Does car insurance cover bullet holes?

If you discover at least one bullet hole in your car, you will probably want to get your vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. Depending on how many bullet holes there are and where they are located, you might also be dealing with broken windows, engine damage, a bent frame, and other issues. 

You may understandably be asking yourself, “Does my car insurance cover bullet holes?” Read on to learn the answer to this question, as well as get some related tips.

Does car insurance cover bullet holes in cars?

The answer to this vital question is that it depends. 

Many states require you to have liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. These rules are related to car accidents. For instance, if you are in a crash, the amount of insurance required by the state should cover the damage caused to another person and/or property. 

Because bullet holes in cars are not part of a typical accident, they will not be covered by your basic policy. When it comes to car insurance covering bullet holes, comprehensive insurance coverage is what you would be looking for, as it will help protect you against several incidents that are not directly related to driving. 

Since adding comprehensive insurance to your plan is generally pretty budget-friendly, it would be a good idea to speak with your insurer to add it to your policy if you don’t already have it. If you are wondering if your homeowner’s insurance will also help to cover the bullet hole damage, unfortunately, the answer is no. Since your car has been impacted and not your home, you will only be able to report the situation to your auto insurance company.

What will my insurer need to know about the bullet holes?

There are a number of reasons why you might have bullet holes in your car. While how they occurred shouldn’t be a major factor in determining if your comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage, it is a good idea to jot down where you were when you noticed them and how many there are. 

You can also take pictures of the bullet holes and other related damage, like broken windows.

Filing a Police Report for Bullet Holes in the Car

In addition to calling your insurance agent, it is essential to file a police report. The report will help the police to know that there has been some kind of crime in your neighborhood. Even if you find your car with bullet holes in it at a restaurant or mall, you should still let the police know and provide them with as much information as you can. 

The police report is an important component when filing a claim with the insurance company. Car insurance companies will check the police report as this will help to demonstrate that there has been a crime and that the bullet holes were a result of a crime and not something that you did.

How will I get the damage from bullet holes repaired?

Once you file a police report and speak with your insurance agent, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case, and then you will be asked to visit a collision center or body shop so the damage can be assessed. Some insurance companies work with specific repair shops, while others let you go to a place of your own choosing. 

You might also be asked to get quotes from multiple shops. Once you have an estimate for the repairs, you will pay your deductible for your comprehensive policy, and then your car can be repaired.

Case Study 1: John’s Comprehensive Coverage

John, a car owner with comprehensive coverage, parked his car overnight in a neighborhood with high crime rates. The next morning, he discovered several bullet holes on his car’s exterior. Concerned about the damage, he immediately contacted his insurance company and filed a claim. Since John had comprehensive coverage, his insurance policy covered the repairs for the bullet hole damage.

The insurance adjuster assessed the extent of the damage and provided John with a list of authorized repair shops. John selected a reputable repair shop and paid his comprehensive deductible. The insurance company covered the remaining repair costs, and John’s car was restored to its pre-incident condition.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Liability-Only Policy

Sarah owned a car with only liability coverage, as mandated by her state. One evening, she parked her car outside a convenience store and went inside to make a quick purchase. Unfortunately, during her absence, a random act of violence occurred nearby, resulting in bullet holes in her car. When Sarah discovered the damage, she was unsure if her insurance would cover it.

She called her insurance company, and they informed her that liability coverage does not cover bullet hole damage. Sarah had to bear the repair costs herself, as liability coverage only applies to damages caused by accidents and not incidents like bullet holes.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Homeowner’s Insurance

Mark parked his car in the driveway of his home, and overnight, someone fired shots in the neighborhood, causing bullet holes in his car. Curious about coverage, Mark contacted his homeowner’s insurance company. However, they explained that homeowner’s insurance does not cover damages to vehicles parked on the property.

Since the damage was limited to his car and not his home, Mark had to rely on his car insurance to handle the repairs. He promptly reported the incident to his auto insurance company and utilized his comprehensive coverage to cover the costs of repairing the bullet hole damage.

Case Study 4: Emily’s Added Comprehensive Coverage

Emily recently purchased a new car and opted for a comprehensive insurance policy. A few weeks later, she parked her car in a public parking lot, only to find bullet holes upon her return. Worried about the repair expenses, Emily contacted her insurance agent and filed a claim. The insurance company confirmed that her comprehensive coverage would apply to the bullet hole damage.

Emily followed the claim process, providing the necessary information and documentation. The insurer assigned an adjuster who evaluated the damage and provided a list of authorized repair shops. Emily selected a trusted repair shop and paid her comprehensive deductible. The insurance company covered the remaining repair costs, ensuring her car was restored to its previous condition.

Final Thoughts About Auto Insurance and Bullet Holes

Finding bullet holes in your car is an understandably stressful experience. Fortunately, if you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance should pay for the repairs to your vehicle. If you have the state-required minimum and wish to add comprehensive coverage to your policy, speak with your agent. Or you can compare quotes from other companies to be sure you are getting the best rates.