Does auto insurance cover interior damage? (2026)

If you own a car, you know that your vehicle’s interior may get damaged throughout its use. So, that could lead you to wonder, “Does car insurance cover interior damage?”

Interior damage to your vehicle may be covered by a comprehensive policy, depending on how the damage occurred. Wear from regular use of your car will likely not be covered.

This guide provides information on when you could expect to recover compensation for interior vehicle damage from your insurance company.

Looking for affordable interior damage car insurance coverage? Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to instantly compare prices from the best comprehensive auto insurance companies near you.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Car Damage to the Interior

Does insurance cover interior damage? Whether your car insurance covers interior damage depends in part on how the damage occurred. Your insurance policy dictates the specific occurrences covered if your vehicle’s interior is affected.

If a third party intentionally destroys your vehicle’s interior, your policy should cover the cost of repairing it if you have the right level of coverage. Intentional destruction of your property is known as vandalism and is a criminal act.

If your car’s interior is damaged by some animal, such as a squirrel, your comprehensive coverage may pay your claim to repair the damage. You can review the coverage options to make sure damages from wildlife are included.

Does car insurance cover accidental damage from passengers? If you have passengers spill things in your car or accidentally tear the upholstery, your insurance company will not pay for the repair. This type of damage is considered normal wear and tear from the use of the vehicle.

If you have a liability-only policy, you will not have coverage for any interior damage regardless of what led to the destruction. You would need to upgrade your policy to include comprehensive coverage to get compensation for interior repairs. You can learn more about the types of auto insurance coverage available to drivers.

Additionally, here is a quick look at the average cost of auto insurance based on coverage type.

Auto Insurance Average Monthly Rates By Coverage Type

In many cases, the rates for a basic liability policy are not significantly lower than those for a comprehensive policy. Here is a list of the companies with the five lowest average rates for basic coverage and the difference in adding the highest level of coverage on an annual policy:

• USAA – $263.81
• Geico – $427.23
• State Farm – $399.40
• American Family – $47.91
• Nationwide – $110.54

Adding additional coverage can help you make necessary repairs if your vehicle is damaged. Be sure to review any policy documents to know what claims the added insurance will pay for. Learn more about what an auto insurance policy looks like.

What if the car’s interior is damaged in an accident?

Damages from an accident usually affect the outside of your car. However, if you are in a crash involving fire, water, or glass breaking, you may have car interior damage. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company should pay to have the interior repaired if the impairment results from a crash. Claims may include destruction done to your car’s electrical system.

The rate you pay for collision insurance may depend on the type of interior you have. Insurance companies consider replacement costs of materials when setting rates.

For example, if you have a leather interior, this is likely to be more costly to replace than fabric upholstery. This may result in higher rates for your collision policy.

Collision coverage usually does not cost much more on an annual basis to add to a policy. Interior repairs can be expensive if your upholstery is burned, water damaged, or torn. Having a collision policy can give you peace of mind that you will be able to return your vehicle to its original condition after an accident. Now, if another driver is found to be at fault, you could file a claim with their insurance company so their liability insurance would cover the costs of repairing your vehicle.

What if vandals damage your interior?

If a person or group of persons breaks into your car and destroys parts of the interior, your insurance may cover the damage if you have comprehensive coverage.

Does insurance cover paint damage? Comprehensive insurance will pay for impairments to the interior car items and replace any broken windows, slashed tires, or scratched paint.

Does car insurance cover criminal damage? Yes, car insurance covers vandalism, and if vandals have damaged your car, you should file a police report. You will need to submit a copy of the police report with the claim you file with your insurance company.

You can expect the insurance company to investigate any claim related to vandalism. They will want to verify that the damage occurred as reported.

What if your interior is damaged from regular use of your car?

What does car insurance cover regarding wear and tear? Even a comprehensive coverage policy will not reimburse you for damages to your interior from regular car use. This includes incidents like stains from spilled food or drink, burns from cigarettes or lighters, or unexpected tears from something getting caught on the upholstery.

Does car insurance cover sun damage? Damage from the sun or other elements is also considered part of a car’s everyday wear and tear.

You should try to protect the inside of your vehicle the best you can. Let passengers know that they cannot eat, drink, or smoke inside your car.

Also, avoid carrying any items that might spill over or have sharp edges that can tear the fabric. Any items you place in your vehicle should be secured appropriately.

You can take further steps on your own to minimize damage, such as regular vacuuming and cleaning. Keep a spot cleaner handy to clean up any spills as fast as possible.

Final Thoughts on Interior Car Damage

Will insurance pay for car repairs to my interior if it gets damaged? Damages to your car’s interior may be covered through your insurance if you have a comprehensive or collision policy. Not all types of damage are covered.

Repairs to your interior from impairment caused by vandalism or a collision should be covered with the right type of insurance. Your insurance company will investigate any claims to ensure the damage was caused as reported by the claimant.

Incidental damage from regular use of your car will not be eligible for insurance reimbursement. You want to take care of your car’s interior when using it to avoid any costly repairs from regular wear and tear.

Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find the cheapest car interior insurance near you.