Windshield Shattered? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

What would you do if your windshield suddenly shattered while driving? A broken windshield can happen without warning. A rock, accident, or sudden pressure change can cause the glass to crack or break completely. Driving with damaged glass is risky. It blocks vision, weakens car structure, and can cause injuries. 

• Rocks or debris hitting the glass
• Sudden temperature changes causing cracks
• Accidents or collisions
• Hailstorms or extreme weather
• Poor-quality glass installation in older repairs

Step 1: Slow Down and Stop Safely

A sudden windshield break can be shocking. Keeping control of the car is the most important action.

• Reduce speed slowly instead of braking hard.
• Look for a safe area to stop, such as a parking lot or the side of the road.
• Turn on hazard lights to warn others.
• If on a highway, move far from moving traffic before stopping.

Stopping in a safe place helps avoid accidents and allows time to check the damage.

Step 2: Check for Injuries

Glass can cause cuts, and a strong hit can injure people inside the car.

• Look at your hands, face, and arms for any wounds.
• Ask passengers if they feel pain or see any bleeding.
• If someone is hurt, use a clean cloth to press on the wound.
• Call emergency services if there are serious injuries.

Checking for injuries first makes sure proper care is given before handling the windshield problem.

Step 3: Protect Yourself from Glass

A broken windshield leaves sharp edges and tiny glass bits inside the car. Touching broken glass without care can cause more harm.

• Avoid touching or picking up glass with bare hands.
• Wear gloves or use a thick cloth if moving large pieces.
• Shake off clothes to remove tiny glass bits.
• Keep kids and pets away from broken areas.

Making sure no one gets hurt from loose glass is important before moving forward.

Step 4: Inspect the Windshield

Looking at the windshield helps decide if driving is still possible or if towing is needed.

• Check if cracks are small or if the glass is fully shattered.
• Look for loose parts that may fall while driving.
• If the windshield is gone, wind and dust will enter the car, making driving harder.

A cracked but still attached windshield may allow short travel. A completely broken one means the car must stay parked until fixed.

Step 6: Use a Temporary Fix If Necessary

If driving a short distance is required, a quick fix helps keep dust and wind out.

• Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from flying debris.
• Cover the broken windshield with clear plastic and tape.
• Drive slowly to avoid pressure on the damaged glass.
• Stay on side roads instead of busy streets.

Temporary solutions help for a short time but are not permanent.

Step 7: Contact a Repair Service

A windshield must be fixed by experts to make sure it is safe.

• Search for local windshield repair services.
• Ask if they offer mobile repair where they come to your location.
• Request cost details before deciding on service.
• Choose a provider that uses strong, high-quality glass.

Getting professional help prevents further windshield issues in the future.

Step 8: Check If Insurance Covers the Damage

Some car insurance plans pay for windshield replacement. Checking your coverage can save money.

• Call the insurance company to report the damage.
• Ask if repairs are covered fully or if you need to pay a part.
• If covered, follow their process to file a claim.
• Use an approved repair shop if required by the insurer.

Using insurance, if available, can lower repair costs.

Step 9: Prevent More Damage Before Repair

If a replacement cannot be done immediately, protect the car from further harm.

• Park in a garage or covered space to avoid rain and dust entering.
• Use a tarp or thick cloth to cover the windshield gap.
• Avoid roads with loose gravel or high wind pressure.

Keeping the car safe until repair stops more problems from happening.

Step 10: Follow Legal Rules on Windshield Damage

Driving with a damaged windshield may break traffic laws in some areas.

• Some places allow small cracks but not large breaks.
• Driving with poor visibility can result in fines.
• Laws may require fixing the windshield before using the car again.
• Check local traffic rules before deciding to drive with a damaged windshield.

Avoiding legal trouble saves money and prevents accidents.

Step 14: Know When to Replace Instead of Repair

Some cracks can be fixed, but others need full replacement.

• If a crack is longer than a credit card, replacement is better.
• Deep cracks that reach the inside layer of glass must be replaced.
• If the windshield has multiple cracks, repair will not hold.
• A replacement is needed if glass pieces have fallen out.

A new windshield keeps the car safe and strong.

Step 15: Plan for Windshield Replacement Cost

Windshield replacement prices depend on the car type and glass quality.

• Basic cars may cost between $100 and $400.
• Luxury or special windshields cost more.
• Some repair shops offer installment payment plans.
• Using insurance can lower costs if covered.

Planning for repair costs helps avoid delays in fixing the windshield.

How to Prevent Future Windshield Breakage?

• Keep a safe distance from large trucks that kick up rocks
• Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as pouring hot water on a frozen windshield
• Drive carefully on gravel roads
• Replace wiper blades regularly to prevent scratches
• Park under shade to protect from sun damage