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What to Do When Someone Breaks Your Car Window — Bloomington & Terre Haute, IN

  • Writer: AEAG Staff
    AEAG Staff
  • Aug 2, 2021
  • 3 min read

📍 Serving Bloomington, Terre Haute & the Wabash Valley


Auto glass replacement after vandalism in the Wabash Valley

Having your car window broken can be stressful and inconvenient, especially when it happens unexpectedly. But knowing the steps to take right after the incident can help protect your safety, your vehicle, and your claim with insurance.

This guide walks you through what to do when a window is broken, including safety tips, immediate actions, and how to get fast, affordable auto glass repair or replacement in your area.


1. Stay Safe & Assess the Situation

Your first priority is safety.

Steps to take immediately:

  • Check for sharp glass — avoid contact with jagged edges.

  • Keep people and pets away — broken glass can be dangerous.

  • Assess damage — is the glass cracked, shattered, or just chipped?

If the damage is severe — especially if the door won’t open or close — don’t try to force anything. Secure the vehicle and move to a safe location.


2. Document the Damage

Before any cleanup or repair, take photos:

📸 Photos to capture:

  • The broken window from multiple angles

  • Close-up detail of the damage

  • Any nearby objects that might have caused it

  • Interior shots if glass is inside the car

These photos are useful if you’re filing an insurance claim or reporting to police.


3. Check for Theft or Missing Items

If a window has been broken, it’s possible someone tampered with your vehicle.

☑ Look inside the car to see if anything is missing.☑ If you suspect theft, contact local police and file a report.

Police reports help support insurance claims, and it’s important for your safety and documentation.


4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Many auto insurance policies cover vandalism or break-ins under comprehensive coverage.

📍 When you call your insurer:

  • Provide photos and description of what happened

  • Share details from the police report (if you filed one)

  • Ask about your deductible and repair coverage

Quick tip: some policies include zero deductible for glass repair, especially if the damage is qualifying.


5. Arrange a Repair or Replacement

Whether it’s a broken side window or a shattered back glass, it’s usually best to handle the damage soon — especially before weather or debris causes more problems.

Repair vs Replacement

  • Small chips or minor cracks might be repaired.

  • Fully broken or shattered glass needs replacement.

📍 Local service options:


6. Temporary Protection (If Needed)

If you can’t repair right away, protect your vehicle while you wait:

📍 Temporary fixes include:

  • Taping a heavy plastic sheet over the opening

  • Use clear packing tape (don’t apply directly to remaining glass)

  • Avoid driving in rain or high dust conditions

But remember: temporary protection is just a stop-gap — proper glass replacement should be done ASAP for safety.


7. Don’t Ignore It

Broken or missing windows affect more than just appearance:

  • ❌ decreased security

  • ❌ increased risk of theft

  • ❌ exposure to weather

  • ❌ potential damage to interior upholstery

  • ❌ safety system interference (if equipped with cameras or sensors)

Taking care of the issue quickly protects your vehicle and your peace of mind.


Need Help Getting It Fixed?

If someone breaks your car window in Bloomington, Terre Haute, or the Wabash Valley, we’re here to help — fast.



We offer trusted repair and replacement services, including mobile options that come to you.

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