You walk out the door, ready to start your day. Then your heart sinks as you notice broken glass surrounding your car.

Unfortunately, you’re not alone. A car break-in is a scene that too many Americans encounter each year. And after those initial feelings of shock and disappointment subside, you may be left wondering what to do next.

Here are some steps you should take if your vehicle has been broken into:

• Check your surroundings. Before you do anything else, look around to make sure you’re safe. Most of the time vehicle burglars are only after your valuables and quickly leave the scene. But if anything makes you feel uncomfortable, leave your vehicle and find a safe place to call for help. 
• Record what you lost. If your car was broken into, chances are the thief found something of value. Check for missing purses, wallets, smartphones and other electronics. Then, make a list of anything that was taken. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your vehicle damage for reference. 
• File a police report. To make a report, call the police office’s non-emergency number – not 911. While not all break-ins can be investigated, the report will help officers track local crime trends and can provide documentation for your insurer if you file a claim. 
• Protect yourself from identity theft. If you discover any credit or debit cards are missing, immediately notify your bank to cancel the old cards and order replacements. They’ll also help monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

  Pro tip: Getting back to normal after identity theft can be a lengthy, expensive process. Before you have to handle it alone, ask your Erie Insurance agent about adding identity theft recovery coverage to your homeowners or renters policy for around $20 a year. 

• File an insurance claim. Should you file a claim or not? Here’s where a local, independent insurance agent can walk you through the process and help you understand what to do next. Damage to your car from a break-in is typically covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive coverage, but if any of your belongings were taken, they might be covered under your homeowners or renters policy.

One more thing: While break-ins are never completely preventable, you can take some steps to help lower your risk. Always lock your car doors, roll up your windows and keep valuables out of sight.

If you do have to file a claim, know that we’re on it. Your claim is how we start making things right for you, resetting the damage and distress of an unexpected loss so you can relax, rebound and get back to your life.

When it comes to auto insurance, there are a lot of companies and coverage choices. How do you know who to trust and what’s essential? Some of the insurance terms like endorsements or comprehensive and collision coverage may also be a bit confusing. And what about those extras you can add on? Which ones do you need?

We’ve pulled together some of our best resources to make the experience of shopping for auto insurance easier. We’ll explore the ins and outs of coverage and what you should consider when buying or renewing your auto insurance policy.

Finding the auto insurance coverage that’s best for you
Whether you’re buying your first set of used wheels or a brand new car, you’ll need protection and service. Auto insurance kicks in for those unexpected mishaps—from a minor dent to a more serious crash. It also helps protect you, your passengers and your pets as well as some of the prized possessions being transported in your car.

• Infographic: Your Auto Insurance Renewal Guide: Learn more about standard and customized coverages, discounts and more with this visual guide.
• Understanding Your Auto Coverage: Depending on your state’s requirements for auto insurance and what limits and options you pick, your auto policy typically includes six common coverages. Find out what they are.
• Getting the Best Value for Your Auto Insurance Needs: You may be eligible for valuable discounts on your auto policy. Check out a list of discounts.
• Understanding Auto Insurance and ERIE’s Extras: ERIE customers get lots of extras that are built into their auto insurance policy. Discover some of the things that you’re covered for (and always have been).

Understanding auto insurance terminology
With coverage, you may wonder about some of the terminology used in your policy. Here are four common auto insurance terms and what they mean.

• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage [Video]: This coverage can help you when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who may not have sufficient insurance coverage or no coverage at all.
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage [Video]: Collision insurance covers your car or truck when it’s in an accident with another vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers damage that’s not caused by a collision with another vehicle, such as fire or theft.

Exploring coverage options and additional protection worth considering
Almost in the same way that you could customize your car or truck, you can customize your auto insurance coverage. For instance, you may want to add emergency road service or rental car reimbursement coverage to your auto policy. The extra services do not cost a lot, and you’ll be glad to have them when you need them. Here’s more information about some of the options.

• How To Get Road Service Coverage with an Auto Policy: When you experience an unlucky break with your car, like a flat tire or a mechanical failure, emergency road service can help save the day. Read this article for the details.
• Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars? Customers often ask us about rental cars and what’s covered. Get straightforward answers to common questions.
• Understanding Auto Insurance Endorsements: Learn more about why an endorsement is a good way to add extra coverage to your policy without having to purchase an entirely new one.

To review your current coverage, get in touch with an insurance advisor. Every Erie Insurance auto policy comes with a local insurance agent who will give you that personal touch—coverages you need and nothing you don’t, all at a great price.