My car window is broken, what should I do?

Whether the cause is a stray cricket ball or something more serious, such as vandalism or a car crash, a broken car window should be fixed ASAP. If you’re unlucky enough to find yourself with a smashed window, here’s what to do about it.

Written by

Rebecca Goodman

Insurance expert

Last Updated

22 DECEMBER 2022

4 min read

Will my car insurance cover broken windows?

That depends on your policy. Some insurance providers will cover glass damage as standard. Others may offer it as an add-on at an extra cost. But unfortunately, window cover isn’t always covered as standard and if you do have it there may be situations where you can and can’t use it. The only way to find out is checking the small print of your policy, or you could always give your insurance provider a quick call or email to be sure.

How do I make a claim for a broken car window?

The process is the same as it would be for any other insurance claim. Most insurance providers have a 24-hour helpline you can call as soon as you notice the damage. For a step-by-step guide to the claims process and what happens afterwards, check your policy documents.

There may be a limit on the time you have to make a claim so there’s no point in putting it off if you’re going to use your insurance to fix the problem. Any clauses like this should be detailed in the policy – or if you don’t have it to hand you can probably find them on your insurance provider’s website.

Will I lose my no-claims discount if I claim for a broken window?

Probably not. Most insurance providers will leave your no-claims discount intact if you claim for a broken window. But it’s best to check your policy documents to be 100% sure. This is good to know if you’ve built up your no-claims discount and want to hang onto it, and may be one reason not to claim if you can afford to pay for the repair job yourself.

How much will it cost to replace my car window?

If you pay for the window replacement yourself, the cost will vary depending on where you live and what kind of car you drive.

If the replacement is done through your insurance provider, then how much you pay will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy – for example, the amount of excess you need to pay.

If you’re trying to decide whether to claim or not, it’s worth adding up the costs first. If it’s a small job that’ll cost around £100, for example, but your excess is £200 – it might be worth doing it yourself. If you do go down this route, always shop around and get a few quotes from different garages before committing so you know you’re getting the best price.

What if my windscreen is broken, cracked or chipped?

A damaged windscreen is potentially more worrying than a broken car window. Not only will this affect your visibility, it could also weaken the structure of your car.

Driving with a damaged windscreen is dangerous and could lead to a fine and penalty points on your licence. If you notice any chips or cracks in your windscreen, have them repaired immediately. Don’t put off a repair as a crack can grow quickly and spread across the windscreen, which can be extremely dangerous.

Any glass specialist who fixes car windows will be able to repair your windscreen. If you’re paying for the repair or replacement yourself, the cost will vary - depending on where you live and what car you drive.

But check if your car insurance includes windscreen cover before you shell out, and how much it’ll cost if you make a claim. If you claim on your insurance, how much you pay will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy, such as the amount of excess you have to pay.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a broken car window?

Essentially, you need to be able to see clearly out of the windscreen, and the side and rear windows of your car, so you can drive safely and be aware of other vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

The Highway Code states: “windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision”.

So while it might be tempting to drive with a broken window or temporarily fixing a plastic bag over the window, this could be considered a motoring offence.

My car’s side window is chipped. Can it be repaired?

If your side window is chipped or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Side windows are designed in such a way that they can’t be repaired. Even a tiny chip in the glass will mean the window needs replacing.

This isn’t the case with your windscreen – if your windscreen is chipped, repairing it can be a quick job that costs from £40 to £200, depending on the repairer.

Why won’t my electric car window work?

There’s a range of potential causes. It could be a problem with the switch – if you have an alternative switch, use that to see if there’s still a problem. Other causes can include a blown fuse, a problem getting power to the motor, a mechanical problem with the motor or an issue with the regulator that stops the window from closing if there’s an obstruction.

Freezing cold can also stop windows from working freely too.

How can I sort out issues with my electric car windows?

You could check your car’s manual to see what suggestions are offered: for example, help to replace a fuse. You may need to take your vehicle for repair.

To keep your windows running smoothly, it’s advisable to take your finger off the button as soon as they are fully up or down to avoid placing stress on the motor.