Does Your Car Insurance Cover Riots, Vandalism, or Civil Unrest?

In today’s world, civil unrest and large-scale demonstrations occasionally escalate into property damage. If your vehicle is damaged during a riot, protest, or act of vandalism, will your auto insurance step in?

The answer is: it depends.

Whether an insurance policy will pay depends on the type of coverage you carry. And, as it turns out, many drivers aren't sure what’s actually included in their policy.

The Role of Comprehensive Coverage

Damage to your vehicle from riots, vandalism, or civil unrest is typically covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance pays for non-collision incidents, including fire, theft, falling objects, natural disasters, and yes - intentional damage caused by third parties, such as vandalism during a protest.

However, if you only carry liability insurance, which is required in most states, you will not be covered for damages to your own vehicle under these circumstances. Liability coverage only pays for damages you cause to others.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), as of 2022, approximately 78% of insured drivers carry comprehensive coverage. If you're among the 22% who doesn’t, you could be responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement out of pocket if your car is damaged during civil unrest.

Deductibles and Documentation

Even if you do have comprehensive coverage, you’ll still need to pay your deductible before the insurance kicks in. Deductibles commonly range from $250 to $1,000. You’ll also be required to provide documentation, such as photos of the damage, a police report, and possibly repair estimates.

Real-World Impact

Insurance industry analysts estimated that the 2020 civil unrest across several U.S. cities resulted in over $1 billion in insured losses, making it one of the costliest periods of civil disturbance in U.S. history. Events like these have prompted many policyholders to reevaluate their level of protection.

What You Should Do

• Review your policy to ensure you carry comprehensive coverage.
• Understand your deductible and how claims affect future premiums.
• If you park in urban areas, consider the risk exposure and whether additional protection is warranted.

Bottom Line: Your car isn’t automatically protected against riots or vandalism. Only comprehensive coverage provides that layer of protection. If you’re unsure whether you have the right coverage in place, contact our office. We’ll help you review your policy and make informed decisions based on your specific risk profile.