If the key just scratched the surface, like a light mark near the door handle or on one panel, you might be able to buff them out or lessen their appearance with a scratch-repair kit, which you can find online or at a car accessories store. Just keep in mind there's a chance you could make it worse if you're not careful.
If you don't want to risk repairing it yourself, a simple touch-up job at your local body shop could run you anywhere from around $150 to a few hundred dollars.
Deep scratches
If the scratch is deep enough to cut through the paint and into the bare metal, or if the key was dragged across multiple panels, you’re looking at a higher bill. A professional will need to sand down, reprime, and repaint the damaged areas to fix them properly. If your car has a unique paint colour, that can also add to the cost. In cases like these, repairs can go up to $1,000 or more. To save some money, it's a good idea to get quotes from different body shops before deciding on repairs.
What do I do if someone keyed my car?
If your car has been keyed, this is a form of vandalism, which makes it a crime. So, when you find out someone’s keyed your car, it’s helpful to think of it like a crime scene. Every detail can serve as evidence when you're filing a claim with your insurance company. Here's what to do:
Document the scene
Make sure to document the damage to your car yourself. Take plenty of photos and videos, and if there were any witnesses around when it happened, try to get their statements. Nearby businesses might even have security footage of the incident, so it’s worth checking. All of this can be added to your police report and insurance claim to strengthen your case.
File a police report
The next step is to file a police report. Let them know the details of when and where your car was keyed, and share any documentation you have. This helps create a legal case against the vandal in case they’re caught and identified later. Also, make sure to get a copy of the police report for your insurance claim.
Contact your car insurance company
You don’t have to decide right away whether to file a vandalism claim, but you should still contact your insurance agent or company to let them know what happened. They’ll ask about the damage or inspect the car, so be ready to share the photos and documentation you’ve gathered. It’s also a good idea to have an alibi since vandalism is sometimes used in insurance fraud cases.
Get quotes from a body shop
If you don't already have a go-to body shop, your insurance company can recommend some trusted repair shops nearby. Once you take your car in, a mechanic will assess the damage and give you a quote for the repair costs. This quote will help you determine whether you submit an insurance claim to cover it or just pay for it out of pocket. Remember, it doesn't hurt to have multiple quotes.
Have your car repaired
If the quote was less than your deductible, you'll want to cancel your insurance claim since you'd end up paying more for the deductible than the actual repair cost. But, if it costs more, you may want your insurance to cover it.
If you do, then when it comes time to pay for your car repairs, your insurance company will handle it in one of two ways. They will either reimburse you after you pay the mechanic or pay the mechanic directly.
Either way, the amount from your insurer will be subtracted from your comprehensive deductible. So, you’ll need to cover the difference out of pocket. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your repair bill is $1,000, you’d pay the $500 deductible to the repair shop, and your insurer would cover the remaining $500.
Will submitting an insurance claim for my keyed car affect my insurance premium?
It's possible. Filing a claim can cause your rates to go up, even if the issue is minor. However, it usually won’t increase as much as if you were filing for something like an at-fault accident.
Keep in mind that if you file multiple claims within a short period, your car insurance rates could rise even more because insurance companies see multiple claims as higher risk. For example, if you’ve already filed a claim in the past couple of years and are now filing another, you can likely expect a bigger rate increase at renewal time.
Insurance companies often raise car insurance premiums to recoup the cost of claims, even if they’re for minor damage that wasn’t your fault. So, while having your insurance provider cover the repair costs for a keyed car might save you money now, keep in mind that you could end up with higher premiums for the next few years as a result. If you’re curious about how filing a claim could impact your premium, it’s a good idea to talk to your insurance company or broker for more details.
Why should I care about a keyed scratch on my car?
Deep scratches can cause more problems than just how your car looks. If left untreated, they can lead to rust and corrosion, so it’s important to get them fixed, even if the appearance doesn't bother you. Plus, any form of vandalism is a serious matter—it's a crime that should be reported to the police.
What other types of scratches can my car insurance cover?
There are a couple of types of insurance coverage that can help cover scratch damage to your vehicle. As we've already mentioned, comprehensive coverage can cover the damage caused by your car being keyed. It can also cover scratches from things like:
- A falling tree branch
- Hitting a large animal
- Flying debris
Another type of optional coverage is collision coverage. This coverage can also sometimes cover scratches to your car that were caused by a collision, either with another vehicle or a stationary object. For example, collision coverage may cover scratches caused by:
- Another car door hitting your car
- Sideswiping another vehicle or object
- Rear-ending another vehicle
- Hitting a tree or pole
- Hitting a curb
Collision coverage will also have its own deductible, just like comprehensive coverage, so whether your insurer will cover scratch damage often comes down to your coverage limits and deductible amount.
Tips to protect your vehicle from vandalism
No one wants their car to fall victim to vandalism. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your car from being keyed. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Park inside a garage
Try parking your car in a locked garage at night or when you’re away from home. However, if you need to park outside in a driveway or on a street, try to choose a spot you can easily see from a window.
2. Park under a light
When parking in public lots or on the street, look for well-lit spaces. Suppose the area has security cameras or nearby businesses with surveillance, which would be even better.
3. Install a security system or alarm
If your car doesn't already have a security system, think about adding one. A loud alarm or flashing light can be a great deterrent, making vandals think twice before messing with your vehicle.
4. Don't leave things in your car
Avoid leaving money or expensive items like laptops or smartphones in your car for long periods. If you need to leave items in your car for a while, tuck them away in the trunk, under a seat, or in the glove compartment to keep them out of view.
5. Always lock your doors
People are more likely to vandalize or steal from your car if it looks like an easy target. Always lock your doors when you leave.
Get comprehensive coverage insurance with BrokerLink today
The best way to protect your car from vandalism is by getting comprehensive insurance. If you're interested in getting free quotes, reach out to our team at BrokerLink—we're here to help you get started! Our expert BrokerLink brokers work with you to understand your needs and partner with the top insurance companies in your area to find you the best quotes and competitive prices.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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FAQs for will insurance cover my keyed car
How much does it cost to fix a key scratch on a car?
The cost to fix a scratch on your keyed car depends on how deep the damage goes and whether you're repairing it yourself or having it done professionally. It could be as little as $50 to as much as $1,000 or more.
Does car insurance cover my keyed car?
It can if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance protects against things like fire, falling objects, weather-related damage, theft, and vandalism, including incidents like your car getting keyed. However, it also depends on your coverage limits and deductible amount.
Should I file a claim for my keyed car?
If you discover your car has been keyed and you have comprehensive coverage, you might consider filing a claim. However, if you have a high deductible, it’s a good idea to get a repair quote first. That way, you can decide if filing the claim is worth it. If the damage is less than your deductible, it doesn’t make sense to file. Also, if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, then there's no point in filing a claim as it wouldn’t be approved.
Will insurance increase if I file a claim for my keyed car?
Filing a claim with your comprehensive insurance might cause your rates to increase, but how much depends on your personal situation and your insurance company’s policies. If you’re wondering how filing a claim might affect your premium, reach out to your insurance company or broker for more information.
What to do if someone keys your car in Canada?
Keying a car is an act of vandalism and should be reported to the police. If your car has been keyed, document the scene and contact the police to file a police report. Then, contact your insurance company or broker to determine whether it's worth filing an insurance claim.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
