For many homeowners, burglary and home invasion is their biggest nightmare, and unfortunately, it’s all too common in the United States.
Understandably, this is an incredibly scary situation. But knowing what to do if your home has been burglarized can help you recover from the situation as quickly and effectively as possible.
The First Thing You Should Do
If you realize your home was broken into while you were gone or if you’re home while it happens, the very first thing you should do is call the police and alert them of the situation.
The sooner help is on the way or the incident is reported the better.
If you come home to your front door being ajar and you suspect your home has been broken into, do not enter your home. Instead, go to a neighbor’s house to call the police.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Be sure to call your insurance company within 24 hours of the event. Do not clean up any of the damage before the police and an insurance adjuster have been to your home.
If necessary, you may want to stay elsewhere until the adjuster has come so you don’t disturb any evidence.
Take Pictures
As soon as possible, take pictures and document all of the damage and missing property.
Clean Up
Once you’ve been told by the police AND your insurance company that it’s okay to do so, it’s time to start cleaning up the damage from the burglary.
Not only will this help put your home back in order, but it’s also useful for your state of mind and feeling safe and normal in your home again.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve experienced a home invasion, you’ll be determined to stop it from happening again.
You might want to consider adding an alarm system. This not only can make your home safer and more secure, but it may also help you save on car insurance.
Other considerations include adding timed lighting and upgrading the locks on your windows and doors.
To help you recover financially from burglary, you’ll want to have the right home insurance in place. We can help with that! Call today and we’ll get started.