What to do When Your Car Window is Broken
It’s a terrible scenario to walk up to - you’re going to work, you walk up to where your car is parked, and find the windows smashed to pieces. Whether it was an accident or a malicious theft situation, fixing your windows is actually fairly easy. There are a few steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after finding that your car window is broken.
Take a Minute to Assess the Situation
If you can, it’s a good idea to cancel your next appointment or call work and let them know you need a few hours to take care of it. If that’s not an option, you can call a friend or family member to deal with the car. Take a minute to assess the situation and figure out what happened and what you must do next.
Document Everything
If your car has been broken into and something has been stolen, you should call the police and your insurance company right away. You should also document the evidence for yourself, in any situation. Use your camera phone to snap as many detailed pictures as you can of the situation. Take a good look at the entire car and see if there are other scratches, dents, or broken parts. Take pictures of the glass on the ground and the interior. When the police arrive, they will also document what happened with pictures and a police report. Get a copy of the police report, or the case number so you can relay that information to your insurance company.
Check for Missing Property and Remove Important Documents
If you keep your registration or other paperwork in the glove compartment, you should take them with you so you have access to the information you’ll need for your insurance company. Then, note any missing items. If there was a theft you’ll need to list items right away to your insurance company. You should also list them in the police report. If you kept your wallet in the car and it was stolen, don’t forget to call the bank and let them know - they may be able to help track down those responsible if they attempt to use it. You should cancel all your credit or debit cards.
Clean Up The Glass, Make a Patch
Your next step after everything is properly documented is to clean up the glass inside the car. You don’t want any accidents so make sure to sweep and use a hand vacuum if you can. If it is cold or you can’t get your car to the shop right away, you may need to make a temporary patch to replace the broken window. You can do this using clear duct tape. Be aware that this can’t be the solution for long, but it’ll get you through the day until a professional can look at it.
Get an Expert Team to Fix Your Window
If you’re in the central VA area, take your car to Smiley’s Glass. Our team of experts uses the Auto Glass Safety Council’s AGRSS windshield replacement process, which means you’re getting only manufacturer-approved parts and installation techniques. Call us at 804-320-7172 with any questions or simply let us know you’re coming. We complete most projects within 24 hours, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
