How to Handle Home Burglary

Imagine coming home to a broken window and an opened front door. You might feel a sudden rush of emotions as you wonder what happened and why your home got burglarized. You might feel fear, violated, stressed, confused, panicked, and much more. But in a haze of emotions, you need to take actions promptly. Read on to know what you need to do after being burglarized.

1.     Call the authorities.

Whether you were at home when your home was burglarized or you discovered the break-in when you got home, you need to call the authorities. Remember not to touch anything. Doing so will destroy evidence that could be used to identify the thieves.


Another thing, if you weren’t at home when your home is burglarized, don’t attempt to go inside. Wait for the police to arrive in your locked car or at your neighbor’s house because the burglars could still be there.


As soon as the police arrive, you have to file a report within 24 hours.


2.     Call your insurer.


Your insurer will need the police report to validate your claim. They may send their adjuster to the crime scene. That means you have to stay elsewhere until someone comes to your home.


After the police have swept your home of fingerprints and are done taking photos, you can start evaluating the damages. While this may be a traumatic experience, it is necessary to determine which of your belongings are damaged or stolen.


Create separate lists for stolen items and broken things, and give copies to the authorities and your insurer. A complete list of your home inventory will come in handy in this kind of situation.


3.     Clean up your home and make some changes.


Cleaning up your home after being burglarized can be emotionally stressful. Get rid of appliances and furniture that aren’t usable anymore and restore your home. Consider painting walls and rearranging furniture. Doing so will help you move on from the traumatizing experience of burglary.


4.     Take action on your home’s security.


To put you at ease after a burglary, change the locks to your home. Consider installing shatter-proof doors and security systems. Doing this may earn you discounts on your insurance premiums.


If you already have a security system installed before the break-in, check for weaknesses and consider getting upgrades. Check the footage on your video surveillance to point out potential problems and give copies to the police and your insurer.


5.     Address your emotional well-being.


Consider taking self-defense classes if you still feel unsafe after taking the above steps. These classes will help you feel physically prepared, which will help you overcome your fears. If it doesn’t help, you might want to consider therapy or counseling.
Home burglary is a very traumatizing experience, which is why you should always take precautions to prevent it. Don’t wait until someone breaks into your home before you install a security system and safety locks. Add extra protection by insuring your home at a dependable insurance company.


Here at the Robert Nichols Insurance Group, we take pride in the quality of our products and services --- from purchasing an insurance policy to filing a claim. We are committed to giving you the necessary protection you need. For your homeowners insurance needs, feel free to give us a call at (561) 406-6153. You may also request a free online insurance quote by clicking here.