8 Things to do when your car window has been smashed

A smashed car window is stressful and inconvenient, but taking the right steps can help keep everyone safe, protect your vehicle and make the replacement process much easier.

Whether the damage was caused by a break-in, vandalism, an accident or flying debris, it can be difficult to know what to deal with first. Broken glass, bad weather and concerns about security can all add to the pressure.

The following eight steps will help you deal with a smashed side window, rear window or quarter glass safely and get your vehicle secured and back on the road.

1. Make sure everyone is safe

Before checking the vehicle, make sure you, your passengers and anyone nearby are safe. Keep children and pets away from the broken glass, and do not reach through the damaged window or door opening.

If the damage has just happened, someone is in danger or the offender may still be nearby, move to a safe place and call 111. Do not confront anyone or put yourself at risk to inspect the vehicle.

2. Decide whether the vehicle is safe to move

A missing side or rear window does not automatically mean a vehicle cannot be moved, but loose glass, poor visibility or damage around the window frame may make driving unsafe.

Check whether broken glass could fall into the driver’s area, whether you still have a clear view of the road and mirrors, and whether the door opens and closes securely. If visibility is affected, the window opening cannot be secured or you are unsure about the damage, contact an auto glass specialist before driving.

3. Photograph the damage before cleaning up

Once it is safe to approach the vehicle, take clear photographs before moving glass or cleaning the interior. Capture the broken window, the surrounding door or bodywork, the inside of the vehicle and the wider area where the incident occurred.

Photos may be helpful when reporting the incident, making an insurance claim or explaining the damage to the repairer. If anything has been stolen or damaged inside the vehicle, photograph that as well and make a list while the details are fresh.

4. Report a break-in or vandalism

If the window was smashed during a break-in, attempted theft or act of vandalism, report it to New Zealand Police. For a non-emergency that has already happened, you can call 105 or make a report online. Call 111 if the incident is happening now or anyone is in immediate danger.

Keep the Police report reference, as your insurer may ask for it. Avoid disturbing anything more than necessary until you have photographed the scene and completed any reporting you need to do.

5. Check the vehicle and your belongings

Look carefully for further damage and check whether anything is missing. Common targets include bags, electronics, tools, wallets, keys and documents containing personal information.
Check the glovebox, centre console, boot and storage compartments, but be cautious around glass fragments. If keys, bank cards or identification have been taken, arrange for them to be cancelled, replaced or secured as soon as possible. If a house key was stolen alongside something showing your address, consider taking additional security precautions.

6. Contact your insurer and an auto glass repairer

Check whether your vehicle insurance includes glass cover and whether an excess applies. Even if you do not have glass cover, it is still worth asking an auto glass repairer about the available replacement options before assuming the job will be expensive.

When requesting a quote, provide the vehicle’s registration, make, model and year, along with the location of the broken glass. Mention any tinting, aerials, demisters or other features fitted to the window, and send photographs if requested. This helps the repairer identify and source the correct glass more quickly.

Fast Auto Glass works with all insurance companies and can help manage the glass claim process, removing the need for you to complete a claim form.  Find out more about making a vehicle glass insurance claim here.

7. Clean up and temporarily protect the opening

Only begin cleaning once you have taken photographs and completed any necessary reporting. Wear closed shoes and protective gloves, and use a vacuum to collect fragments from seats, carpets, door pockets and other interior surfaces. Never pick up broken glass with bare hands.

If the window cannot be replaced immediately, a secure temporary covering may help keep out rain and debris. Attach it carefully from inside the vehicle where possible, avoid placing strong tape directly on painted surfaces and do not use a loose covering that could come away while driving. Do not operate the damaged window mechanism or repeatedly slam the affected door.

8. Arrange replacement as soon as possible

A missing window leaves your vehicle exposed to weather, theft and further interior damage, so it is best to arrange replacement promptly. Depending on glass availability and the nature of the job, the work may be completed at a workshop or by a mobile auto glass technician.

Fast Auto Glass replaces side windows, rear windscreens and other vehicle glass for cars, vans, utes, motorhomes, caravans, commercial vehicles and machinery. The Christchurch team aims to provide a same-day service wherever possible and has multiple mobile workshop vans available for onsite repairs and replacements.