Yes, car insurance can cover gunshot damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage in your policy. Comprehensive insurance protects your car from non-collision events like vandalism, theft, fire, storms, and bullets. Liability insurance, which is the minimum coverage required in most U.S. states, does not pay for your own car if it is damaged by gunfire. Collision insurance also does not apply because gunshots are not the result of a crash. That means the only way to be financially protected against bullet damage is by carrying comprehensive coverage. Without it, you may need to pay out of pocket for costly repairs or even the replacement of your vehicle.
Gunshot damage is rare for most drivers, but it can happen during random shootings, attempted theft, or vandalism. Repairing bullet holes or shattered glass can cost thousands of dollars, and if the damage is severe, insurers may declare the car a total loss. This article explains how car insurance works for gunshot incidents, what policies pay, how much compensation you may receive, whether premiums go up after a claim, and the exact steps to take if your car is hit by bullets. We will also look at state laws, injury coverage, prevention tips, and frequently asked questions to give you a complete picture.
Types of Car Insurance and How They Handle Gunshot Damage
Liability Insurance
Liability car insurance is the minimum coverage required in nearly every state. It protects you financially if you cause injuries or property damage to someone else. For example, if you crash into another driver, liability insurance pays for their medical bills and car repairs.
However, liability does not cover your own car. If your car is damaged by gunshots, you will not receive any payment from liability coverage. Even if the gunshots happen in front of your home, liability does not apply because no one else’s property was harmed.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance pays when your car is damaged by hitting another vehicle or object. It covers accidents like fender-benders, rollovers, or sliding into a pole. Since gunfire is not a collision, this coverage does not apply. Many drivers mistakenly assume collision is enough to cover any damage. In reality, bullet holes and shattered windows fall outside its scope.
Comprehensive Insurance
This is the coverage that protects you against gunshot damage. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage caused by non-collision events such as:
- Vandalism
- Theft or attempted theft
- Fire and explosions
- Natural disasters (hail, hurricanes, tornadoes)
- Falling objects (trees, debris)
- Riots or civil disturbances
- Gunshots and other malicious mischief
If your car is shot at and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will pay for repairs after you meet your deductible. Without it, you are left to cover the costs yourself.
Real-Life Scenarios of Gunshot Damage Claims
Gunshot incidents are unusual but not unheard of. Here are real-world examples:
- Stray Bullets in a City Neighborhood
A car parked on the street overnight is hit by stray bullets during a shooting. With comprehensive coverage, the driver files a claim, pays their deductible, and the insurer covers the remaining costs. - Targeted Vandalism
An angry neighbor deliberately shoots a car in an act of revenge. This is considered vandalism, and comprehensive insurance covers it. - Attempted Theft
Thieves fire shots while trying to break into a car. Comprehensive insurance covers both the attempted theft and the bullet damage. - Civil Unrest or Riots
During large protests or riots, some cars may be damaged by gunfire. Comprehensive insurance covers riot-related damage, including bullets.
How Much Does Insurance Pay for Gunshot Damage?
The amount depends on three main factors:
- Deductible – You must pay this amount first. For example, if your deductible is $500 and repairs cost $4,500, the insurer pays $4,000.
- Repair Costs – Bullet holes in body panels can cost $1,000–$3,000 to fix, while replacing a shattered windshield can cost $400–$800. If bullets hit the engine, repair costs can exceed $7,000.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) – If repair costs exceed the car’s ACV, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay you the market value.
| Repair Type | Average Cost Range |
| Window replacement | $300 – $900 |
| Body panel repair | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Interior upholstery | $500 – $2,000 |
| Engine repair | $5,000 – $10,000 |
For drivers facing a total loss, check how to negotiate a total loss car insurance claim.
Will Premiums Increase After a Gunshot Claim?
Yes, your premiums may increase after filing a gunshot claim. Insurance companies may view your car as being at higher risk if it is regularly parked in a high-crime area.
