How to Handle Vehicle Vandalism or Break-Ins

It’s an unfortunate reality, but every day, dozens of vehicles throughout the Twin Cities metro are vandalized or broken into. So how should you handle such a situation if it happens to your vehicle? At Only 1 Auto Glass, we know the majority of break-ins and acts of vandalism are conducted through vehicle windows, and since we happen to be auto glass experts, we’re here to offer our advice. Below, we’ve outlined a few helpful tips on how to handle auto glass vandalism if it ever becomes your reality.

Auto Glass Vandalism: What to Do First

If you ever find your auto glass vandalized or your vehicle broken into, first and foremost, do your best to remain calm and find a safe location — you never know if the offender is still in the immediate area. When you’ve situated yourself in a safe place, contact the police immediately.

After the police inspect the scene and record every detail, get on the phone with your insurance company. You’ll have a police report in your hands by that point, which you can use to prove the validity of your insurance claim.

Document the Damage

Though the police will document what they observed at the scene, you’ll need to supply evidence to satisfy your insurance company’s requirements. Using your cell phone, take photos of the auto glass damage, as well as any damage to other areas of your vehicle. In addition to your police report, these photos will serve as proof that your vehicle was indeed vandalized. Beyond recording the damage, you’ll also need to document any items that were stolen from your vehicle, if applicable.

Contact the Appropriate Repair Professionals

If your vehicle incurred significant damage — panel, tire, undercarriage, electrical system, etc. — contact the appropriate professionals and get several repair estimates. For window and windshield damage, you’ll need to seek out the expertise of a trained auto glass replacement specialist.

In most vandalism and break-in cases, auto glass repairs are out of the question since the glass typically contains a gaping hole or is completely shattered. When repairs aren’t possible, gather estimates from several auto glass replacement specialists and deliver them to your insurance company as promptly as you can.

At Only 1 Auto Glass, we work with numerous insurance companies, so if your insurance policy covers auto glass damage, we’ll help you navigate the claims process. We know vandalism and theft are challenging enough to deal with, which is why we’re always ready to help shoulder the stress!

At Only 1 Auto Glass, we know handling vehicle vandalism and break-ins can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re always ready to help. We have 15 locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro to make your auto glass replacement as convenient as possible, and our 200+ years of combined experience ensures the highest quality service. To schedule your appointment or request your free estimate, call our team at 651-789-1111 or send us a message on our contact page, and we’ll be in touch with you promptly.