Does auto insurance cover interior damage? (2024)
Car insurance does cover accidental interior damage in certain situations if you have the right coverage. Find out how to get coverage and properly avoid costly repairs to your vehicle.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
UPDATED: Oct 19, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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If you own a car, you know that your vehicle’s interior may get damaged throughout its use. So, that could lead you to wonder, “Does car insurance cover interior damage?”
Interior damage to your vehicle may be covered by a comprehensive policy, depending on how the damage occurred. Wear from regular use of your car will likely not be covered.
This guide provides information on when you could expect to recover compensation for interior vehicle damage from your insurance company.
Looking for affordable interior damage car insurance coverage? Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to instantly compare prices from the best comprehensive auto insurance companies near you.
- The interior of your car can sustain damage in many ways
- Some types of insurance coverage, such as comprehensive, may pay claims for damages caused by intentional acts of others
- Damage that occurs from regular use of your vehicle will not be covered
How to Get Insurance to Pay for Car Damage to the Interior
Does insurance cover interior damage? Whether your car insurance covers interior damage depends in part on how the damage occurred. Your insurance policy dictates the specific occurrences covered if your vehicle’s interior is affected.
If a third party intentionally destroys your vehicle’s interior, your policy should cover the cost of repairing it if you have the right level of coverage. Intentional destruction of your property is known as vandalism and is a criminal act.
If your car’s interior is damaged by some animal, such as a squirrel, your comprehensive coverage may pay your claim to repair the damage. You can review the coverage options to make sure damages from wildlife are included.
Does car insurance cover accidental damage from passengers? If you have passengers spill things in your car or accidentally tear the upholstery, your insurance company will not pay for the repair. This type of damage is considered normal wear and tear from the use of the vehicle.
If you have a liability-only policy, you will not have coverage for any interior damage regardless of what led to the destruction. You would need to upgrade your policy to include comprehensive coverage to get compensation for interior repairs. You can learn more about the types of auto insurance coverage available to drivers.
Additionally, here is a quick look at the average cost of auto insurance based on coverage type.
Auto Insurance Average Monthly Rates By Coverage Type
| Insurance Company | High Coverage | Low Coverage | Medium Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $428 | $386 | $408 |
 | $285 | $281 | $295 |
 | $375 | $327 | $347 |
 | $286 | $250 | $268 |
 | $530 | $484 | $505 |
 | $292 | $283 | $287 |
 | $363 | $311 | $335 |
 | $288 | $255 | $272 |
 | $385 | $352 | $372 |
 | $222 | $200 | $212 |
In many cases, the rates for a basic liability policy are not significantly lower than those for a comprehensive policy. Here is a list of the companies with the five lowest average rates for basic coverage and the difference in adding the highest level of coverage on an annual policy:
- USAA – $263.81
- Geico – $427.23
- State Farm – $399.40
- American Family – $47.91
- Nationwide – $110.54
Adding additional coverage can help you make necessary repairs if your vehicle is damaged. Be sure to review any policy documents to know what claims the added insurance will pay for. Learn more about what an auto insurance policy looks like.
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What if the car’s interior is damaged in an accident?
Damages from an accident usually affect the outside of your car. However, if you are in a crash involving fire, water, or glass breaking, you may have car interior damage. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company should pay to have the interior repaired if the impairment results from a crash. Claims may include destruction done to your car’s electrical system.
The rate you pay for collision insurance may depend on the type of interior you have. Insurance companies consider replacement costs of materials when setting rates.
For example, if you have a leather interior, this is likely to be more costly to replace than fabric upholstery. This may result in higher rates for your collision policy.
Collision coverage usually does not cost much more on an annual basis to add to a policy. Interior repairs can be expensive if your upholstery is burned, water damaged, or torn. Having a collision policy can give you peace of mind that you will be able to return your vehicle to its original condition after an accident. Now, if another driver is found to be at fault, you could file a claim with their insurance company so their liability insurance would cover the costs of repairing your vehicle.
What if vandals damage your interior?
If a person or group of persons breaks into your car and destroys parts of the interior, your insurance may cover the damage if you have comprehensive coverage.
Does insurance cover paint damage? Comprehensive insurance will pay for impairments to the interior car items and replace any broken windows, slashed tires, or scratched paint.
Does car insurance cover criminal damage? Yes, car insurance covers vandalism, and if vandals have damaged your car, you should file a police report. You will need to submit a copy of the police report with the claim you file with your insurance company.
You can expect the insurance company to investigate any claim related to vandalism. They will want to verify that the damage occurred as reported.
What if your interior is damaged from regular use of your car?
What does car insurance cover regarding wear and tear? Even a comprehensive coverage policy will not reimburse you for damages to your interior from regular car use. This includes incidents like stains from spilled food or drink, burns from cigarettes or lighters, or unexpected tears from something getting caught on the upholstery.
Does car insurance cover sun damage? Damage from the sun or other elements is also considered part of a car’s everyday wear and tear.
You should try to protect the inside of your vehicle the best you can. Let passengers know that they cannot eat, drink, or smoke inside your car.
Also, avoid carrying any items that might spill over or have sharp edges that can tear the fabric. Any items you place in your vehicle should be secured appropriately.
You can take further steps on your own to minimize damage, such as regular vacuuming and cleaning. Keep a spot cleaner handy to clean up any spills as fast as possible.
