Someone Smashed Your Vehicle Window? Here’s What You Need to Do (2024)

No one anticipates walking up to their parked vehicle to find one of their windows smashed in. But auto glass vandalism is a very real possibility in the Twin Cities, which means you need to know how to handle the situation should it ever become your reality.

Below, the auto glass replacement experts at Only 1 Auto Glass share a step-by-step guide for handling a smashed-in vehicle window.

Step 1: Document the Damage

Before you do anything else, document the damage to your vehicle window and vehicle. To report the damage exactly as you found it, you can:

● Take photos of the damage

● Create a memo in your phone and write down notes

● Take a video of the damage and explain what you found in the video

Don’t rifle through your vehicle or move anything until you’ve documented everything. You’ll need this information when you call the police to file an incident report.

Step 2: Check for Missing Property and Protect Your Personal Information

After you’ve documented the scene, check to see if any of your property was stolen. Look for missing vehicle components, a missing wallet or purse, or anything else you might have had in your vehicle at the time.

If your wallet was stolen, cancel your credit and debit cards immediately. If your phone was stolen, deactivate it. Perform a thorough search of the vehicle so you can inform the police of any stolen property when you call.

Step 3: Contact the Authorities

Call the police and let them know what happened. There may be cameras in the parking lot that the police can access to see if they can locate a suspect. The authorities will also need to file an incident report, which you’ll need when you file your insurance claim for auto glass replacement.

Step 4: Patch the Window or Get a Tow

Driving with a smashed-in window isn’t safe, especially if there are glass shards inside your vehicle. If you can, have your vehicle towed to your house or your preferred auto glass replacement shop. Or, if you have someone who can help you patch the window temporarily, give them a call for help.

Step 5: File a Claim With Your Insurance and Get Window Replacement Estimates

If your insurance policy covers auto glass replacement, file a claim as soon as you can. You’ll need to send in the evidence you documented after the incident, so make sure you don’t misplace it!

If you’re unsure how to properly file a claim with your insurer, look for a glass repair company that can help you (our team at Only 1 Auto Glass is an excellent choice!). You’ll also need to get auto glass replacement estimates as part of your claim-filing process.

Step 6: Schedule an Auto Glass Replacement Appointment

When you get your estimate approved by your insurance company, schedule your window replacement as soon as possible. If you can’t make it into the shop because you have a busy schedule, look for a company that offers mobile repairs that can accommodate your needs.

Schedule Your Twin Cities Auto Glass Replacement With Only 1 Auto Glass

When you need prompt, professional, and friendly auto glass replacement professionals, look no further than our team at Only 1 Auto Glass. For over a decade, we’ve proudly served the auto glass replacement and repair needs of Twin Cities drivers, and when you need quality service, we’re here for you too. To get started or learn more, request a free estimate, send us a message, or give us a call at 651-789-1111 today.

Someone Smashed Your Vehicle Window? Here’s What You Need to Do (2024)

FAQs

Someone Smashed Your Vehicle Window? Here’s What You Need to Do? ›

Once you have a police report number, contact your insurance agency to report the incident and all damages. Take pictures of all missing/broken belongings and parts of the vehicle. Contact an expert automobile glass company to work on the start of repairs and get estimates.

What happens if someone breaks your windshield? ›

Once you have a police report number, contact your insurance agency to report the incident and all damages. Take pictures of all missing/broken belongings and parts of the vehicle. Contact an expert automobile glass company to work on the start of repairs and get estimates.

Why would someone smash your car window? ›

A smashed car window is usually a sign that your car has been broken into. If that's the case, contact the police and take precautions with your personal information.

What to do if your neighbor breaks your window? ›

You could go to your neighbor and ask them to file a claim through their homeowners insurance to cover the damage. It'd most likely be a liability claim through your neighbor's home insurance that paid for the damage to your home.

What is it called when you break someone's window? ›

Any time a person damages someone else's property without the owner's permission, that's criminal mischief. Criminal mischief is also known as malicious mischief, vandalism, damage to property, or by other names depending on the state.

Does insurance cover a broken window from a break-in? ›

If someone broke into your vehicle, your insurance company should pay for damages to your car if you have comprehensive coverage. Typically, comprehensive coverage includes broken windows, damaged locks and dismantled ignition systems.

What to do if someone breaks your car mirror? ›

If you believe that someone hit your side mirror in a hit-and-run accident, it's wise to file a police report. Check with your insurance provider to see if the damage of the side mirror is covered in your insurance policy.

Why do car thieves break the back window? ›

He says thieves typically break in through the back of the vehicle, because it doesn't set off the alarm. After that, they break open the steering-wheel console and are able to start the car with a screwdriver or USB drive, bypassing the key altogether.

Why would someone break a window? ›

Criminals will never hesitate to break your window to get any valuables inside. The most common cause of house windows breaking might surprise you. Most people think it's a baseball or golf ball responsible for a broken window, but that's a rarity. There are several causes, both natural and unnatural.

What happens if someone breaks your car window? ›

If you're in a crash that's severe enough to break a window, you'll need a police report. The same holds true of a break-in. If you suspect theft or vandalism, be sure not to touch anything before the police arrive. You can, however, take pictures of the scene.

What to do about a smashed window? ›

If your window has been smashed due to vandalism, follow these steps: Call the police: Report the incident to the local police department and file a report. Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the damage to your property. This can be used as evidence for an insurance claim or for a police investigation.

What to do after you break a window? ›

If the window is shattered, you should start by clearing the window pane to avoid any further accidents (see step 1 above). You can then use heavy duty, double-layered plastic to cover the opening (trash bags work well). Fold the plastic to the size you need and tape or staple it for a temporary fix.

What if you accidentally break a window? ›

Whether the window is cracked or totally shattered and spilled out on the ground – it's imperative that the windowpane is professionally repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.

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