You activate your car alarm the moment you leave the vehicle, park in
well-lit spots, keep your valuables hidden, and take all other precautionary measures to prevent theft and vandalism. However, no matter how careful you are, there may come a time when you find your car completely trashed or even gone.
What should you do if this happens to you?
While we can't reverse time or protect your car from thieves and vandals (though we'd love to), we can offer you some helpful advice on how to file your auto insurance claim.
If your car's been vandalized
Notify the police immediately so they can issue a report detailing the damage and any valuables taken from your car.
While waiting for the police officer to arrive, take photos of your vehicle using either the camera on your phone or a regular camera (if you have one handy). Don't touch your car, don't attempt to clean up your vehicle, and don't tamper with the evidence. Any effort you make to tidy up the mess could erase valuable proof, and may delay the resolution of your car insurance claim.
After contacting the police, report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. If you're an Esurance policyholder, you can notify us by using our
online auto insurance claims feature, calling 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262), or through our new mobile apps.
If your car's been stolen
Contact the police immediately so they can file a report and possibly locate your vehicle. Be sure to detail any belongings and valuables that were stolen with your vehicle.
After you've notified the authorities, report the incident to your car insurance company. If Esurance is your auto insurance provider, our dedicated claims reps are available to handle and service your claim. Because we believe in going the extra mile for our customers, we can also help you obtain a rental car if you've chosen this feature as part of your coverage.
When you report the incident to your insurance company, be prepared to provide your dedicated claims rep with receipts and detailed descriptions of the stolen goods. Your preparation will help speed up the claims process.
Note, however, that items stolen from your car may not be covered by your car insurance provider. In some instances, your renters or homeowners insurance will cover such losses. Check all your insurance policies for coverage details so that you know who to call if a theft occurs.
For more information on vehicle safety and other car insurance-related topics, visit Esurance's Learning Center.
Related link
Theft and vandalism
Find out what you can do to mitigate your risk of car theft or vandalism.