I need to know what I need to do next. Do I start cleaning up all the glass and trash now? Do I take a photo of the damage first for insurance? Do I call the police and make a report? Do I call my insurance right away? Please!! What steps should I take?
2007-12-26 06:35:39 · 8 answers · asked by BlueWorld 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your best bet is to clean up the glass, make an appointment with the glass company to have the window replaced / tape plastic over it, and go shopping for a new stereo. It shouldn't cost much more then $100 for the window, and a replacement stereo shouldn't be much more then that. Pictures can't hurt, but I wouldn't go through too much trouble to get them.
Calling your insurance company isn't normally worth it. Unless you have a very low deductable and a really good insurance record, the money they give you for your window and stereo will be far less then the amount your rates will go up. Most insurance companies have a set amount they cover on stereo equipment no matter how valuable it is - unless you already bought extra insurance. So if it's only one window and a stock stereo it will be easiest to handle it yourself.
If you call the police they will show up eventually, but they aren't going to do much of anything to investigate the break-in. No CSI or fingerprints, the only reason you would really need to talk to the police is so they know what (if anything) was stolen and give you a police report. That way, in the unlikely chance they find the person who is getting rid of your stuff, they know to give it back to you. Also, if you do decide to file an insurance claim, you will have the police report to back it up.
Don't expect much out of it. It's not a bad idea to call the police, but it can be a major pain waiting for them only to find out they won't do anything. You generally don't want to report anything small to your insurance company, and as long as you have the police report it shouldn't matter when you call them as long as it's within a few days.
2007-12-26 06:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the cops. Take pictures. Call your insurance company. Find out from the insurance company if they want an estimate from a car dealer, this is best, that way you will get the right window, the dash may need replacing, the wiring may have been cut and a new wiring harness might be needed,etc.
Find some plastic and cover the window. Use 2" masking tape to hold the plastic, duct tape either pulls paint off or sticks forever. I've had customers come to the dealer I worked at to get an estimate and then call the insurance company after being prepared with the paper work. Good Luck!
2007-12-26 14:46:36 · answer #2 · answered by thebax2006 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Police first, touch nothing, take photos, and call the insurance company. IF your comprehensive insurance covers any of the damage, the vehicle needs to be looked at by an insurance adjuster. After the deductible has been paid, IF the damage is covered, then the insurance company will pay their part of the claim. If insurance doesn't cover any of the cost, then you are on your own to replace and fix what was damaged.
2007-12-26 14:44:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is highly unlikely that the police will pay a visit. If they do, there is generally precious little they can do. Call them merely to record the crime, you may need it for a claim of lost property. Check your insurance to see if you are covered. If you are, what is your excess? What is your vehicle and which window? Sometimes, a side window can be replaced if you get an 'independent' glass company to 'supply' you just the glass and fit it yourself. This can be less than your excess, however, be careful with the mechanism, they are like scissors with fingers when in motion. Excesses are usually about £50, £60 or even £100. They do not affect your no claims, so don't worry about that. If the price is too close, don't bother and go through your policy. It will tell you which company to call.
Putting a poly bag over it is no security deterrant. If a glass company can't get a glass, they can cut polycarbonate to fit, providing the door is not frameless.
Hope this helps. Sorry about your misfortune.
2007-12-26 15:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call the police FIRST. Then the insurance company. Take several pictures of the damage. Don't clean it up till the police and insurance adjuster have looked at it in its present condition.
2007-12-26 14:44:32 · answer #5 · answered by kathi1vee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start taking pics and call the police. There needs to be a report filed. Then call your insurance company and inform them of what happened. They will ask if you have called the police and filed a report. Do you have insurance that will pay for this kind of damage? Since it is considered an act of "vandalism", your insurance will have to pay for it---IF you are covered. Sorry!(same thing happened to me about 2 years ago)
2007-12-26 14:40:49 · answer #6 · answered by Halo 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
first you should call your insurance company, then the police, then take pictures of the damage, and dont touch anything until the cops say so, because they need to examine the area.
2007-12-26 14:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by Gabe 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
wow great christmas spirit!!
call the police..dont touch anything if possible
take photos...and call your insurance company..
2007-12-26 14:43:13 · answer #8 · answered by buda 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