Your windshield is an essential safety component of your vehicle. It protects you from wind, rain, debris, and anything else that could hit you while driving. It also provides structural support to the body of your car. So what happens if you get a crack or chip in your windshield? Is it safe to keep driving with a broken windshield?
The short answer is no, it is not advisable to drive with a broken windshield except for a short distance to get it repaired or replaced. Even a small crack or chip can quickly spread across the entire windshield, reducing visibility and weakening the structural integrity. Here’s a more in-depth look at why you shouldn’t drive with a broken windshield and what you should do instead.
Why Is a Broken Windshield Dangerous?
There are several key reasons why driving with a chipped or broken windshield puts you at risk:
It Can Reduce Visibility
Even a small crack or chip can distort your vision and create blind spots. As the crack spreads, your line of sight becomes increasingly obstructed. This reduces your ability to see pedestrians, other vehicles, road signs/signals, and potential hazards.
Windshield Could Shatter
When a windshield is broken, any slight impact or extra pressure can cause it to shatter completely. Things like driving over a pothole, getting hit by a rock, extreme weather changes, or even closing the doors too hard could make the entire windshield cave in.
Loss of Structure
The windshield is a key part of the structural framework that reinforces the roof and provides rollover protection. When it’s cracked, the entire vehicle loses crucial structural support, putting you at greater risk in an accident or rollover situation.
Potential Ejection Hazard
In a serious collision or rollover, the windshield could buckle fully, creating an open space where you could potentially be ejected from the vehicle. Not wearing a seatbelt makes this risk even higher.
Airbag Interference
Windshields are designed to work in tandem with front airbags to provide occupant protection. If the windshield is broken, it may not allow the airbag to properly deploy or could cause loose shards of glass.
They Get Worse Over Time
What may start as a minor chip or crack will only get bigger and spread further over time, especially when exposed to temperature changes, bumps, and regular driving vibrations. Windshield damage never gets better on its own.
These dangers clearly illustrate why it’s very risky to continue driving with any kind of windshield damage, no matter how minor it may seem at first. But what if you absolutely have to drive with a broken windshield for some reason?
When Is It Okay to Drive With a Broken Windshield?
While it’s never advisable, there are a few very limited scenarios where driving with a lightly broken windshield may be considered acceptable for a short distance:
To Get It Repaired
If your windshield develops a small crack or chip while you’re on the road, it’s okay to drive a short distance at lower speeds to get it repaired, as long as the damage doesn’t significantly obstruct your vision. Use extra caution and have it fixed as soon as possible.
To Get Home
Similarly, if minor windshield damage occurs while you’re away from home, it may be okay to carefully drive at reduced speeds to get back home, and then address the repair right away. Don’t take unnecessary detours or travel long distances.
An Emergency
In a true emergency situation, such as needing to get someone urgently to the hospital, it may be worth the risk to drive with an already cracked windshield for the shortest distance possible. Just be extremely careful and get the windshield replaced immediately afterward.
There are a few other important caveats to keep in mind:
• Don’t drive at high speeds, over bumpy roads, or in extreme weather conditions
• Avoid sudden stops, turns, or any situations that could cause the crack to spread
• Use your defroster and wipers minimally to avoid further stressing the windshield
• If the crack worsens or grows larger while driving, pull over immediately
• Be aware that any impacts like rocks hitting the windshield could cause catastrophic failure
In all of these cases, you should get off the road and have the windshield professionally repaired or replaced as soon as safely possible. Continuing to drive with worsening windshield damage is extremely risky.
What If the Crack Is In the Driver’s Line of Vision?
When the crack or chip is directly in the driver’s critical viewing area, meaning the area you need to see through to safely operate the vehicle, driving should absolutely be avoided. Even a small obstruction in this zone poses an unacceptable safety hazard.
The critical viewing area typically refers to the middle portion of the windshield directly in front of the driver, from around the rear-view mirror down to the dashboard. Cracks, chips, or pitting in this area could dangerously obscure your view of the road, traffic signals, pedestrians, and more.
Some states have specific laws that prohibit driving with any cracks or obstructions in the critical viewing area. So not only is it unsafe, but you could potentially get pulled over and ticketed for operating an unsafe vehicle if the damage is directly in your line of sight.
