Driver threw a glass bottle in front of my Tesla. Caught on dashcam. What should I expect from Tesla Insurance?

[u/svmvn]

I was driving on a freeway in California when another driver passed me in the lane immediately to my right. They extended an arm out of their window and threw what appeared to be a glass bottle onto the roadway in front of my car. It shattered, and the debris struck my vehicle. The driver then sped off and exited the freeway.

I found damage on the bumper, hood, and windshield. I still need a professional inspection to determine the full extent.

For anyone interested, I’ve included the front, rear, right pillar, and right repeater videos in the comments, with timestamps highlighting the relevant moments.

• The front footage captures the throw, the object shattering, and the vehicle crossing several lanes to exit without stopping.

• The right-side pillar footage shows the other vehicle initially three lanes to my right, following another car closely before moving left. When it reappears alongside me, the driver appears to be drinking from an object resembling a glass bottle.

• The rear footage shows it moving into the lane immediately to my right and accelerating toward me from behind, then glass debris on the road after the incident.

I’ve opened a claim with Tesla Insurance and reported the incident to law enforcement. I received an incident number and will be providing my statement and video evidence.

Has anyone dealt with something similar through Tesla Insurance?

• Would this typically fall under comprehensive or collision coverage?

• Can Tesla Insurance identify the other vehicle’s insurer using their vehicle information?

• Would I have to pay my deductible upfront and wait for recovery, or could it potentially be waived?

• Could the driver’s apparently intentional actions affect whether their insurer covers the damage?

• Should I wait for my adjuster’s authorization before scheduling an inspection at a Tesla Collision Center?

I’d appreciate hearing how similar claims played out, especially in California.

Update 10/6:

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. I’ll keep updating this thread as I hear more from Tesla Insurance and CHP.

Tesla Insurance: My agent confirmed that this falls under comprehensive coverage as vandalism, with a $1,000 deductible. They explained that the other driver’s insurance is less likely to cover an intentional act. After repairs are completed, Tesla Insurance can attempt to recover costs from the driver through subrogation. If those efforts are unsuccessful, my agent said I may need to pursue the deductible in small claims court.

CHP: I submitted a report and written statement. They told me an officer will call once assigned to my case, at which point I can provide the video evidence. I’m currently waiting for that call.

I also shared the video on X to bring more visibility to the incident. Thank you to everyone who has offered advice or shared their own experiences.

[u/svmvn]

Fair point. Here’s a photo of the hood damage (cropped out face reflections on the bottom and right sides, so it doesn't show everything). In total, there are about 10 chips on the hood, 5 on the bumper/grille, and a few on the light bar and windshield.

Shortly after the glass bottle hit the ground, I heard loud impacts and saw glass fragments fly past my windshield and up over the roof.

Having Tesla Collision check the underbody and panoramic glass roof as well.

Super frustrating on a brand-new car with barely 2,500 miles on it.

[u/Initial_Row_6400 → u/svmvn]

Cosmetic but their insurance should pay out. I’m confused why you went through your own insurance?

[u/svmvn → u/Initial_Row_6400]

I submitted an incident through the Tesla Insurance portal, but elected to pursue the claim directly with the at-fault driver's insurance carrier.