Example of Premium Impact
- Before claim: $1,600 annually
- After claim in high-crime ZIP code: $2,000 annually
- Increase: $400 per year
However, not every insurer raises rates the same way. Some may forgive a first claim if you have an otherwise clean record. To understand how rates are influenced by different factors, see factors that affect car insurance rates.
Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do If Your Car Is Hit by Gunfire
- Call the Police Immediately
File a police report. This is essential for your insurer to accept the claim. - Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of bullet holes, shattered glass, and damaged interiors. - Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the incident as soon as possible and provide the police report number. - Meet with an Adjuster
Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. - Get Repair Estimates
Even if your insurer provides one, getting your own estimate helps in negotiation. - Pay Deductible and Repair Costs
Once approved, you pay your deductible, and the insurer covers the rest.
Does Car Insurance Cover Gunshot Injuries?
Gunshots do not only damage vehicles. They may also injure passengers. Coverage depends on your policy and state laws:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – In no-fault states, PIP pays for medical bills regardless of who is at fault. If someone inside the car is hit by gunfire, PIP may cover treatment.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) – This optional coverage can help pay for hospital bills in at-fault states.
- Liability Coverage – If another driver shoots and is found responsible, their liability insurance may cover injuries.
State-by-State Differences in Gunshot Coverage
Car insurance laws vary widely:
- New York, Florida, New Jersey – No-fault states where PIP covers gunshot injuries inside the car.
- Texas, California, Illinois – At-fault states where liability rules apply. You may need to prove responsibility if another person fired shots.
- Louisiana and New Mexico – Higher crime states, where insurers may charge more for comprehensive coverage.
For examples of state-specific rules, see car insurance in Los Angeles or car insurance in Chicago.
Common Questions About Gunshot Damage
Does full coverage include gunshot protection?
Yes, if your full coverage policy includes comprehensive insurance.
Can I file a claim without a police report?
Most insurers require a police report. Without it, claims are often denied.
Will my car be totaled after gunshot damage?
Yes, if repairs cost more than the car’s market value.
Does renters insurance cover belongings shot inside my car?
Yes, personal property like laptops or bags may be covered by renters or homeowners insurance.
Will my rates always rise after filing a claim?
Not always. Some insurers may forgive a single claim.
Tips to Prevent Gunshot Damage
While you cannot control crime, you can reduce your risk:
- Park in secured lots or garages.
- Avoid leaving cars overnight in high-crime neighborhoods.
- Install cameras or alarms.
- Use protective window film for extra resistance.
- Keep valuables out of sight to reduce theft attempts.
FAQs
Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability and collision insurance do not cover bullet damage.
Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision incidents such as vandalism, theft, fire, storms, riots, and gunshots.
Yes, premiums may go up, especially if you live in a high-crime area. However, some insurers may forgive a first claim.
You should file a police report, document the damage with photos, contact your insurer, meet with an adjuster, and get repair estimates.
Yes. Depending on your state and policy, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), or liability insurance may cover injuries caused by gunfire.
Repair costs vary by damage type: $300–$900 for windows, $1,000–$3,000 for body panels, and up to $10,000 for engine repairs. If repairs exceed the car’s value, it may be declared a total loss.
No. Coverage rules differ by state. For example, no-fault states like New York or Florida use PIP for injuries, while at-fault states like Texas or California may require proving liability.
Conclusion
Car insurance does cover gunshot damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability and collision insurance do not protect your car from bullets. Filing a claim requires a police report, detailed photos, and cooperation with your insurer. While premiums may rise after a claim, comprehensive insurance can save you from paying thousands of dollars for repairs or a total loss.
The smartest choice is to make sure you carry comprehensive coverage as part of your policy. This way, you are protected not only from gunshots but also from theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. To compare affordable comprehensive policies from top providers, visit Alias Insurance and get your free car insurance quotes today.
Sources and References
- Insurance Information Institute – What Comprehensive Insurance Covers
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners – Auto Insurance Basics
- U.S. Department of Insurance – Understanding Auto Insurance
- Progressive – Comprehensive Car Insurance Explained
- State Farm – Comprehensive Coverage Overview
- Allstate – Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance
