Just had my car keyed last weekend (ugh, people...), and figured I'd share what I learned about getting insurance to cover vandalism. First, file a police report ASAP—insurance usually wants that. Then, snap clear pics of the damage from different angles. Call your insurer right away and ask specifically about your comprehensive coverage, since that's usually what covers vandalism. They'll probably send an adjuster to check it out before approving repairs.
But um, anyone got tips or shortcuts to make this less of a headache?
Definitely agree with filing the police report quickly—insurance companies can be picky about timing. One thing I'd add is to double-check your deductible amount before you proceed. Sometimes, if the damage isn't too severe, paying out-of-pocket might actually save you money in the long run by avoiding premium hikes. Learned that the hard way after a minor incident last year... Might be worth crunching the numbers first?