Discovering egg damage on your car can be frustrating and expensive. Eggshells can chip paint, while egg yolks and whites contain acids that etch and stain your car’s finish if not cleaned quickly. The question many drivers ask is: Does car insurance cover egg damage?
The answer is yes, car insurance can cover egg damage, but only under comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance will not protect you, and collision coverage does not apply because egg damage isn’t caused by a car accident. Insurance companies classify egg damage as vandalism, which falls under comprehensive insurance.
If you carry only the state minimum or liability-only policy, you’ll likely be stuck paying repair bills yourself. Depending on how quickly you address the damage, repair costs can range from a simple wash to a full paint job costing thousands of dollars.
Why Egg Damage Is Considered Vandalism
Egging a car is not an accident it is an intentional act of vandalism. Insurance companies place this type of damage under comprehensive coverage, which handles non-collision incidents like:
- Vandalism (key scratches, graffiti, broken mirrors)
- Theft
- Fire
- Natural disasters (hail, floods, storms)
- Falling objects
When you file a claim for egg damage, your insurer will typically require:
- A police report (since egging is a crime).
- Photo evidence of the damage.
- Repair estimates from a body shop.
Egg damage is similar to other vandalism-related claims. Just like scratches and dents caused by vandals are covered under comprehensive, so is egg damage.
The key factor is that egging is an intentional act by another person, which is why liability or collision insurance does not apply. Insurers view egg damage as part of “malicious mischief.”
Which Policies Cover Egg Damage (and Which Don’t)
- Liability Insurance
Covers damages you cause to others, not your own car. If your car is egged and you only have liability, your insurer will not pay for repairs. - Collision Insurance
Covers damage when your vehicle collides with another car or object. Since egging is not a collision, this coverage does not apply. - Comprehensive Insurance
This is the coverage you need. Comprehensive insurance pays for non-collision damage such as vandalism, theft, or natural disasters. Egg damage, like being keyed or spray-painted, is covered once your deductible is met.
Comprehensive is usually bundled with collision and liability in what’s called full coverage car insurance. If you want protection against vandalism like egging, full coverage is recommended.
How Much Does Egg Damage Cost to Repair?
The cost of repairing egg damage depends on how quickly you clean it off and how deep the damage goes. Eggs can be corrosive to paint, especially if left in the sun.
| Type of Damage | Average Repair Cost |
| Basic wash/detail | $50 – $150 |
| Buffing minor etches | $200 – $500 |
| Paint spot repair | $500 – $1,200 |
| Full panel repaint | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Multiple panels or entire car repaint | $3,000 – $5,000+ |
Scenario 1: A car egged overnight but cleaned within hours may only need a wash and minor buffing (~$200).
Scenario 2: A car left in the sun with dried egg may need a panel repaint ($1,000+).
Scenario 3: If multiple panels are damaged, costs may exceed $3,500, which could trigger a total loss if your car’s market value is lower than repair costs.
This is why egg damage can be so serious what looks like a prank can end up costing thousands.
Deductibles and Egg Damage Claims
When filing an egg damage claim, your deductible determines how much you pay out-of-pocket.
- Example: If your deductible is $500 and repairs cost $1,200, your insurer pays $700.
- If repairs cost only $400, you must pay it all since it’s below your deductible.
Many drivers skip filing egg damage claims if repair costs are low. However, if multiple panels are damaged, filing is often worth it.
Some insurers even offer vandalism deductible waivers as add-ons. Always review your policy to see if this applies.
Will Filing an Egg Damage Claim Raise Insurance Rates?
Comprehensive claims (like egg damage) generally have less impact on premiums than collision or at-fault claims. Still, insurers may increase your rates if:
- You’ve filed multiple vandalism claims recently.
- You live in a high-crime area.
- The cost of repairs is very high.
This is similar to how car theft affects insurance premiums. A single egg damage claim may not cause a large increase, but repeated claims can.
Steps to Take if Your Car Gets Egged
- Do not delay cleaning wash your car immediately to minimize paint damage.
- Take photos of the egg damage for insurance documentation.
- File a police report egging is vandalism, and insurers often require official documentation.
- Contact your insurer and begin a claim. Provide the police report number.
- Get repair estimates from trusted body shops.
- Decide whether to file based on repair costs and your deductible.
Filing without a police report is one of the most common reasons vandalism claims are denied.
Prevention Tips for Egg Damage
- Park in garages or well-lit areas.
- Install security cameras or dash cams.
- Use car covers if parking outside overnight.
- Report repeated egging incidents to local authorities.
- Ask your insurer if anti-theft devices qualify you for car insurance discounts.
Egg Damage vs Other Vandalism
| Damage Type | Covered by Comprehensive? | Covered by Collision? |
| Egg damage | Yes | No |
| Key scratches | Yes | No |
| Broken windows | Yes | No |
| Slashed tires | Yes | No |
| Theft | Yes | No |
| Car accident | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. Liability coverage only protects damage you cause to others. Egg damage is considered vandalism, and only comprehensive covers it.
Yes. Most insurers require a police report for vandalism claims, including egging
Anywhere from $200 for minor etches to $5,000+ for full repaint jobs.
Possibly, but usually less than collision claims. Multiple vandalism claims may increase rates.
Yes, if repair costs exceed the car’s market value, insurers may declare it a total loss.
Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage, egg damage is covered even when parked.
Yes. Installing security devices may qualify you for discounts.
Conclusion
Car insurance does cover egg damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability or collision policies won’t help because egg damage is classified as vandalism. Repair costs can range from minor detailing to full repaint jobs costing thousands of dollars. Filing a claim usually requires a police report and may involve paying a deductible.
A single egg damage claim may not drastically raise your rates, but repeated vandalism claims can. Prevention is always better, secure parking, cameras, and protective measures can reduce your risk.
To ensure you’re not overpaying, compare multiple quotes. At Alias Insurance, you can find affordable policies that include comprehensive coverage, protecting you from unexpected incidents like egg damage, vandalism, or theft.
