Step 1: Call the Police.
Whether you were at home or out while the burglary happened, you should contact the police immediately. Don't touch anything until the police arrive; attempting to clean up could destroy evidence needed to catch the burglar. In addition, if the burglary happened while you were out, don't go inside until the police have arrived as the burglar could still be inside. You'll need to file a police report within 24 hours.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company.
After you've talked with the police, you need to call your Lake of the Ozarks insurance company. They are going to need a copy of the police report to validate your claim. After the police are done taking pictures and dusting for fingerprints, you can begin assessing the damage yourself. Your insurance company is going to need a detailed list of stolen and/or damaged items. This is where your home inventory checklist comes in handy, as it is extremely difficult to think of everything that's missing and its value while you're under emotional stress from the situation.
Step 3: Start Cleaning Up and Restoring Your Home.
Once you've made your lists, it's time to start cleaning up. Get rid of anything that is broken or unusable, and try to restore your home to as close as it was before the incident happened. When putting the ransacked rooms back together, consider rearranging furniture and moving things to new places. These small changes can go a long way in helping you overcome the emotional stress of the situation.
Step 4: Address Your Home's Security.
To help put your mind at ease, consider changing your locks. Add deadbolts if you didn't already have them. Other things you can consider doing include installing shatter-proof screen doors and a security system. By installing a security system, you could save money on your insurance premiums too! If you already have a security system, check for weaknesses and consider upgrading it.
In the event something happens to your home, whether it be a burglary or a natural disaster, it's important to be prepared. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date by reviewing it annually or anytime you make changes to your home and/or its contents, such as renovations or large purchases. At Insure the Lake, we can help you with all of your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs - just give us a call at 573-348-2794.
Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs!
About the Author: Steve
is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance
Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in
2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping
customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful
wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.
Steve Naught, CIC
3736 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Next to Golden Coral
T: 573-348-2794
F: 573-348-0191
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