Does auto insurance cover cars damaged in demonstrations?

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- We've seen the videos of cars on fire, and windows smashed. One of the earliest was on the freeway in San Jose last Friday. A couple of drivers, caught behind a blockade, drove away with broken windows. So is anyone going to help them pay for it?

Amy Bach of United Policyholders says your auto insurance will likely pay for severe damage if you have comprehensive coverage. "People in cities, let's say your car was parked in the street near one of the protests. You didn't get a chance to move it and it got set on fire; if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, you can put in a claim for that."

But what about the fellow whose window was smashed on Highway 101 in San Jose last Friday? Is he out of luck?

"Somebody smashes your window, if that's all that happened, you could either put a claim -- in most policies do," Bach says.

Bach says comprehensive insurance will cover that damage. However, she says it's usually not worth making a claim. For glass breakage alone, that's because your deductible is probably higher than the cost of replacing the window yourself.

"We don't advise that. 'Cause it's going to go on your record as a claim. You won't actually see any money paid anyway so why notify your insurance company? Just a windshield, just a window, no scratches, no dents, we'd say think about paying for that out of pocket to avoid having to put a claim in and be a higher-risk customer," says Bach.

The more claims you make, the more likely your premiums will go up. Now, if you don't have comprehensive insurance, you might still get paid through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Take a look at more stories and videos by Michael Finney and 7 On Your Side.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
• INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
• How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
• COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
• What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Latino community
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions