If you’ve ever woken up to see your car surrounded by glass and discovered that it’s been broken into, we understand how distressing that can be. More than 1.1 million thefts happen a year, which is why it’s recommended never to keep anything valuable in your car, especially overnight. Sometimes, auto thefts aren’t just for the possessions inside the vehicle, but the accessories of the vehicles itself. Things like hubcabs, car radios, and motor parts get stolen whenever a car is broken into.
Alarms are there to prevent these burglaries from happening, but sometimes that doesn’t stop thieves from breaking into your car. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to have this happen to you, there are several things you must do after your car is broken into.
File a Police Report
As soon as you realize that your car has broken into, don’t move the vehicle. Instead, report the theft to the police as soon as possible. They will file a police report, which you will need in order to report the theft to your insurance.
Take Lots of Photos
It’s best to document the car how you found it. Try not to touch anything or move the vehicle, and instead take as many photos from as many angles as you can. This will be helpful to your insurance agent when you file a claim.
Call All Your Credit Card Companies
If your personal identity was stolen, including credit cards or important documents that were in the car, call all the agencies that could lock your credit cards.
File an Insurance Claim
If considerable damage was done to your vehicle or property was stolen, file an insurance claim. Depending on your coverage, your insurance may cover the break-in damage, and some may even cover belongings stolen from your car. Keep in mind that you will still be responsible for your deductible.
Get your Car Fixed
If glass is broken or your vehicle is damaged, get your car fixed. If your insurance covers car thefts, you will be reimbursed if you had to pay for any of the repairs out of pocket.
Prevent Future Break-Ins
Of course, you can never completely guarantee that break-ins won’t happen again, but there are preventative measures you can take in order to protect yourself in the future. Remember to lock your doors, and have an alarm system installed. Never leave valuables in the car, and especially try to keep them out of sight if you do.
If you see anyone that looks suspicious, remember to report it to the police in order to prevent future break-ins from happening. While taking steps to protect yourself daily can seem like a nuisance, they will always pay off in the long run.