Tesla backlash: What vehicle owners are facing

Backlash associated with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations has led to a wave of violent acts targeting the electric vehicles in Canada.

Numerous Teslas have been subjected to vandalism or arson since Musk was appointed to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. DOGE has been tasked with slashing government programs and spending.

In one notable case, upwards of 80 Tesla electric vehicles were damaged at a dealership in Hamilton, Ont., the city’s police service said in a Mar. 20 press release. Damage included but was “not limited to deep scratches and punctured tires.”

In another case, Montreal police arrested two activists for spray painting the outside of a Tesla dealership, CBC News reported. And in Calgary, two Tesla vehicles were believed to have been intentionally set on fire last week, according to a story from Global News.

The surge in vandalism has sparked questions about auto insurance coverages for Tesla owners.

Comprehensive coverage

Daniel Ivans, a RatesDotCa insurance expert and licensed insurance broker, notes vandalism isn’t covered under all policy types — it’s covered under the comprehensive section of auto insurance, which also covers fire and theft.

“Most Tesla owners are likely to have this coverage, however, consumers who are unsure will want to check their policy documents or speak to a licensed professional,” Ivans says in a statement. “For Tesla owners at this point in time, this could be a critical conversation as comprehensive coverage will be essential as we continue to see vandalism claims rise.”

Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision-related damage to a vehicle, such as arson, broken windshields and mirrors, scratches and slashed tires. It also covers related costs, such as towing. 

Deductibles matter when it comes to vandalized vehicles, RatesDotCa notes. “If the damage to the vehicle is equal to or less than the deductible, it may make sense to pay for the repairs out of pocket rather than make a claim.”

But it’s worth noting that multiple comprehensive claims may limit options to obtain new comprehensive policies. A vehicle owner with a history of multiple comprehensive claims may not qualify for comprehensive coverage with many providers, including their current provider.

Finally, Ivans recommends Tesla owners check their loss-of-use coverage, which covers the costs of rental vehicles or other transportation while the vehicle is being repaired.

“For drivers that rely on their vehicles to get to work or to access groceries and amenities, loss-of-use coverage is crucial,” the statement says. “Given that Teslas have longer repair times than other vehicle models, owners should check their policies to ensure that the loss-of-use coverage is adequate for their needs.”

Feature image: A police officer wraps up police tape from a Tesla dealership that was vandalized with pink paint in Montreal on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi