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What Do I Do If Someone Breaks Into My Car?

What_to_do_when_someone_breaks_into_your_car_and_auto_insurance_from_Andrew_G_Gordon_IncHaving your vehicle broken into can be an unsettling experience and certainly a frustrating one, especially if you don’t know what to do when this happens.  If your car is broken into, here is a list of steps that you can take:


  • Call the police to report the break-in.  They may not want to inspect the vehicle and will instruct you to go to the police station to file a police report.  Be sure to bring your driver’s license, registration and insurance information with you along with a list of what items were stolen and damage done to the vehicle.   The filing of a police report is necessary in order to file an insurance claim.   Take pictures, if possible.

 

  •  A friend of mine recently had her wallet stolen from her car – if credit cards or debit cards were stolen from your vehicle you must contact the card issuer for each card immediately!  Your statements will have the phone numbers to call to report stolen cards.   Instead of searching for statements in a panic in the event of stolen cards – take this next step now.  Make a list of all your credit and debit cards – include the account numbers and customer service numbers on the back of your cards.  Keep this list in a well-hidden spot or safe.  After informing the card insurers by phone, you should send a letter stating the date your card was stolen and the date you reported it to the card issuer.

 

  • Contact your insurance agent.  Damage to your vehicle could be covered under your vehicle insurance if you have comprehensive coverage (Part 9) on your policy.  Stolen items from the car could be covered under your Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance policy.  Keep in mind that a deductible will apply.  Your agent will help guide you through this step.

 

  • In many cases, access was gained to your vehicle by breaking the glass or maybe even the locks.  You will want to have damaged parts repaired or replaced.   If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle you can have your glass fixed or replaced.   Most policies do not have a deductible for this coverage.    Your insurance agent will be able to guide you through this step as well.

 

  • When my friend’s wallet was stolen from her car, it contained her license.  Should your license be stolen, check out this link to the Registry of Motor Vehicles which will provide you with information regarding replacing a lost license.  www.massrmv.com/rmv/license/11lost.htm

Contact us with any auto insurance questions, and check out these other blogs about theft prevention and car safety!

-Identity Theft: Tricks of the Trade

-How Can I Prevent Car Break-Ins?

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