Someone Broke My Car Window — What Do I Do?

Smashed rear window of car

If you've found your car window smashed, chances are you're probably feeling panicky and anxious. But remember, this happens to people every day — you'll get through it.

Glass Doctor understands the inconvenience and safety concerns that come with a smashed car window. Committed to customer satisfaction, we offer timely broken car window repair services to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn how to temporarily fix the issue:

What to Do If Your Car Window Gets Smashed

a smashed car window on the side of a grey car

A smashed car window is usually a sign that your car has been broken into. If that's the case, contact the police and take precautions with your personal information.

Here's what you should do:

  1. First, take a deep breath. You'll need to cancel prior engagements or call in late to work to properly deal with this.
  2. Document the scene. Without touching anything, use your phone or a camera to snap pictures of the broken window at different angles. Be sure to photograph any other interior damage as well.
  3. Note any missing property, including car components and any other items you had in the car.
  4. Gather your driver's license, car insurance card, and vehicle registration. You'll need these when you call the police.
  5. File a police report. Call your local police or go to the police station and calmly explain what happened.
  6. Protect your personal information. If your wallet or purse was stolen, the thief may have your credit/debit card or documents containing personal information. Call your bank to report the lost card, and consider placing a fraud alert on your account.
  7. File an insurance claim. Based on your insurance plan, this might cause your rates to go up, so consider all possibilities carefully.

How to Patch a Smashed Car Window

Before attempting to clean up the car or repair damage, follow all police instructions. Once the police say it's OK, you can take steps to prep the window for repair and protect it from rain and snow.

It's especially important to store your car in a safe place (ideally a locked garage) while the window is broken. Read on to learn what supplies are needed to temporarily fix the issue and explore the process involved.

Supplies Needed

When it comes to addressing a smashed car window, having the right supplies on hand is crucial.

Here are the supplies you need:

  • Packing tape
  • Masking tape
  • Razor or box cutter
  • Gloves or a towel
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Extension cord (optional)

DIY Instructions for Fixing Broken Car Windows

Navigating the process of fixing a broken car window may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and a step-by-step approach, you can temporarily restore your vehicle's integrity.

Helpful instructions for fixing smashed car windows:

  1. Wear gloves or wrap a towel around your hands to clear away any glass still attached to the window edges.
  2. Then, use a portable vacuum cleaner (or your regular vacuum cleaner with an extension cord) to vacuum every speck of glass from your car. Check under the seats and carpets for any shards.
  3. Wipe down the exterior of the window frame with a damp cloth to remove dust or grime before you patch the area with tape.
  4. You can create a temporary window cover with tape. Cover any exposed paint with masking tape, then tightly stretch the tape from top to bottom over the door in strips.
  5. Cut each length of tape with a razor or box cutter and overlap strips as you move across. Lastly, repeat the process from the inside of the car.

Note: You can drive temporarily with a patched window, but you'll need to get it repaired by professionals as soon as possible. To avoid potential risks and further damage, schedule an appointment with Glass Doctor professionals at your earliest convenience.

Our Broken Car Window Repair Service

If you need professional broken car window repair services, your local Glass Doctor has you covered. With decades of experience and specialized equipment, we know how to get the job done right the first time.

a male Glass Doctor service professional using a tablet to help examine car window What to expect when getting your car window fixed:

  1. Damage assessment: The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. A professional will determine whether the window is repairable or needs total replacement.
  2. Repair vs. replacement: If the damage is minor, such as a small chip, we may be able to repair it without replacing the entire window. However, if the damage is severe, replacement may be necessary.
  3. Cost estimate: We will provide a cost estimate based on the extent of the damage and whether repair or replacement is needed.
  4. Insurance claim: If you have comprehensive auto insurance, check if repair or replacement is covered. Many insurance policies cover glass damage, and we can assist with the claims process.
  5. Repair scheduling: Once you agree on the cost and our repair or replacement method, you'll schedule a time for the service. In some cases, mobile services may be available. This is when someone comes to your location.
  6. Broken glass removal: If the window needs to be replaced, the broken glass will be carefully removed from the car. Special attention is given to  ensure no glass fragments are left inside the car.
  7. New window installation: For replacement, the new window will be installed using adhesives and other secure methods. We will ensure a proper fit and seal to prevent leaks and other issues.
  8. Quality check: A quality check will be performed after the installation or repair is complete. This may include inspecting the window for proper alignment, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the power windows' mechanisms are functioning correctly.
  9. Cleanup: Any debris or materials used during the repair or replacement process will be cleaned up. This includes vacuuming any remaining glass particles from the car.

Call a Glass Doctor Pro to Repair Your Smashed Car Window

From a smashed passenger window to a cracked windshield or foggy headlight, your local Glass Doctor is here to fix all your auto glass panes. Call the experts at Glass Doctor or request an appointment online for all your car window or windshield repair needs.