Is there anything worse, after a great evening out with friends, than arriving at your parked car only to realize that it has been broken into, or that someone has deliberately taken a key to it?
What should you do in case of vandalism, and what, if anything, can be done to keep vandals at bay?
Your Options
First, if your car has been vandalized, you need to decide whether to make an insurance claim. The process is similar to that of when you’ve been in a car accident; you must call the police right away to file a report. Take pictures of the damage that was done to your car, and make a list of any stolen property. Then contact your insurance provider who will guide you through the whole process of filing your claim.
Some people, on the other hand, prefer not to involve their insurance companies to avoid raising premiums. Is this the case for you?
It may be a wise, cost-effective choice, particularly if the damage is minor. If for example your car has been scratched or keyed, you can easily repair it yourself. All you need is a little know-how, some elbow grease and quality auto body refinishing products. Companies such as Roberts Paint Care offer quick and professional DIY kits to repair scratches, chipped paint, rust and more. Not only are these products professional grade, but their customer service is impeccable. Find great how-to videos on their website to help guide you through the process of restoring your car to its original look.
Ideally, of course, would be to avoid having to deal with your car being vandalized in the first place. So here are a few reminders of the precautions to take to slim your chances of finding yourself in such a situation:
Find a Safe Spot to Park
Avoid parking in dark corners and isolated areas. Look for a spot that is well-lit, and if possible, park where there are security cameras. Also, try to leave your car in busy places where people are coming and going because vandals don’t want anyone to see them at work.
Don’t Leave Any Objects in Plain Sight
You do not want to invite a break-in. Keep shopping bags, briefcases, purses, laptops and backpacks in your trunk. Be sure to tuck away any objects such as phones, money, keys, wallets, and even phone cables. Note that it is important to transfer these things to your trunk before you get to the place where you will be parking, as a potential thief could be watching and planning a break-in.
Lock Your Car Doors
Even in this era of high-tech car invasions, most thieves are just opportunists who will take the easiest route to get their hands on your goods. Locking your doors and rolling up your windows remains an effective way to prevent your car and the objects inside from being stolen.
Do Not Steal Someone’s Parking Space
Aside from the fact that it is an unkind thing to do, stealing someone’s parking space could very well elicit an aggressive response from the person you offended. You could return to find that your car has been keyed or otherwise damaged.
Unfortunately, vandalism is a part of our world, and no matter the precautions taken, it can’t always be avoided. But by putting into practice the above suggestions, there is no doubt that you will be doing your best in limiting your exposure to such crime.