When you park your car in what you think is a safe spot, only to return and find it broken into, it can feel like a personal violation. You might wonder, "How could this happen to me?" Unfortunately, you're not alone. In 2014 alone, over 1.17 million vehicle break-ins were reported across the U.S., with an average loss of $835 per incident. And that doesn’t even include the cost of stolen parts like hubcaps, radios, or even engines, which add another $553 on average.
Even if you take all the right precautions, there's still a chance something like this could happen. So, what should you do if your car gets broken into?
First, call the police and have them come out to the scene. They’ll help document the crime and may ask you to file a report at the station. While you wait, take photos of the damage—broken windows, open doors, or anything missing—but don’t touch anything. Your car is now a crime scene, so leave evidence untouched.
Also, be ready with your license, registration, insurance details, and a list of what was taken. If your license plate or electronics were stolen, make sure you have the necessary numbers handy. You'll need to cancel your plates to avoid liability for any tickets the thief might get, and a phone or computer’s serial number could help track it down later.
If you had personal items in your car, like a wallet or bag, the thief might have taken credit cards or even your social security information. At this point, 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 file.
Next, make sure your car is secure. Don’t just tape a piece of cardboard over the broken window—this isn’t a long-term fix. Instead, keep your car in a garage or a secure location until you can get it repaired. Leaving it on the street increases the risk of further damage or theft.
Once you’ve handled the immediate steps, it’s time to get the repairs done. Depending on the damage, you may need to replace broken glass, repair dented doors, or replace stolen parts. Work closely with your auto body shop and insurance company to handle everything properly. Until the repairs are complete, your car remains vulnerable to more thefts.
Finally, plan ahead to prevent future break-ins. Always lock your doors, keep your alarm on, never leave valuables in plain sight, and park in well-lit, public areas. If you see someone acting suspiciously near your car, report it to the police.
If you've recently been a victim of a car break-in, DaSilva’s Auto Body is here to help. From replacing broken glass to installing new parts, we offer comprehensive repairs to get your car back on the road safely. Call us today at our Naugatuck location to schedule an appointment.
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