Does auto insurance cover bullet holes? (2026)
Car insurance covers bullet holes if you have comprehensive coverage, but it may not always make sense to file a claim. You'll want to check your deductible before filing a claim for bullet hole damage. Below, we'll explain whether car insurance covers shooting damage and what to do if your car gets shot.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Alexandra Arcand is an outreach administrator and insurance expert located in North Central Ohio. She has a passion for writing, investing, and education. As an insurance content writer for over three years, Alexandra has first-hand experience in business finance, economics, and real estate. She leads an outreach writing team that specializes in travel, real estate, healthcare, law, finance, an...
Alexandra Arcand


Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Jeff Root
Updated December 2024
Does car insurance cover gunshots? Bullet holes can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. They may not be a common occurrence for most people, but you never know if your vehicle could become the victim of a stray bullet. That’s why it’s important to find insurance that will cover the cost of damage caused by a bullet hole.

Without insurance, you could spend a lot of money out of pocket to repair body damage or other issues caused by bullets, riots, or other violence and vandalism. So let’s look at how car insurance works for bullet damage and what you need to know to ensure you’re covered.
Are you wondering, “My car got shot up. Does insurance cover bullet holes in car?” Keep reading to learn more about whether car insurance pays to repair a bullet hole in your car.
- Comprehensive coverage can help you cover the repair costs associated with damage from bullet holes and riot damage
- If you were involved in the shooting, there might be an exclusion in your auto insurance policy
- Insurance may cover the cost of replacing your car door if it was damaged because of a bullet hole, but minor surface damage may not meet your deductible
Auto Insurance Covers Bullet Holes in Car With Comprehensive Coverage
Does car insurance cover shooting damage? If you’re looking to cover a bullet hole in your car, you’ll need comprehensive auto insurance coverage.
This type of coverage applies to non-collision incidents, including things like vandalism. As long as you weren’t directly involved in the shooting, comprehensive coverage should apply in the case of bullet damage.
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Total Cost to Repair Bullet Hole in Car
Is it worth ensuring you have bullet hole coverage in your insurance policy? Consider the the bullet hole car repair cost if you don’t. Some issues you might experience with bullet holes include:
- Damage to the body of the car
- Broken windows
- Flat tires
You may be wondering how much to fix a bullet hole in your car. The cost of bullet hole repair varies depending on the size of the hole and the amount of damage. If it caused more than just body damage to the vehicle, you could be looking at a much higher bill.
Contacting an auto body repair shop would be your best bet to get an accurate estimate for your specific situation.
Coverage for Bullet Hole in Car Door
Insurance companies will often replace your car door if it was damaged because of a bullet hole. However, this only applies if it’s damaged enough to be non-functional or unsafe.
Otherwise, you’re looking at a surface repair, which may not meet your car insurance deductible. You’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for that damage.
How to File a Claim for Bullet Damage
Once you know how much it will cost to repair your vehicle, you can decide if it’s worth going through insurance or if you’d rather pay out of pocket. Paying out of pocket might be the better option when considering that your insurance premium could go up after a claim. But, ultimately, it depends on the extent of the damage.
If there’s enough damage to rack up a significant repair bill, then you’ll want to prepare to submit your information to your insurance company. To file a claim for bullet hole damage to your car, contact your insurance company online or via phone, and they can walk you through the process. You’ll probably have to submit photos or visit a claims adjuster to go over the damage and review your claim.
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Getting Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by Bullet Holes
Does insurance cover gunshots? If you have the right type of auto insurance, which is comprehensive coverage, you have coverage for bullet hole damage. So if you’re concerned about the possibility of bullet damage, you may have to shop around for an insurance policy that’s more complete than your current plan.
If your car gets damaged by a bullet, insurance can help pay damages. Are you wondering, “How do I find an Allstate auto body shop near me to repair bullet holes?” Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below to find cheap coverage for bullet holes on your car.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover bullet holes?
A top question readers ask is, “Are bullet holes covered by insurance?” Generally, the coverage for bullet hole damage will depend on the specific details of your auto insurance policy. Most standard auto insurance policies provide coverage for damages resulting from acts of vandalism, which may include bullet holes.
However, it is crucial to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
Does insurance cover bullet hole in tire? Yes, comprehensive coverage should pay out for a tire bullet hole minus your deductible.
Are there any conditions or requirements for bullet holes in car to be covered by auto insurance?
While coverage for bullet hole damage may be available under certain auto insurance policies, there are typically conditions or requirements that must be met. For example, the incident may need to be reported to the police and documented appropriately.
Additionally, some policies may have restrictions based on the circumstances surrounding the incident, such as whether it occurred in a designated safe area or if the vehicle was being used for criminal activities.
Are there any limitations to coverage for bullet hole damage under auto insurance?
Yes, there can be limitations to coverage for bullet hole damage under auto insurance policies. These limitations may vary depending on the insurer and the specific policy you have. Common limitations could include deductibles, coverage caps, or exclusions for specific types of vehicles or activities. It’s crucial to carefully review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations that may apply.
What steps should I take if my vehicle has bullet hole damage?
Are you wondering, “I found a bullet hole in my car. What do I do?” Take the following steps if your car was hit by a stray bullet:
- Ensure your safety: If you’re in immediate danger, contact the appropriate authorities and seek help.
- Document the incident: If it is safe to do so, document the damage by taking photographs or videos. Note the date, time, and location of the incident.
- Report the incident: Contact the police and file a report. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
- Contact your insurance provider: Notify your auto insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant information, including the police report, photos, and any other documentation they may require.
- Follow the instructions: Your insurance provider will guide you on the necessary steps to file a claim and provide any additional information they may need from you.
Can I repair the bullet hole damage before contacting my insurance provider?
If you’re wondering how to fix a bullet hole in your car, it’s advisable to contact your insurance provider first before making any repairs to the bullet hole damage. They may require an inspection of the vehicle or specific documentation related to the incident. Your insurance provider can guide you on the appropriate steps to take, including whether repairs can be made and how to proceed with the claim process.
Will my auto insurance rates increase if I file a claim for bullet hole damage?
Filing a claim for bullet hole damage may or may not result in an increase in your auto insurance rates. Insurance rates can be affected by various factors, including your claims history, the severity of the damage, and your insurer’s policies. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider and inquire about the potential impact on your rates before filing a claim.
Are there any specific types of auto insurance policies that cover bullet hole damage?
Bullet hole damage can generally be covered under comprehensive auto insurance policies. Comprehensive coverage provides protection against various non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, theft, and natural disasters. However, it’s essential to review your policy documents or consult with your insurance provider to confirm the specific coverage included in your policy.
Are there any additional benefits or services provided by auto insurance for bullet hole damage?
Depending on your auto insurance policy and provider, additional benefits or services may be available for bullet hole damage. Some insurers offer perks like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or assistance with repairs through preferred repair shops. It’s recommended to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to learn about any additional benefits or services you may be entitled to.
Does car insurance cover self-inflicted damage?
You might wonder, “Will insurance cover a bullet hole caused by my own firearm?” Coverage for damage caused by your own firearm may be subject to specific exclusions or limitations in your auto insurance policy. Some insurers may not provide coverage for intentional or self-inflicted damage.
It’s important to carefully review your policy documents or speak with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for damage caused by your own firearm.
Can I transfer my auto insurance coverage for bullet hole damage to a new vehicle?
If you purchase a new vehicle, you may be able to transfer your existing auto insurance coverage, including coverage for bullet hole damage, to the new vehicle. However, this process may vary depending on your insurance provider and the terms of your policy. Contact your insurance provider to discuss the transfer of coverage and any necessary adjustments or documentation required.
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