Malicious damage on the rise
The number of claims for malicious damage to vehicles has increased from 87 in 2010 to 328 in 2016, according to RAA Insurance data.
RAA Insurance Claims Manager Hayley Cain said many car vandalism victims believed they knew the attacker – often an ex-partner.
“While some damage is suspected to be the result of random attacks, in other instances the vandal was known to the claimant and relationship breakdowns were often a factor in malicious damage claims,’’ said Ms Cain. “Maybe an ex-partner who feels aggrieved prefers to strike a ‘soft’ target like a car to avoid personal confrontation.’’
Examples of malicious damage included claims for punctured tyres, smashed bodywork, fuel contamination and duco damaged by toxic chemicals.
Windscreens hit with hammers or other hard objects were also a regular occurrence, said Ms Cain. Vandal attacks were averaging almost one a day and recent cases included:
- Expletives and homophobic references scratched on a car displaying a sticker supporting same sex marriage, at a cost of $8500 in damage
- Two children, one aged 10, caused $2000 damage after jumping on a car parked on a public street with a “for sale’’ sign in the window. The children were caught on video by a passer-by and police were contacted
- A man was arrested by police after spending 45 minutes smashing up his ex-girlfriend’s car and causing $26,000 damage
Ms Cain warned vandals that they were liable for the damage caused and said if they were caught insurers would take action to recover costs. She also provided motorists with tips to reduce the risk of malicious damage.
These included:
- Always ensure doors are locked and any alarms on when you leave your vehicle
- If possible, park your vehicle on your premises in a garage or driveway
- If you must park on the street use a well-lit area and avoid dark side streets
- In public car parks try to park with space on either side of your vehicle or near CCTV cameras
- Never leave any items of value on show in your car
- If you have a steering lock, use it.
The type of damage classified as malicious included vandalism, smashed windows, deliberate damage to fittings, panels and the engine, however the data excludes damages caused because of theft.
Motivation for malicious damage to vehicles is known only on an anecdotal basis based on information provided by clients.