Came back to a damaged car? Here’s how insurance helps

Imagine you are walking back to your car parked in a mall parking lot and find a deep scratch, a broken mirror, or a scratched window. Seeing this, your heart will skip a beat, right? But what’s next - should you get it repaired or call your agent first?

For Filipino car owners, the danger of vandalism is real. From tight street parking in Metro Manila to overnight parking in subdivisions, vandalism isn’t unheard of. Wait, it’s not that bad, as in most cases, the damage is covered. However, the coverage depends on your insurance policy.

Still confused? Don’t worry, we have created this guide in plain, simple terms. Thus, making sure you know exactly what to expect & what to do.

Car vandalism in the Philippines

Car vandalism isn’t just something you see in viral Facebook posts. It happens in real life and often when you least expect it.

Common types of car vandalism

In the Philippines, common cases of vandalism include -

• Keyed scratches on doors
• Broken side mirrors
• Slashed tyres
• Spray-painted graffiti
• Smashed windows
• Stolen emblems or accessories

Such damages can be due to random mischief or a personal grudge; in either case, the repair or replacement will cost thousands of pesos.

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Why are parked cars an easy target?

Parked vehicles are pretty vulnerable because -

• They are often unattended.
• Poor lighting in parking lots makes them an easy target.
• Most areas still lack CCTV.
• Street parking is common in crowded cities.

All this makes it clear that Filipino car owners are concerned about the safety of their vehicles when parked outside.

Let us now introduce insurance and see how it helps.

Types of car insurance policies

Before assuming you and your car are covered, it is important to understand your actual car insurance coverage.

Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance

CTPL insurance is required by law in the Philippines. But here’s the catch - it only covers injury or death of third parties in an accident. Nothing else is covered, meaning you remain unprotected in case of theft, fire, accident, or vandalism.

This means that if you have only CTPL insurance, vandalism won’t be covered.

Comprehensive car insurance

This is where things get interesting (insurance-wise). Once you get a comprehensive insurance plan, you get coverage against accidental damage, theft, fire, natural disasters (if included), and malicious acts/vandalism.

Now that we are making progress on vandalism coverage! Let us see what comprehensive insurance typically covers -

Most comprehensive policies in the country include coverage against “malicious damage” or “acts of vandalism”. But the scope of coverage depends on the insurance provider, policy terms & conditions, and deductible amount.

Parked car vandalised? What is covered & what is not covered

Yes, vandalism to parked cars is usually covered under comprehensive insurance. But there are still some inclusions and exclusions. So, let’s get a clear understanding -

Situations when vandalism is covered

Your claim is usually approved if -

• You have an active comprehensive insurance policy
• The damage is caused by malicious intent
• The claim is filed promptly
• You provide a police report & multiple images of the damage

A few examples when you’ll enjoy coverage -

• The car’s tyres were intentionally slashed
• A stranger smashed your car’s window
• Someone keyed your car while it was parked

In the circumstances described above, your insurer will typically pay for repairs, less the deductible.

Situations when vandalism is not covered

Your car insurance coverage might be denied if -

• You only have CTPL coverage.
• You are unable to provide proper claim-related documentation.
• The incident happened before your policy commenced.
• You intentionally damaged your car.

Note: Insurance providers take fraud seriously; therefore, always be honest when filing claims.

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Filing an insurance claim for vandalism

So, your car was vandalised, what’s next? First, don’t panic; follow the steps below.

Step-by-step claim process

• Take clear photos of the damage and the incident surrounding it immediately.
• If possible, do not move the car.
• Inform the local police authorities.
• Contact your insurance provider.
• Please complete the claim form and submit it with all required documents.
• Wait for assessment and approval.

All this may sound overwhelming, but most insurance providers guide you through the process.

Documents you’ll need

Typically, most providers require you to submit the following documents while filing a vandalism-related claim -

• Police report
• Photos of the damage
• Copy of OR/CR
• Driver’s license
• Insurance policy copy
• Duly accomplished claim form

Importance of police report (in case of vandalism)

Here’s something many Filipino car owners overlook: the importance of informing the authorities and acquiring a police report in case your car gets vandalised.

It doesn’t matter if the damages seem minor; insurers almost always require a police report for a vandalism claim. Why? Well, that’s because -

• It confirms malicious intent
• Prevents fraudulent claims
• Protects both you & the insurer

Skipping this step (getting a police report) can result in claim denial.

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Deductibles & repair costs explained

Even if your insurance policy covers vandalism, you still pay something from your pocket, i.e., the deductible. For example, if the repair cost is PHP 15,000 and your deductible is PHP 3,000, you’ll pay 3k, and your provider will cover the rest, i.e., 12K.

What if the deductible exceeds the repair cost? It is not worth filing a claim.

Note, in the Philippines, deductibles are often 0.5% to 1% of the vehicle’s value.

Preventing car vandalism

Prevention is always better than filing a claim. So, while parking your car, make sure the parking spot is -

• Well-lit
• Guarded by security personnel
• Not isolated
• Equipped with CCTV cameras

In addition, you can add a layer of safety by installing the following devices in your car -

• Car alarms
• Dashcams
• Steering wheel locks
• GPS trackers

We know these devices won’t guarantee safety, but they will significantly reduce the risk.

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Tips to choose the right insurance provider

As a car owner, you should know that not all comprehensive policies are equal. When selecting a policy, look for the following attributes -

• Clear inclusion of ‘malicious acts’ or ‘strikes, riots, and civil commotion’ coverage
• Reasonable deductible
• Fast claim processing
• Good customer support
• 24/7 assistance

On your part, make sure to read the policy fine print thoroughly, and when in doubt, ask questions, don’t just assume.

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Bottom line

Was your car damaged due to a malicious act, such as vandalism? Will your insurance policy cover the damages? Let’s settle it once and for all …

If you only have a CTPL insurance plan, the answer is NO. However, if you have opted for a comprehensive plan, you are most likely protected against malicious damage, including vandalism (subject to proper documentation and deductibles).

Furthermore, as a car owner, you must understand your policy thoroughly before an incident occurs. Start by reviewing your policy, checking the inclusions & exclusions, asking questions, and staying informed.

Remember, when it comes to protecting your car, a little preparation goes a long way.

 

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