What To Do After a Car Break-In
You park your car in what you believe is a safe spot—maybe at the grocery store or a local café—but when you return, you're met with shattered glass and an empty car. It's a shock, a violation, and a feeling of helplessness that no one should have to go through.
Unfortunately, this is all too common. In 2014 alone, over 1.17 million vehicles were broken into across the U.S., with an average loss of $835 per incident. That doesn’t even include the cost of stolen parts like hub caps, radios, or even engine components, which can add another $553 per break-in. These crimes don’t just affect your wallet—they take a real emotional toll as well.
Even if you take every precaution, there’s still a chance it could happen to you. So what do you do after the fact? Here are five essential steps to take when your car has been broken into:
1. Call the Police and Document the Scene
The first thing you should do is contact the police. They’ll send an officer to the scene and may ask you to file a report at the station. While waiting, take clear photos of the damage—broken windows, open doors, and any missing items—but avoid moving anything or disturbing the crime scene. You might need these for insurance purposes later on.
Have your license, registration, and insurance documents ready. If your license plate or electronics were taken, make sure you have the necessary numbers. This helps prevent future issues, like being held responsible for tickets from the stolen plates or tracking down stolen devices using serial numbers.
2. Secure Your Personal Information
If you had personal items in your car, like a wallet or phone, the thief might have taken your credit or debit cards. Worse, they could have found sensitive information like your Social Security number or address, putting you at risk for identity theft. As soon as possible, contact your bank to cancel your cards and block access to your accounts. Also, reach out to the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
3. Keep Your Car Safe Until Repairs Are Made
After dealing with the police and your bank, your car is now vulnerable. Don’t try to patch it up with tape or a tarp—this won’t deter further theft. Instead, keep your vehicle in a secure location, like a garage or a private lot, until you can get it fixed. Parking on the street increases the risk of more damage or even vehicle theft.
4. Get the Necessary Repairs Done
Once you’ve taken care of the initial steps, it’s time to fix the damage. Work with your auto body shop and insurance company to handle repairs such as:
- Replacing broken glass
- Repairing damaged doors, especially if the lock was tampered with
- Reinstalling stolen or broken parts
- Upgrading your car’s security system or replacing the radio and GPS
Until these repairs are complete, your car remains an easy target. Don’t leave it unattended in public places, especially if it’s visibly damaged.
5. Take Steps to Prevent Future Break-Ins
To reduce the chances of this happening again, consider the following tips:
- Always lock your car doors and keep the alarm on.
- Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight—especially in the back seat.
- Lock valuable items in the trunk if you must carry them.
- Report anyone acting suspiciously near your car.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.
If you've recently experienced a break-in, DaSilva’s Auto Body is here to help. From broken glass to dents and damaged parts, we offer comprehensive repair services. Give us a call today at our Naugatuck location to schedule an appointment and get your car back on the road safely.
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