Having your car get broken into is never fun, and discovering that the thief broke your window to access the interior of the vehicle can be particularly frustrating. If this happens to you, there are a few steps you can take to repair the damage while also ensuring your personal safety. Use this guide to help recover from a car break-in.
Assess The Threat
In some cases, the person who broke in may still be in or around the vehicle. If your car has tinted windows in the backseat, or if you are not able to determine whether or not a person is still in the car, walk away and contact the police from a safe distance. You can step inside of a nearby business to stay safe while making this call. Once the police have arrived and have taken a report, ask if you are free to check inside the vehicle. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report so you can use it when you file a claim with your insurance company.
Take Pictures
Before you touch anything in the vehicle, be sure to take plenty of pictures. These images will be used to file a claim with the insurance company. If the police are called to the scene, they make take pictures as well, but it's a good idea to have your own set. Once you've taken pictures, you can begin to inventory what is missing and clear away any glass that shattered inside of the vehicle using a vacuum cleaner. Do not remove the glass by hand, as this may cause an injury. If you don't feel confident removing the glass yourself, you can have your auto glass repair expert handle this for you.
Contact An Auto Glass Repair Shop
Some auto glass repair shops offer on-site visits for emergencies such as break-ins. Let them know your exact location, as well as the make and model of your vehicle. They may tow your car to a local shop, or some services can replace glass on-site. On-site repair sometimes depends on the type of car you drive, as some vehicles may have windows that are more difficult to replace than others. If you aren't able to get immediate service, drive your vehicle to a local shop to await service.
It's a good idea to store the name and number of your local auto glass repair shop in your phone so you can quickly call for help when it's needed. This will give you a convenient way to repair your vehicle so it is safe and ready for the road.
Share