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Final Thoughts on Interior Car Damage
Will insurance pay for car repairs to my interior if it gets damaged? Damages to your car’s interior may be covered through your insurance if you have a comprehensive or collision policy. Not all types of damage are covered.
Repairs to your interior from impairment caused by vandalism or a collision should be covered with the right type of insurance. Your insurance company will investigate any claims to ensure the damage was caused as reported by the claimant.
Incidental damage from regular use of your car will not be eligible for insurance reimbursement. You want to take care of your car’s interior when using it to avoid any costly repairs from regular wear and tear.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find the cheapest car interior insurance near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover repairs to the interior?
A top question from readers is, “Does car insurance pay for repairs to the interior?” Yes, a full coverage policy includes interior insurance for any accidental damages.
How can I protect my car’s interior from damage?
To minimize damage to your car’s interior, inform passengers that eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed inside the vehicle. Avoid carrying items that may spill or have sharp edges that could tear the fabric. Regularly vacuum and clean your car’s interior, and promptly clean up any spills. Taking these preventive measures can help maintain the condition of your car’s interior.
Does car insurance cover wear and tear?
You might wonder, “Does car insurance cover normal wear and tear?” Damages that occur from regular use of your car, such as stains from spilled food or drink, burns from cigarettes or lighters, or tears in the upholstery, are generally not covered by insurance.
This type of damage is considered normal wear and tear, and it’s your responsibility to take care of your car’s interior to avoid costly repairs since wear and tear car insurance doesn’t exist.
What if vandals damage my car’s interior?
If vandals break into your car and damage the interior, your insurance may cover the repairs if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance can pay for interior damage, as well as replace broken windows, slashed tires, or scratched paint. Remember to file a police report and provide it when filing a claim.
Will insurance company paint the whole car if it gets damaged by vandals? Your insurance company may paint the whole car or only paint the damaged portion, depending on the severity of the damages.
Can I add coverage for accidental interior damage to my existing car insurance policy?
Does insurance cover accidental damage to the interior? Yes, you may be able to add comprehensive coverage to your existing car insurance policy, which can provide coverage for accidental interior damage. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about adding this coverage.
Does car warranty cover accidental damage? Most car warranties don’t cover accidental damages. Generally, they cover manufacturer’s defects that occur under normal use.
Can I claim interior damage on my car insurance if I was at fault in the accident?
Yes, if you have collision coverage, you can typically claim interior damage on your car insurance even if you were at fault in the accident. However, your deductible will apply, and your rates may be affected upon renewal.
Can I choose the repair shop for interior damage covered by my car insurance?
In most cases, you have the right to choose the repair shop for interior damage covered by your car insurance. However, some insurance policies may have preferred or recommended repair shops that offer additional benefits or guarantees.
Will car insurance cover paint damage?
Does car insurance cover paint damage? Yes, if you get paint spilled in your car, insurance should cover the damages through comprehensive coverage if it was deemed an accident by your insurer.
Does Geico cover paint damage? Yes, your comprehensive policy with Geico will cover paint damage if it was an accident.
Does car insurance cover self-inflicted damage?
You may be wondering, “I damaged my car. Will insurance cover it?” If the damage was unintentional, your full coverage policy should cover it.
Does car insurance cover personal belongings?
Generally, car insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings in your car, but you can get a homeowners or renters insurance policy that does.
Does car insurance cover gasoline removal if I pumped the wrong fuel?
No, car insurance won’t usually cover gasoline removal if you pump the incorrect fuel.
Does car insurance cover fires?
You may be wondering, “My car caught on fire. Will my insurance cover it?” Yes, if your car catches on fire, you can file a claim with your insurer if you have full coverage. It should also cover fire damage in interior car.
Does full coverage cover a burned car in Arizona? Yes, comprehensive coverage, which is a part of full coverage, will pay for fire-related damages.
Does comprehensive insurance cover scratches?
Many readers ask, “Does auto insurance cover scratches?” Generally, comprehensive insurance will only cover major scratches from an event such as vandalism or a falling object, not minor scratches.
Will my insurance cover car wash damage?
You may wonder, “Does insurance cover car wash damage?” Whether insurance covers damage from a car wash depends on the situation and type of coverage.
If the car wash was at fault for the damages, you can file a claim on their insurance. Otherwise, you could file a claim on your own full coverage policy.
Does car insurance cover clutch replacement?
Will car insurance pay for repairs or replacement of my clutch? Generally, car insurance will only pay for clutch repair or replacement if the damages resulted from a covered event, such as a collision, vandalism, or natural disaster. It won’t cover normal wear and tear, however.
Does car insurance cover car seats?
If your car seats get damaged in a covered event, comprehensive or collision coverage should cover it.
How much does insurance pay to replace carpet? The amount insurance will pay out depends on various factors, and could cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Does full coverage car insurance cover water damage?
Is water damage covered by car insurance? Full coverage usually includes comprehensive coverage, which will cover water damage in certain cases, such as flooding or hail damage.
Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?
Yes, generally comprehensive coverage covers damage resulting from non-collision events, such as vandalism, weather, or fire.
Does car insurance cover pet damage?
Claiming on car insurance for accidental damage from your pet is not possible in most cases, as auto insurance policies generally don’t cover pet damage. However, if the damage resulted from an accident, it may be covered.
Does car insurance cover regular repairs?
Does auto insurance cover regular repairs? No, car insurance doesn’t cover regular repairs. Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.