Does car insurance cover gunshots? Bullet holes can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. Unintentional bullet hits may not happen often for most people, but you never know when one could hit your car. That’s why it’s important to get insurance that will pay for bullet hole damage.
Broken bones, bullet wounds, and other damage from riots, violence, and vandalism could cost a lot of money to fix if you don’t have insurance. Let’s look at how bullet damage is covered by car insurance and what you need to know to be sure you’re safe.
Are you wondering, “My car got shot up. Does insurance pay to fix a bullet hole in my car?” Read on to find out if your car insurance will pay to fix a bullet hole in your car. Things to remember.
Discovering bullet holes in your car can be alarming and concerning You likely have many questions running through your mind – what happened, who did this, and how much will it cost to repair? But one of the most pressing questions is often – will my insurance cover these damages?
Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Whether or not insurance covers bullet holes depends on several factors:
What Type of Coverage Do You Have?
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Liability Coverage – This is the minimum level of car insurance required in most states It covers bodily injury and property damage that you cause to others if you are at fault in an accident But liability coverage does NOT cover any damage to your own vehicle, including that caused by bullet holes.
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Collision Coverage – This covers damage to your car from accidents with other vehicles or objects. But it typically excludes damage caused by vandalism, theft, or bullets.
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Comprehensive Coverage – This is the type of coverage required to cover damage from bullet holes. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that is not caused by a collision, including theft, vandalism, weather events, fire, and bullets.
So if you want bullet holes covered, comprehensive car insurance is a must According to research from FreeAdvicecom, comprehensive coverage that includes bullet holes costs approximately $148 per year on average.
Where Did the Damage Occur?
Insurance policies often differentiate between damage that occurs while driving vs. damage to a parked vehicle. Comprehensive policies typically cover bullet holes regardless of where the damage occurred.
But other coverages like collision may only cover damage from bullets if it occurs while you are operating the vehicle. Damage to parked cars may be excluded. Check your policy details.
Was Your Car Targeted?
Insurance companies will investigate bullet hole claims to determine if your car was specifically targeted or if it was a random act of vandalism. Targeted damage is often not covered, as it suggests involvement in illegal activity.
But if your car was randomly hit by stray bullets or bullet holes are clearly due to random vandalism, your claim has a better chance of being approved. Be prepared to provide police reports and evidence that the damage was indiscriminate.
What Is Your Deductible?
Even with comprehensive coverage, you will likely have to pay a deductible, usually $500-$1000. If the repair costs are below your deductible amount, the insurance company will not pay anything for the damages.
So it’s important to consider your deductible amount when deciding if filing a claim makes financial sense. For minor cosmetic bullet holes, you may opt to just pay out of pocket rather than going through your insurance.
Other Policy Exclusions
Read through your comprehensive policy carefully looking for any exclusions for damage related to firearms. Some policies specifically exclude coverage for any damage from bullets, guns, and other weapons. If your policy has this exclusion, repairs would not be covered.
Timing Matters
File your bullet hole claim as soon as possible after discovering the damage. Most policies require prompt reporting, often within 24-48 hours. Waiting too long to report the claim or damage could result in a denial of coverage.
Documentation Is Key
Be prepared to provide detailed documentation like police reports, photographs, repair estimates, and other evidence to support your bullet hole claim. The more validated proof you can supply, the more likely your claim will be paid smoothly and promptly. Lack of documentation can delay or jeopardize your claim.
Previous Claims Can Cause Issues
If you’ve filed comprehensive claims before, it could impact approval of any subsequent claims. Some insurance companies may view multiple claims, even for different damage, as suspicious or as indicators of increased risk. Provide as much proof and justification as possible if you’ve had prior claims.
Shop Around at Renewal Time
If your insurance company denies a bullet hole claim that you feel should be covered, it may be a sign to shop around at renewal time. Get quotes from other insurers and look for those that offer comprehensive coverage with more robust coverages and fewer exclusions or restrictions.
Consult an Attorney
For complex claim situations or claim denials, consulting an insurance attorney can help protect your rights. An attorney can review your policy, determine if the denial was warranted, and advise on any recourse like filing an appeal or lawsuit against the insurance company.
They can also help negotiate a settlement if some middle ground can be reached. Their expertise can be invaluable for contested bullet hole claims.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, whether insurance covers damage from bullets depends on the specifics of your policy. Comprehensive coverage is your best bet, but exclusions, limitations, and claim investigations can still complicate the claims process. Protect yourself by having ample documentation, shopping around for better coverage options, and seeking legal counsel if necessary. With some preparation and diligence, you can get those unpleasant bullet holes repaired at little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Auto Insurance Covers Bullet Holes in Car With Comprehensive Coverage
Does car insurance cover damage from a shooting? If you want to cover a bullet hole in your car, you’ll need full coverage auto insurance.
This type of coverage applies to non-collision incidents, including things like vandalism. If you were hurt by a bullet and weren’t directly involved in the shooting, you should be covered for everything.
Is it illegal to drive a car with bullet holes?
You may be wondering, “Can you drive a car with bullet holes?” The answer is no, it’s not illegal to drive with bullet holes in your car, but police might be suspicious.
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