Should car vandalism and hit and run affect your driving record?

Question

Several years ago my car was parked on the street. It was side swiped and there was a little damage. I don't know who did it. I reported it to my insurance company and they sent me a check but I never got it fixed.

Also, last year someone broke my window and stole items from the car while it was parked on the street. I reported it and everything was fixed and replaced by my insurance.

I did have 2 car accidents (other party at fault in both accidents) and a few tickets (speeding, not using a signal, rolling stop) but why would the vandalism and hit and run affect my driving record?

I found this out when I was trying to get car insurance last year. Can you explain to me? I live in NY and I'm over the age of 25.

Answer 1

insurance covers you when driving and also the car when parked.  you have a lot of risk factors, tickets, plus a history of claims, both driving and not.

insurance is based upon the risk that the company takes in protecting your assests in all conditions.  this includes the likelihood of being involved in an acident and other non-moving situations such as theft and vandalism.

the insurance companies take into account all these factors when setting a claim.

you have had 4 instances of actual claims and several indicators of risky behaviour.

your claims reflect these facts.

Answer 2

The moving violations affected your driving record because they are points on your license. A car parked on the street usually is a higher rate than on parked in a garage. NYC has the highest auto insurance rate of any other US city. Too many claims can also affect your rate so next time, weigh your options before you make a claim.

Answer 3

Vandalism and hit and run should not be surcharged to your policy but your claim activity will certainly keep you out of any preferred rating tiers.