That Awful Feeling

It’s a horrible sight; walking up to your car and finding a smashed window, a deep scratch, or worse. Vandalism feels personal, and it often happens without warning. But try not to panic. What you do in the first few hours matters most, both for police reporting and your insurance claim.

The good news? If you act methodically, you can get the damage sorted, protect your no-claims bonus (in some cases), and make sure the culprit’s details are logged properly in case they’re caught.

1. Stay Calm and Check the Scene

First, make sure you’re safe. If the vandalism happened overnight or in a car park, avoid touching anything inside the car. Take a look around; is there CCTV nearby? Any witnesses? Jot down times, dates, and locations while it’s fresh in your mind. Small details help later when dealing with insurers or police.

If your car’s on a public road, avoid driving it until you’re sure it’s safe. Glass shards, punctures, or hanging mirrors can turn a bad situation into a worse one.

2. Report It to the Police

Vandalism is a criminal offence, so always report it; even if you think there’s no chance of finding who did it. The police will issue a crime reference number, which you’ll need for your insurance claim. You can report it online using police.uk or by calling 101 (use 999 if the vandal is still nearby).

Include everything you noticed: location, time, possible CCTV, and any neighbouring vehicles also affected. The police may contact the property owner if it happened near a business or home with cameras.

3. Take Photos Before You Touch Anything

Before moving or cleaning anything, take clear photos of all damage; wide shots and close-ups. Capture registration plates, surroundings, and any visible paint marks or objects left behind. If glass is smashed, photograph the inside and outside before clearing it up.

These images form key evidence for your claim and can prove the damage wasn’t from an accident. Even insurers who send an assessor later will appreciate seeing the original state of things.

4. Contact Your Insurer

Once you have your crime reference number, call your insurer. Vandalism is typically covered under comprehensive car insurance. Third-party or third-party, fire and theft policies usually don’t cover it unless you’ve added vandalism protection as an optional extra.

Explain exactly what happened and send your photos. They’ll tell you whether you can claim without losing your no-claims bonus; some insurers protect it for certain types of malicious damage if you can provide a crime reference number.

If the damage is minor (like a small scratch), you might choose to pay privately. Weigh the repair cost against your excess and possible premium rise. Sometimes it’s not worth claiming for smaller jobs.

5. Getting the Damage Repaired

Your insurer will usually recommend an approved repairer. They’ll handle the quote, repair, and payment directly, with you covering the excess. If you prefer your own garage, check the insurer’s policy first; some will let you choose, others won’t.

Keep all invoices and receipts. If you’ve had to pay out-of-pocket initially, these documents help ensure full reimbursement.

6. What If You Don’t Have Comprehensive Cover?

If your policy doesn’t include vandalism cover, you’ll need to pay for repairs yourself. You can still report the crime, though; and should. If the offender is caught, the court may order them to pay compensation. While that’s not guaranteed, a report ensures your case is logged properly and linked to any similar incidents nearby.

7. Preventing It Next Time

Sadly, once it’s happened, there’s no perfect fix. But a few simple steps can reduce your risk:

• Park under streetlights or near CCTV cameras when possible.
• Avoid leaving valuables or shopping bags visible inside.
• Install a dash cam with parking mode to record movement when the car’s off.
• Use a secure driveway or garage where available; even a locked gate helps.

Vandalism is often opportunistic. Anything that makes your car look less appealing as a target is worth doing.

Useful UK Resources

• Police.uk – Report a Crime
• GOV.UK – Vehicle Insurance Overview
• RAC – What to Do If Your Car Has Been Vandalised
• AA – Car Vandalism Insurance Claims