C-Auto Glass

After you’re finished getting ready for work and poured that last cup of coffee, you grab your cell phone and make your way to your car. Only, you get to your car to find the windows have been smashed, and your radio and some personal belongings were stolen. Your car has been broken into!

So what should you do? Here are the steps to take to ensure everything is filed properly. 

Step One: File a Police Report

If you find your car has been broken into, call the local police and file a report. Before police arrive, do not move your car or anything in it, and act as if it were an active crime scene. You also want to take pictures of the damage. This will come in handy when dealing with your insurance company. It is also important to note that if you want to file a claim with your insurance company, you must file a police report first to assess damages.  

Step Two: Take Inventory

Are any personal belongings stolen? Specifically, credit and debit cards, which can cause major damage to you financially. Once banking information is stolen, the perpetrators could potentially withdraw from your account and make purchases; even steal your identity. It’s important to contact your bank and credit card companies immediately to freeze any and all accounts until everything is squared away. You also have the option to contact a credit bureau to report a fraud alert to ensure no new accounts can be opened in your name.

Step Three: Contact Insurance

After you take inventory of everything stolen and what has been broken, contact your insurance company to file a claim. However, be aware of what your deductible is. You do not want to file a claim if the damage would be less than your deductible.

Step Four: Repairs

Depending on how your car was broken into, chances are it will need to be fixed. Most break-ins happen by the windows getting bashed in. Time is of the essence with this one to ensure your car is not at risk again for additional damage. Looking for window repairs from a break in? We can help.

Step Five: Additional Tips to Avoid Future Break-ins

• Always keep your car locked
• Do not leave anything of value in your car. This includes: wallets, purses, jewelry, phones, money and car radios.
• If you can’t always bring your valuables inside with you, if small enough, leave in the glove compartment so it is out of sight.
• If you notice any suspicious activity in the area, don’t hesitate to report it to your local police.