Vehicles are no longer just means of transportation. For many, they embody cherished memories and significant life experiences. The story of one man’s treasured 2017 C7 Corvette becoming a source of distress illustrates this point vividly.
As reported by ABC 8News in Virginia, Keith Kunze’s once-cherished vehicle became a nightmare. Living in Henrico County, he had previously sold his first C7 Corvette to support his growing family. Upon returning from Afghanistan, he decided to treat himself to another C7 as a birthday gift. “It was exactly how I envisioned it—completely black inside and out, with matching rims,” Kunze reminisced. “Plus, it had a convertible top and was a manual.”
However, on October 19, 2025, his excitement turned to despair when he discovered his dream car missing from the parking lot of his apartment complex. Initially, he assumed he’d simply misplaced it. Sadly, the realization hit him that his beloved Corvette had been stolen. The Richmond Police later located the vehicle nearly 10 miles away in Scott’s Addition, but it was badly damaged. The paint was marred by vandalism with raw eggs, the roof was missing, and numerous parts were ruined. “It’s still hard for me to comprehend the extent of the damage,” stated Kunze.
Does Insurance Cover Damages from a Carjacking?
Insurance can protect against theft, provided you have comprehensive coverage, which safeguards against non-collision incidents. If your vehicle is carjacked and not recovered, your policy typically compensates the owner for the lost car, and may include coverage for custom and aftermarket modifications, depending on the terms of the policy.
If the vehicle is returned, as in Kunze’s case, the insurance could potentially cover damages from vandalism. However, limitations often exist on coverage for custom modifications, especially if the vehicle lacks custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage. For instance, Progressive offers up to $1,000 for repairs and custom parts under their comprehensive coverage, so any expenses beyond that would necessitate CPE coverage. Kunze mentioned that he spent $20,000 repairing his car over three months, an amount his insurance fails to cover, suggesting he might not have had adequate protection.
While every insurance company has specific procedures, generally, it’s essential to notify your provider right away after recovering your vehicle. In Kunze’s situation, video evidence captured two masked individuals abandoning the car, though the culprits remain at large. Although insurance might assist with the car’s repairs, it cannot compensate for the emotional toll of losing a vehicle that was a labor of love. To safeguard your vehicle from carjackers, consider following these preventative measures.
