My Tesla Cybertruck Was Keyed With a Knife Down the Side, I’m a School Teacher, My Husband is a Construction Worker, and We’ve Worked Incredibly Hard to Own Our CT

Parked in downtown Seattle, our Tesla Cybertruck was not just keyed but cut deep with a knife. 

Violence against Tesla Cybertruck owners continues, this time in Seattle. I recently reported that a Tesla dealer in Loveland, Colorado, has had three acts of vandalism in ten days, and it's also spreading to owners.

I found this sad post on the Tesla Cybertruck owner's Facebook page. Gina Queddeng-Hoover says she and her husband's 2024 Tesla Cybertruck was knifed by someone at night as they were parked in downtown Seattle. 

She says, 

"Not a key, a full-on knife, and this jerk cut through the length of our CT and into the plastic right by the camera. I'm a school teacher and work in retail. My husband is a construction worker, so we've worked incredibly hard to own our CT. We were parked in downtown Seattle when this happened. I wish there was a way to buff it out, but it's cut so deep. All I can pray for is karma."

Imagine being a school teacher, you have three young kids at home, and you don't make that much, so you have to work a retail job, and your husband is a construction worker. You work hard for your money. You buy a new Tesla Cybertruck, and then this happens. 

The deep gouge with a knife cannot be buffed out, and now you need to get your new truck repaired at a Tesla body shop. Gina and her husband must pay out of pocket unless they have the right insurance. See below for insurance coverages. 

They are devastated because they are the victim of a hate crime. Not against them, but against Elon Musk. 

Gina Caught this Image From her Cybertruck’s Camera

Here are what others are saying in the comments.

Michael Kelley - Seattle is not safe right now. There was another post about "open season" on Tesla owners earlier today. It's sad that people cannot realize that a car doesn't define you.

Rajiv Kumar - I live in the suburbs north of Indy. I was at Hamilton Town Center last year about April, the week after I received my CT. I was at my buddies daughters birthday party. He wanted to check it out, so we went out back, where I parked away from all nearby vehicles. As I'm showing him the frunk, I see huge key marks on the center of the hood.

People are clueless, damaging others' properties to validate their own little ego.

Sorry that happen to you. People don't understand, it's just a vehicle, don't get so butt hurt.

Neha Anand - This is sad. Our Tesla tires were also slashed recently by a random guy from the streets in Los Angeles. Also, the looks you get from people when you drive your beast. For every little mistake, they are ready to go after you. Showing the middle finger has become so common.

Some Tesla Owners are Selling Thier Vehicles

Rae Rae - My last Tesla sold in early 2023 (except the CT sold for a flip profit at the start of last year). My Model S was kicked and stepped on in the front shortly after I took delivery, and then it was egged and damaged the paint in my driveway a year later. No more Teslas for me! I can't stand when my property is damaged, and I can't control that or the loss of value based on the damage.

How Can Tesla Owners Protect Themselves Against Vandalism?

AmeriSent Insurance says," To protect your car from vandalism, you can install security devices, park in secure areas, and report vandalism to the police and your insurance company."

Here are prevention tips:

• Lock your car: Always lock your car, even when parked at home. 
• Install security devices: Use dashcams, steering wheel locks, or external surveillance cameras. 
• Empty your car: Remove valuables like laptops, purses, and stereos from your car. 
• Park in secure areas: Pay for parking with gates and security cameras. 
• Report vandalism: File a police report: Get a crime reference number, which you'll need for your insurance claim. 
• Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company's claims department or your insurance agent. 
• Document everything: Keep records of all communication with your insurance company. Take pictures of the damage with your cell phone. 
• Follow up: Regularly check the status of your claim. 

What Type of Insurance Should Tesla Owners Have?

Progressive Insurance says, "Comprehensive car insurance covers vandalism to your car. Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on to your auto policy. 

What does comprehensive coverage cover? 

• Keying, Broken windows, Graffiti, Slashed tires, Dented panels, Smashed headlights, Arson, and Damage from riots.

What are the costs?

• You'll usually need to pay a deductible before your insurance pays out. 
• If the cost to repair the damage is more than your deductible, your insurance will cover the rest. 

Final Thoughts and Questions For Cybertruck Owners

Violence and vandalism will likely continue against Tesla Cybertruck and other Tesla model owners. They need to take protective measures to keep their vehicles from these types of hate crimes. 

It's Your Turn

Have you had your Tesla Cybertruck vandalized? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck report titled; Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “I Took My Cybertruck To the Car Wash and They Refused to Wash My Truck, They Said It Will Void My Warranty and They Would Be Liable”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl Gina Queddeng-Hoover