Seeing that someone has keyed your car is a sinking feeling. Your shiny vehicle now has a permanent etching, and unless you parked right beneath a security camera, there’s a low chance you’ll ever catch the culprit. That said, you don’t have to despair. As long as you have comprehensive coverage from an Arizona auto insurance provider like Oasis, insurance will cover the costs to repair your car.
Will AZ Car Insurance Cover My Keyed Car?
The good part is, most of the top insurance companies in Arizona will cover repairs for your car if someone keyed it if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance is an add-on coverage that protects your vehicle in a non-collision accident. This might include if a tree falls on your car or a rock hits your car while driving. Not all plans come standard with comprehensive coverage, so double-check to make sure you have this coverage before filing a claim for a keyed car.
Steps to Take If Your Car Is Keyed
To ensure the keying is covered, there are a number of steps you’ll have to take. This gives your Arizona auto insurance company a chance to inspect the damage and make sure it was actually an act of vandalism (rather than you sideswiping a mailbox or hitting a stop sign). This is an important step because it will determine whether or not you are at fault for the damage (but more about that later).
1. Take Pictures of the Damage
First and foremost, you’ll want to have accurate documentation of the damage. Take photos on your phone from a few different angles so you can see the scratches clearly. Make notes on the exact time of day and place where the incident occurred. You’ll also want to see if any witnesses noticed someone prowling around your car. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to find security camera footage if you parked in a public lot.
2. Call the Police
Once you’ve done all you can at the scene, call the police. This isn’t an emergency, so remember to use the non-emergency line. Once the police arrive, show them the situation and see if they can help you track down camera footage. While your report may not be enough to find the actor, they may have additional information to help catch the vandal. The police report will also be crucial for showing to your insurance company (and the courts if they catch the culprit).
3. Get in Touch With Your Arizona Auto Insurance Company
After dealing with the police, the next call you should make is to your insurance company. They’ll want to hear all about the incident, so it’s a good idea to have all of your notes at the ready. The sooner you get in touch with them, the sooner you’ll be on your way to having a good-as-new-car.
4. Visit a Mechanic
The next step is to take your car to an insurance-approved mechanic for an estimate. Be sure that your insurance company has a partnership with them, or otherwise, they may not be willing to pay for their repair costs. Once you get the estimate, the mechanic can submit it to the insurance company so you can get a better idea of your out-of-pocket costs.
5. Determine Your Payment
In most cases, once your insurer gets the estimate, they’ll pay the mechanic directly. If that’s the case, all you’ll need to pay is your deductible. However, your insurance company may write you a check directly for the repairs. If this happens, you’ll need to pay the mechanic for the full services when you pick up your car.
How Does Filing a Keyed Car Claim Affect My Car Insurance in Phoenix, AZ?
When you file a claim for a keyed car with your AZ car insurance, it may affect your premium. However, because it is a comprehensive claim and not an at-fault car accident, your rates shouldn’t jump up too much. At-fault claims are instances where you caused damage to the car, so it makes sense that these would affect rates more.
How much your premium increases can also depend on how many claims you’ve had in the past. If this is your first claim in the last two years, the increase should be minimal. However, if it’s your second or third, you’ll begin to notice a more drastic increase in your rates.
When considering whether it’s worth it to file a claim, a good rule of thumb is to consider the cost of repairs without insurance. If the price is less than your deductible, it makes more sense to just pay without submitting a claim to insurance at all. That way, you won’t get a hit on your premium.
What Is the Cost to Get a Keyed Car Fixed Without Arizona Auto Insurance?
The cost to repair a keyed car depends on how deep and long the scratch is.
For small scratches that only breach the clear coat, it’s typically possible to buff out the imperfection without repainting. This should only set you back $150 to $300.
However, if that scratch is deep enough to reach the paint, the price goes up quite a bit. The repair shop will need to completely buff out and reapply paint in that area, so costs could be as high as $1,000.
Even worse is if the scratch gets all the way down to the metal or plastic. This will require even more labor, so the repair price can go up to $1,500.
If these repairs cost too much, you always have the option of trying a DIY repair. This might be a better idea for older cars that may have other imperfections. If your car is nearly brand new, chances are you won’t be able to perfectly match the finish, making you unhappy with the result.
Rely on the Best Car Insurance in Phoenix, AZ, for Your Keyed Car
If someone keys your car, don’t stress. Oasis Insurance provides affordable insurance rates that will cover damage from vandals. Learn more about our coverage and get your free quote today.
