You expect your home to be a safe haven so coming home to find your house was burglarized can be devastating. Here are some important steps you need to take if this should ever happen to you.
Immediate Actions
- Exit the house immediately and call the police. If you come home and suspect your house has been burglarized, do not enter; leave the premises right away and then call 911.
- Contact your insurance company. Once you’ve filed a report with the police, call your homeowner’s insurance agency to report any missing items and damages. The insurance company will want a copy of your police report so write down everything missing or damaged as soon as possible. Be sure your list is complete since the inventory you give your insurance company should match the police report filed.
- Protect your children and pets. Seeing your home disturbed by burglars can be upsetting for children, as well as your animals. Ask a relative to take care of them until you’ve had time to restore order to your house. Since this experience can be distressing for you as well, call a family member or friend to help you clean up and be sure you contact the police again if you notice the burglar left anything behind.
- Secure your home. When there is a break in, a window or door may be broken or otherwise damaged. If major repairs have to wait, ensure your doors and windows are secure so you and your family can feel safe for the night until permanent repairs can be arranged. Notify your homeowner’s insurance if you need assistance in repairs.
Next Steps
- Invest in a good burglar alarm system. Contact a reputable alarm company and take advantage of the signage they provide since burglars are much more likely to break into a house that does not have a security system.
- Install outdoor security cameras. Security cameras with motion sensors are relatively inexpensive, and the software included will send an email with the image or recording of anyone triggering the sensor.
- Take an inventory of your valuables. If you have not already done so, compile an inventory of any personal items you value or that can’t be replaced. Include photos, serial and model numbers, and keep the list in a safe and secure location. Check your homeowner insurance policy to see if you need supplemental coverage.
- Mark your valuables with an identification number. For larger possessions like electronics, etch your driver’s license number on each item, and for other valuables, you can use an ultraviolet marker. Many police departments will let you borrow a marker free of charge. Items with a high value can be added to your homeowner insurance policy.
- Contact your local police for a security walk-through. Many police departments will send an officer to your home to do a security check at no cost and provide a list of vulnerabilities or suggestions for improving your home security.
If you are looking for an insurance broker in Dallas, Texas, with affordable insurance for your home and valuables, contact us at ABCO Home Plus Insurance Agency.