Quick Takeaways / Key Insights
Document everything immediately—photos are your strongest evidence against claim disputes.
A police report is required if vandalism, theft, or a hit-and-run is involved.
Most broken windows fall under comprehensive coverage, not collision.
Insurance companies may lowball, deny, or delay claims, so keep detailed records and receipts.
Call an Personal Injury Attorney if your claim is denied, undervalued, or part of a larger loss such as vandalism or an accident.
What to Do After a Broken Car Window
By Edvin Jones from Edvin Law, Personal Injury Attorney
A broken car window can turn an ordinary day into a stressful one. It exposes your vehicle to theft, weather damage, and creates safety concerns. Whether it happened because of vandalism, an accident, or debris on the road, knowing what to do right away protects your property and helps your insurance claim go smoothly.
Below is a step by step guide on what to do, how to make the right type of claim, common problems people run into, and how to avoid mistakes.
1.Secure the area and protect yourself
If the window shattered while driving, pull over safely. Broken glass can scatter inside the car, so be careful getting out. Brush the seat gently and avoid cutting yourself.
If it happened while the car was parked, make sure the surrounding area is safe before approaching your vehicle.
2. Document everything immediately
Photos are your number one evidence.
Take clear pictures of:
- The broken window
- Any glass inside the car
- Damage to the door or interior
- Surrounding area
- Any signs of forced entry
- The object that caused the break if visible
These photos protect you from claim disputes and will be important if the issue becomes part of a larger insurance claim.
3. Call the police if needed
If the window was broken due to vandalism, attempted theft, or a hit and run, file a police report right away. Most insurance companies require this before approving a comprehensive claim.
Include the report number in your claim.
4. Decide what type of insurance claim to file
There are three possible types of claims depending on how the window broke.
Comprehensive coverage
Covers vandalism, theft, natural disasters, falling objects, and random damage while the car is parked.
Most broken windows fall under this category.
Collision coverage
Covers damage when your car hits something or something hits your car while driving.
If the window broke during a collision, this applies.
Property damage claim against another driver
If another driver’s negligence caused the window break, you can make a claim against their insurance.
5. Contact your insurance company quickly
Provide:
- Photos
- Police report if applicable
- Time and location of the incident
- Any witness information
Ask if your policy includes glass coverage without a deductible. Many policies have this and people do not even know it.
6. Temporary fixes before replacement
If you need to drive before the repair is done:
- Clean the remaining glass carefully
- Tape a plastic covering inside the window frame
- Avoid using cardboard because it collects moisture
These steps keep the car dry and more secure until repair day.
7. Getting the window repaired or replaced
You can choose between:
- Dealership
- Auto glass repair shop
- Mobile glass repair service that comes to you
Always ask for an invoice because insurance will require this document.
Common problems people face with insurance claims
Lowball offers
Insurance may offer less than the repair cost. Your photos and receipts help you push back.
Claim denial
Insurance may say the damage was pre existing or caused by negligence. A clear timeline and strong evidence help prevent this problem.
Delays
Some adjusters delay claims to pressure people into giving up or accepting less. Follow up every two to three days and keep records of all communication.
How to avoid these problems
- Always take photos before moving the car
- File your claim immediately
- Do not repair the window until insurance approves it unless it is an emergency
- Keep all receipts
- Save all emails and messages with your adjuster
If the insurance company is not acting in good faith or is refusing a fair payout, you may need a lawyer to step in. Insurance companies are much quicker to respond when they know you have representation.
When you should contact a lawyer
- Your claim is denied even though the damage is clearly covered
- The company is delaying responses or dragging the process out
- Another driver or person is responsible and you are getting the runaround
- You suspect bad faith or unfair treatment
- The damage is part of a larger loss, such as vandalism, a hit and run, or an accident with injuries
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company for you, and protect you from being underpaid.
Talk to attorney Edvin Jones about your broken window claim
If your car window was broken and the insurance company is giving you problems, you do not have to deal with it alone.
You can contact:
Edvin Jones, Personal Injury Attorney
Email: info@edvin.law
Phone: (702) 337 3430
I help drivers deal with insurance, claims, and disputes so they can focus on their lives instead of fighting with adjusters.
A broken car window is more than an inconvenience—it creates safety risks, exposes your vehicle to weather damage, and often leads to insurance headaches. Acting quickly is essential: secure the area, take detailed photos, file a police report when needed, and submit your claim promptly. Comprehensive coverage pays for most situations, but insurance companies may still delay, lowball, or deny claims. Keeping documentation, receipts, and communication records strengthens your case. If your insurer acts unfairly or another party is responsible, an attorney can step in to pursue full compensation and protect your rights.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I call the police for a broken car window?
Yes—if the damage was caused by vandalism, attempted theft, or a hit-and-run. Most insurers require a police report before approving a comprehensive claim.
2. Will insurance cover a broken window if I don’t know what caused it?
Usually yes. Comprehensive coverage applies to most unexplained or random damages, such as vandalism or falling objects.
3. Can insurance deny my claim for a broken window?
They can—but with strong photo evidence, a police report, and a clear timeline, denials are easier to challenge. A lawyer can step in if bad faith is suspected.
4. Do I need to wait for insurance approval before repairing the window?
Ideally, yes. But if driving is unsafe, you can make temporary repairs. Keep all receipts to include in your claim.
5. What if another driver caused the broken window?
You can file a property damage claim against their insurance. If they refuse responsibility or you face delays, a lawyer can help you recover compensation.
