What to Do if Your Car Window is Broken

Seeing your car with shattered windows and scattered shards of glass can be shocking and anxiety-inducing. Your mind instantly gets flooded with hundreds of “what ifs” and possible distressing scenarios.

In such stressful circumstances, knowing the appropriate measures to take while navigating the situation is vital. This article is your guide to dealing with a broken car window in the most proactive and practical manner.

Step #1: Document the Scene

Take a moment to calm your nerves and breathe. It’s crucial to document the scene without touching or disturbing any evidence since the incident may have resulted from theft,.

Consider using a camera or smartphone to capture images of the shattered window from various angles. Also, take zoomed-out shots to give a clear idea of your car’s location and whereabouts during the incident.

Remember to take pictures of any interior damage. These shots will be valuable evidence for your police and insurance company, so capture everything in detail.

Further, note the exact address of the incident and missing belongings, including personal items inside the car. It would help to document any damaged or stolen car components. Jot down any additional information that may assist the police in their investigation.

Step #2: Call the Police

After documenting the scene, the next step is to call the police to report the incident, especially if it was a theft or burglary.

Serious accidents or collisions are an additional scenario that could result in a broken car window. In the aftermath of a collision, it is natural to feel a range of emotions, such as shock, nervousness, guilt, and anger. However, you must stay calm and contact the police to report the incident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and wait for help to arrive.

Also, keep your insurance card, vehicle registration, and driver's license nearby. These documents will be required when the police arrive at the scene.

Step #3: Call Your Insurance

The next step is to call your insurance company to ask whether your policy covers damages to a broken car window.

Your insurance provider might send someone to inspect your vehicle before making any recommendations, so refrain from touching anything until then.

Insurance companies may differ in their glass damage coverage. While some include it as a standard policy, others offer it as an add-on with an additional cost. It is also important to note that your policy may only cover the windshield, not window damage.

To find out, you can check the printout of your policy or make a quick call to your insurance provider for more information.

Step #4: Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Place

Leaving your car unattended in public can make it an easy target for thieves and cause traffic obstructions. If your vehicle is driveable, move it to a safe location or garage.

That said, it's best to check your state laws regarding this matter, as some states prohibit driving your vehicle from the accident site.

Step #5: Clean Up the Glass

After completing the required legal and safety procedures, it’s time to clean up the glass.

The good news is most modern autoglass is designed to shatter without forming jagged edges. However, it’s still safer to wear thick, protective gloves to avoid injury from the glass fragments.

While there are several ways to clean up the glass, a shop vacuum is the easiest and most effective method. Begin by using the vacuum to suction away the glass pieces. Also, remember to check the door and inside the car for fragments.

Another option is to use a small broom if a vacuum cleaner isn’t available. Keep in mind that a broom won’t be as effective as a vacuum for collecting smaller glass pieces. Due to their small size, many glass fragments are usually invisible to the naked eye. So, vacuum the entire area, including the car seat.

Don’t worry about the tiniest leftover pieces of glass because most auto repair shops will repeat the vacuuming process. Once completed, remember to dispose of the contents of the vacuum.

Window Frame and Seal Cleaning

Tiny shards of glass are bound to be present around the window frame, and your vacuum might not suction them out effectively. A simple solution is to wipe the area thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth.

This will help remove pesky leftover pieces of glass and clear out any debris or dirt lingering in the area. That way, you can also seal the window more effectively.

Step #6: Cover Up the Window

You’ll need a temporary cover for your window before the professionals can fix it.

This will protect your car from external elements, such as bugs, dirt, moisture, and rain. Leaving a broken window exposed can also result in unexpected harm or injury.

Moreover, operating a vehicle with a smashed window is not recommended. Not only is it highly unsafe, but it’s also illegal in some states and countries. It also attracts unwanted attention from thieves and criminals, placing you and your passengers in an unsafe situation.

Temporary Fixes For A Broken Car Window

There are several ways to fix and cover up a broken window temporarily. One common temporary fix is to cover it with a plastic garbage bag and secure it with tape.

Another possible solution is to use a piece of cardboard as a seal. However, there may be a more reliable solution, as the cardboard can quickly disintegrate when it rains.

An alternative approach is to use clear packing tape to create a temporary seal. Duct tape may seem viable, but it is difficult to remove. So masking or packing tape might be a more suitable option.

To begin the process, place a strip of clear packing tape vertically from the top to the bottom of the window. Overlap each piece of tape over the existing one, ensuring any gaps are appropriately covered. Continue the process until the entire window area is adequately protected with tape. Consider running additional pieces of tape horizontally across the window for maximum coverage.

If this method seems too laborious, a more straightforward approach involves stretching a plastic bag over the window and securing it with small pieces of tape. You can also use longer pieces of tape for a more secure fit.

Note that these methods are only temporary solutions, and you shouldn’t drive with a makeshift window for an extended period. It is essential to replace the broken window with a new one as soon as possible.

Step #7: Replace Your Broken Car Window

Since you can’t repair a broken window, replacement is the only option. Schedule an appointment to have your car’s window professionally replaced whenever possible to ensure safety.

After replacing the auto glass, remember to request a complete vehicle inspection, as there may be other hidden damage to the vehicle.

Can I Drive With A Broken Car Window?

Safe driving requires clear visibility through your car’s windshield, side, and rear view windows. These windows are crucial for road awareness and are vital for your safety and that of others.

As such, any obstructions on the windows and windscreen can seriously threaten driving safety. Again, note that a temporary fix is only helpful for a short period and is not a permanent solution.

Schedule An Auto Glass Replacement At Caliber

We know how overwhelming dealing with a broken glass window can be, but there’s no need to worry when you have experts to help. At Caliber Auto Glass, we have certified technicians who specialize in auto glass repair and replacement to make the process smooth and hassle-free for you.

We take pride in using the highest quality materials and top craftsmanship. Simply book an appointmentat your nearest Caliber Auto Glass location, and let us take care of the rest.