Dealing with damage from a road collision is one thing to deal with, but what about intentional vandalism? Well, sometimes that happens. It’s not a nice reality, but people do have to deal with it. You might find that despite you working hard for a nice car, someone is envious of it and uses their keys to scratch the bodywork. Or perhaps someone thinks you’ve parked in their space and bends your windscreen wipers to emphasize a point. Perhaps you’ve just parked next to someone who opened a door and dented your car without leaving their information.
All of this can be pretty disheartening to deal with. Some people never have to experience it, and that’s great. This guide is for those who do. If you find yourself dealing with vandalism to your vehicle, here’s how to go about it:
Check The Car Before Driving it
Before you do anything, make sure your car is still safe to drive. If you notice obviously purposeful damage, unfortunately, there could be a chance of further danger outside of just cosmetic. That doesn’t mean you need to drop down to the ground like a Secret Service agent and check underneath, but if there’s broken glass, slashed tires, or anything that could make driving dangerous, don’t get in. Take photos of the damage, and if it’s bad enough, call for roadside assistance instead to ensure a safe towing. If you can drive, still check the handling and brakes and make sure no damage is present. If you’re at all concerned, have it towed for a more in-depth check.
Log The Police Report & Document Any Evidence
Even if it seems minor, report the vandalism. It might not lead to anything, but having a police report can help with insurance claims as well as your evidentiary pictures. Some areas have online reporting options, so you might not even need to go in person.
While you’re at it, take clear photos of the damage from different angles, too, making sure the light isn’t covering it. If there are security cameras nearby, check if you can get the footage. The more proof you have, the better, and you may be able to sue for damages.
Head To A Bodywork Shop & Keep Receipts
Depending on the damage, you might need a body shop or a glass repair service, or a more specific model-based option like BMW body repair. If you’re claiming through insurance, check if they have a preferred repairer just in case. If not, find a reputable shop and get a quote so you can supply this as well.
Then, keep all receipts, even if you’re paying out of pocket. Some insurance policies cover vandalism under comprehensive coverage, so you might be able to claim it back later. It’s not a fun process and, of course, harms your no-claims bonus, but it’s better than paying for it now.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily deal with vandalism to your vehicle.
