Average repair claims up – as costs soar 37%

The average cost of repairing vehicles from vandalism damage in Great Britain has surged by 37% over the past year – and is as much as £10,000 in some regions. 

Comparing insurance claim figures from Q2 in 2023 and 2024, this new data from insurance specialists at Quotezone reflects a growing concern for motorists, as 40% of Brits know someone who has had their car vandalised*.

Repair costs are particularly high in South East England, where motorists have experienced a huge 400% rise in the past year. 

The average repair cost in the region was £2,032 in 2023, whereas now it’s a staggering £10,169.

Scotland has also seen a significant rise in vandalism repair costs, from £2,021 to £3,215 (+59%).

Only two regions have actually witnessed a decrease in costs. In the North East the average repair cost in 2023 was £4,781, whilst in the same period in 2024 it was £2,225 (-53%).

Yorkshire also saw a 21% decrease, from £2,506 to £1,987. 

The definition of vandalism varies depending on the insurer, but generally speaking, vandalism – also known as ‘malicious damage’ – simply means deliberate damage to your car.

This can include slashed or purposefully punctured tyres, scratched panels or paintwork by a key or other sharp object, smashed windows (even if nothing was stolen), graffiti, wing mirrors pulled off or broken, smashed lights, and deliberately dented body or panels.

Whilst the cost for repairing these damages varies drastically from region to region, on average they now cost 37% more than they did last year. 

Quotezone CEO Greg Wilson says part of the increase in some areas could come down to the fact that more people are starting to own electric vehicles, as they typically cost more to fix.**

Commenting on the data, Greg said: “The significant increase in vandalism repair costs across GB is a stark indicator of the growing challenges motorists face today.

“Part of this increase could be attributed to the rising number of electric vehicles on the road, which are often more expensive to repair. The overall rise in inflation has also driven up the cost of materials such as paint, glass, and replacement parts.

“Modern vehicles, especially luxury cars, also come with more advanced technology and materials that can be costly to fix. Damage to sensors and cameras, for example, can significantly increase repair costs.

“This recent surge in repair costs is part of the reason car insurance premiums have been soaring – pushing up car prices right across the board.

“Beyond the financial hit, these incidents are worrying for community safety. Persistent vandalism can affect local neighbourhoods, increasing crime rates, and even driving down property value.”

Quotezone helps millions of UK drivers every year compare motoring insurance quotes and find real savings on all sorts of products, everything from car insurance for learner drivers, to the likes of taxi and even truck insurance.

References:

*Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during August 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

**https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/latest-fleet-news/electric-fleet-news/2023/07/05/electric-vehicle-repair-costs-revealed-versus-ice-equivalent