Discovering your car has been keyed is like finding half-eaten candy on Halloween night—it’s not the end of the world, but it sure can ruin your day. Vehicle vandalism is one of the most common crimes committed against American households, with approximately 15% of Americans falling victim to it.
If this is your first time facing vandalism, you may be unsure of what to do next and where to go for keyed car repair. Here are seven tips to help navigate this unfortunate situation.
1. Assess the Damage
The first step in dealing with a keyed car is to assess the damage. Now that you’ve pulled yourself together (and maybe thrown a few choice words into the wind), it’s time to become a car inspector. Put on some comfortable clothes—you might have to get down and dirty before heading to the body repair shop.
- Start from one end of your vehicle and work your way to the other.
- Use your phone’s flashlight to scrutinize every inch of your car’s surface.
- Pay extra attention to the spots that are hard to see, like under the door handles.
- Look for uneven paint, faint lines, or little patches where the color seems off.
Remember, scratches could be shallow or deep, so take your time and inspect carefully. If you know how deep the damage is, you can communicate effectively with an auto body repair shop.
2. Document the Incident
Once you’ve finished the damage report, it’s important to document the incident. Take pictures of all the scratches and dents using your phone or camera. Make sure to capture different angles and distances so that you have a clear record of what happened.
You can also check if there are any surveillance cameras nearby that may have captured the act. If you find any, ask the property manager or owner for a copy of the footage.
3. Contact the Authorities
Yes, vandalism is a crime and should be reported to the authorities. Call your local police department and file a report about the incident before looking up keyed car repair. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have collected.
If you’ve captured the culprit on camera, share that as well. This can help in finding and prosecuting the offender.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance company and inform them about the vandalism. They will guide you on how to proceed with an insurance claim and provide you with a list of recommended body repair shops. Alternatively, you have the option to conduct your own research to find a repair shop that aligns with your preferences and needs.
5. Find a Trusted Body Repair Shop
Finding a reputable repair shop can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had to do so before. With all the stress and frustration that comes with vehicle vandalism, the last thing you want is a low-quality repair job.
Consider Valley Collision for a trustworthy keyed car repair. With years of experience in the industry, state-of-the-art equipment, and skilled technicians, we guarantee precision and excellence in every repair job.
6. Consider Prevention Measures
It’s natural to feel a little paranoid after experiencing vandalism. Take some preventive measures to protect your car from future attacks:
- Park in well-lit areas with high foot traffic.
- Install a surveillance camera or an alarm system.
- Consider getting anti-scratch film for your vehicle’s paint job.
- Invest in a protective coating for your car’s surface.
7. Keep an Eye Out
Keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior or potential vandals in your neighborhood. If you see someone acting suspiciously around cars, take note of their appearance and report it to the authorities.
Remember that prevention is better than cure, so stay vigilant and protect your car from potential attacks.
Valley Collision Has You Covered After Any Accident
At Valley Collision, we understand how stressful and frustrating dealing with a vandalized car can be. That’s why we offer top-notch repair services to help you get back on the road as soon as possible. Contact us today for a trustworthy auto body repair shop.
