60-second summary
Just want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to handling a broken car window:
What to do: Assess the damage, take photos, check for missing items, and file a police report if necessary. Then contact your insurance provider to report the incident.
Temporary fixes for a broken window: Clear loose glass and cover the window with materials like plastic sheeting or duct tape to protect your car and maintain visibility until it’s repaired.
Does insurance cover broken windows?: Some car insurance policies include glass damage as standard, while others offer it as an add-on. Check your policy or contact your provider to confirm coverage.
How to make a claim: Document the damage with photos and file your claim promptly. Most claims of this type won’t affect your no-claims discount, but double-check your terms.
Tips to prevent broken windows: Hide valuables, park in secure areas, and consider window tints or alarms to reduce the risk of theft or vandalism.
What to do if your car window is broken
Discovering a broken car window can be stressful, but taking the right steps can help manage the situation effectively:
1. Assess the damage: Carefully inspect the smashed car window to determine the extent of the damage. Check if it's just the glass or if the car window frame is also affected.
2. Gather evidence: Take clear photos of the broken window from multiple angles. This is crucial for insurance purposes and can be helpful if you need to file a police report.
3. Record missing items: Check the interior of your car for any missing items. Make a list of anything that might have been stolen or damaged.
4. File a police report: If you suspect vandalism or theft, contact the police and file a police report. This can be important for making insurance claims.
5. Contact your insurance provider: Reach out to your insurance provider to report the incident. Provide them with all the information you’ve recorded.
How to cover a broken car window
If you have a broken car window and need a temporary fix until you can arrange for a proper car window repair, here’s what you need to know to ensure safety and security:
1. Clear and clean the damaged window: Before fitting your temporary window cover, carefully remove any loose glass fragments from the broken window and frame. Use gloves to protect your hands and make sure the seats and mats inside are also clear of broken glass.
2. Use the right materials: You can use clear plastic sheeting, a heavy-duty garbage bag or duct tape to cover the window. These are generally waterproof and provide a temporary barrier against the elements.
3. Fitting your temporary window cover: Cut the material to fit the window frame. Use duct tape to secure it around the edges, both inside and outside the car, ensuring it’s tight enough to prevent flapping while driving.
4. Safety: Make sure the temporary car window cover doesn’t obstruct your view. It’s crucial to maintain clear visibility to drive safely. If the cover restricts or obstructs your view, use a different material or method.
5. Security: Covering the window helps deter potential thieves by concealing the broken window.
Will my car insurance cover broken windows?
That depends on your policy. Some insurance providers will cover glass damage as standard while others won’t. Others may offer it as a policy add-on but at an extra cost.
Unfortunately, even if you do have window cover, there may be situations when you can’t use it. The only way to find out is to check your policy wording or talk to your insurance provider.
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.
It's crucial to document the damage and submit it as part of your claim. Take clear photos of the broken window from multiple angles and record the time, date and location of the incident. This documentation can be invaluable when filing a claim or reporting the incident to authorities, especially if vandalism is suspected.
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 documentation.
There may be a limit on the time you have to make a claim so it’s important to do it as soon as possible. Your policy wording will confirm any time limits for making a claim.
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, but it’s best to check your policy documents to be sure. If you find it could be affected, you may want to consider sorting the repair yourself, if you can afford it. Protecting your discount may work out cheaper in the long run.
How much will it cost to replace my car window?
If you pay for the car 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, then it’s obviously not worth it.
If you decide to sort the repair yourself, 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 car windscreen is potentially more worrying than a broken car window. Not only will this affect your visibility, it could also lead to a more serious issue.
Driving with a damaged windscreen could count as a motoring offence if the driver’s view is obscured. The Highway Code states that drivers must have a full view of the road ahead and keep their glass in good condition. Failure to do this could count as use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition, incurring a fine and three 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 may vary depending on where you live and what car you drive.
Before you pay out, check if your car insurance includes windscreen cover, 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, including your excess.
Tips for preventing broken car windows
While accidents and incidents happen, taking some extra steps to lower the risk of a broken car window could save you time, money and stress. Here are some tips to help protect your car windows:
1. Hide valuables from view: Always keep valuables out of sight to deter thieves from attempting a smash and grab. Store items like bags, electronics and other personal valuables in the boot or take them with you.
2. Park safe: Whenever possible, park your car in well-lit, busy areas or secure car parks. Avoid leaving your car in isolated or poorly lit locations.
3. Install security features: Consider installing an alarm system or dash cam to deter thieves or provide evidence in the event of a break-in.
4. Consider tinting your windows: Tinting will make it harder for potential thieves to see inside. Ensure the tinting complies with UK law to avoid fines.
FAQs
Can I drive with a broken car window?
No, you shouldn’t. The Highway Code states that “windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision”.
Essentially, you need to be able to see clearly out of your windscreen, side and rear windows, so you can drive safely and be aware of other vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.
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.
Is it illegal to drive with a broken side window?
In the UK, driving with a broken side window could be considered illegal if it obstructs your view or compromises the safety of the vehicle.
The Highway Code requires that all windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision. Driving with a broken side window could lead to a fine or penalty points on your licence if it’s deemed to affect your ability to drive safely.
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 £225, 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.
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs.
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