What to Do After Your Air Conditioner Gets Stolen

Having your air conditioner stolen is frustrating, expensive, and disruptive—especially during peak summer in Atlanta. Whether you manage a church, rent properties, or own a home, knowing what to do next can make the difference between a quick recovery and a long, costly process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you respond quickly and protect yourself in the future.

 

Step 1: Call the Police & File a Report

The first thing you should do is report the theft to your local police department. Don’t try to clean up or replace anything until documentation is complete. This step is especially important for insurance purposes. If you're in a high-theft area like Vine City or Mechanicsville, police may already be familiar with similar cases nearby.

 

Step 2: Document the Damage

Take clear photos of the area where the unit was installed, including any cut wires, debris, or vandalism. Write down any details you remember, such as the time you noticed the theft or if anyone in the area saw suspicious activity. This information helps both police and your insurance provider.

 

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Depending on your policy, HVAC theft may be covered under property or business insurance. Be ready to provide the police report number, photos, and an estimate for replacement. Most deductibles range from $500 to $1,500, and the replacement of a stolen system often costs $3,000 or more.

 

Step 4: Replace the Unit & Consider Protection

Once your claim is underway, you’ll need to work with your HVAC technician to replace the system. Before reinstalling, take steps to prevent future theft. Thieves often return to the same property when they know it's unprotected. This is where a steel AC security cage makes a big difference.

 

Why Security Cages Matter

Our cages are built from heavy-duty steel, secured to the base pad, and designed to allow service access without removing the cage. Property owners in neighborhoods like West End and Edgewood have turned to us to prevent repeat losses—and it works. One church near Cascade Avenue experienced back-to-back thefts until cages were installed. They’ve had no issues since.

 

Replacing a stolen HVAC unit is a hassle. Replacing it twice is a problem that can be avoided. Take action now to stop future theft with a strong, permanent solution. If your AC unit was just stolen, contact us today and we’ll help you install protection before the next one arrives.