Can You Sue Someone for Keying Your Car?

Imagine this: You park your car outside your home, office, or shopping mall. A few hours later, you return only to see deep scratches running across your car’s surface. Your heart sinks. Someone has keyed your car.

It’s frustrating, upsetting, and unfair. You worked hard to afford your vehicle, and now someone has intentionally damaged it. The question that comes to mind is, Can you sue someone for keying your car?

The simple answer is yes. If you can prove who did it, you have the right to take legal action and recover the cost of repairs. In this article, we’ll discuss what keying a car means legally, your rights, and how to go about suing someone for vandalizing your vehicle.

What is Keying a Car?

Keying a car means scratching the car’s paintwork with a sharp object, often a key. This is considered vandalism, which is the act of deliberately damaging property that belongs to someone else. In most states, keying a car is a criminal offense and can also be the basis for a civil lawsuit.

Why Do People Key Cars?

While there’s no justification for damaging someone’s property, people key cars for various reasons:

1. Revenge – Someone might key a car out of anger or personal conflict.
2. Jealousy – Some people damage luxury or expensive cars out of envy.
3. Random Vandalism – Teenagers or troublemakers may key cars just for fun.
4. Road Rage Incidents – A driver you argued with earlier may target your vehicle later.

Regardless of the reason, keying a car is a serious offense and should not be ignored.

Is Keying a Car a Crime?

Yes, keying a car is a crime. In most states, this act falls under criminal mischief, vandalism, or malicious property damage.

For example, in Nevada, keying a car is considered willful and malicious destruction of property under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 206.310. If caught, the perpetrator can face criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.

Can You Sue Someone for Keying Your Car?

Yes, if you can prove who keyed your car, you can sue them in civil court to recover the cost of repairs and any other damages.

A lawsuit for keying a car falls under property damage claims, where you seek compensation for the financial loss caused by the vandalism.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you sue someone for keying your car, you may be able to recover:

1. Repair Costs – The cost of repainting and restoring your car.
2. Diminished Value – If your car loses value because of the damage, you can claim compensation.
3. Emotional Distress – If the vandalism caused you stress or anxiety, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
4. Punitive Damages – If the person acted maliciously, the court may order them to pay extra as a punishment.
5. Lost Wages – If you missed work to deal with the damage, you can claim the lost income.

How to Prove Someone Keyed Your Car

To successfully sue someone, you must prove that they were the ones who damaged your car. This can be challenging, but here are some ways to establish proof:

Witness Statements

If someone saw the act of vandalism, their testimony can serve as powerful evidence. Ask people nearby if they saw anything suspicious.

Security Camera Footage

Check if there are any surveillance cameras in the area where your car was parked. Security footage can provide concrete proof of the vandal’s identity.

Physical Evidence

Sometimes, paint from the perpetrator’s key or tool might transfer onto your car. This could be analyzed as evidence.

Admission of Guilt

If the person confesses or brags about it on social media, this can be used against them in court.

Police Report

Filing a police report helps document the incident officially, making it easier to file a lawsuit later.

What to Do If Someone Keys Your Car

If you find that your car has been keyed, take the following steps immediately:

1. Take Photos & Videos – Capture the damage from multiple angles.
2. Look for Witnesses – Ask nearby people if they saw anything.
3. Check for Cameras – See if any security cameras recorded the act.
4. Call the Police – Report the vandalism and get an official report.
5. Notify Your Insurance – If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover the repairs.
6. Hire a Lawyer – If you find the culprit, consider legal action to recover your losses.

How to File a Lawsuit for Keying Your Car

If you have evidence and want to sue, follow these steps:

1. Gather Evidence – Collect security footage, witness statements, photos, and police reports.
2. Identify the Suspect – Make sure you have enough proof of their involvement.
3. Consult an Attorney – A lawyer can advise you on your legal options.
4. File a Police Report (If Not Already Done) – Criminal charges may strengthen your case.
5. File a Civil Lawsuit – Your lawyer will file a claim demanding compensation for damages.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

While you can sue someone without a lawyer, hiring an attorney can improve your chances of success. A lawyer specializing in property damage can:

• Help you gather strong evidence
• Ensure you claim all possible damages
• Represent you in court or settlement negotiations
• Increase your chances of getting maximum compensation

Can Insurance Cover Keying Damage?

Yes, if you have comprehensive car insurance, your policy may cover vandalism damage. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to confirm.

Important: If the cost of repairs is lower than your insurance deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim.

Conclusion

Keying a car is a serious crime that causes financial and emotional distress. If someone has vandalized your car, you have legal options to hold them accountable.

• If you have strong evidence, you can sue the culprit for repair costs, emotional distress, and other damages.
• Filing a police report strengthens your case.
• Security camera footage and witness statements are crucial in proving fault.
• Insurance coverage may help cover the costs if you have comprehensive coverage.
• Consulting a lawyer can improve your chances of winning the case.

Vandalism should never be ignored. If someone damages your property, take action and seek justice. If you need legal advice, consult a property damage attorney to understand your rights and next steps.