Instead of risking an accident, it’s best to have any critical viewing area damage repaired or the full windshield replaced right away by a professional auto glass service.
What To Do If You Need Windshield Repair?
If your windshield does suffer damage, don’t delay in getting it addressed properly. Here’s what you should do:
Pull Over Safely
If the windshield cracks or chips while you’re driving, find a safe place to pull completely off the road as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and get out of the flow of traffic.
Assess the Damage
Get out and inspect the extent of the crack or chip. Try to determine if it started from an impact point. Also check if it’s in your critical line of vision as the driver.
Don’t Do Temporary Fixes
While it may be tempting to try using clear adhesives or tapes over the crack, these are just temporary band-aid fixes at best. They won’t prevent the crack from spreading further and could even worsen the problem.
Call for Professional Repair
Depending on the size and location, a professional auto glass repair service may be able to repair chips and small cracks by injecting a curable liquid resin into the damage. For larger cracks, full windshield replacement is required.
Choose Your Options
The repair service should fully explain your options, whether it’s repairing or replacing the windshield, and provide upfront pricing. Ask about their warranties and policies as well.
Go to a Reputable Provider
Don’t choose just any cheap windshield replacement option. Make sure to go with a reputable, experienced auto glass service that uses high-quality OEM or equivalent windshield glass and properly trained technicians.
Get It Done Promptly
Schedule the windshield repair or replacement as soon as possible, within a day or two at most. The longer you delay, the higher the risk of the crack spreading to become un-repairable.
Don’t Attempt DIY Windshield Replacement
While it may seem like you could save money with a do-it-yourself windshield install, this is never a good idea. It requires specialized skills, tools, and adhesives to properly set and seal the new windshield for safety.
Follow Proper Cure Times
After having a new windshield installed, be sure to allow the full recommended cure time before driving, to let the adhesives fully set and bond the glass securely. This is usually around 1 hour for safe drive-away, and 24 hours or more before driving at highway speeds.
As you can see, driving with a damaged windshield is extremely risky and should be avoided except for short distances in limited circumstances to get to a repair facility. Even a small crack or chip can rapidly spread and create hazardous driving conditions. It’s best to have your windshield professionally repaired or replaced right away before the damage worsens.
Is A Cracked Windshield Covered by Insurance?
The good news is that most basic auto insurance policies cover windshield repair or replacement, with affordable deductibles. Windshield claims typically fall under the comprehensive portion of your insurance, which covers damages from things like accidents, weather events, vandalism, and road debris.
However, insurance coverage details can vary depending on your specific policy, deductibles, and state regulations. Here are some key points about making an insurance claim for windshield damage:
Check Your Policy
Review your current auto insurance policy details to understand exactly what is covered for windshield repair or replacement, such as limitations, deductible amounts, and any special provisions that may apply.
Compare Repair Costs to Deductible
Get pricing estimates from auto glass repair companies. If the cost of repair is very close to or lower than your deductible amount, it may make sense to pay out-of-pocket rather than filing a claim.
Consider Glass Deductible Waivers
Some insurance companies offer a $0 glass deductible option, where you pay nothing out-of-pocket for repairing or replacing the windshield and other exterior glass on your vehicle. There’s often a small extra premium charge for this added coverage.
Use In-Network Providers for Best Rates
Auto insurers typically have contracted rates and pricing with certain auto glass retailers and service providers. Using one of their approved in-network companies may result in lower costs or no surprise out-of-pocket expenses.
Increase Could Raise Your Rates
While a single glass repair claim may not necessarily raise your rates, making multiple claims in a given period could result in higher overall insurance premiums when it comes time to renew your policy.
Inform Your Insurance Agent
Once you’ve decided to file a claim, contact your insurance agent or company’s claims department to properly initiate the process. They may be able to refer you to approved auto glass service providers.
Get a Claim Number
Your insurance provider will issue you a claim number to provide to the repair company so they can bill the insurance directly for the covered portion, and you pay any applicable deductibles.
Consider High Deductible Implications
If you have a high deductible policy, it may only make sense to file a claim if the windshield replacement cost significantly exceeds your deductible amount, like $1,000 or more.
Maintain Records
Be sure to get documentation like itemized invoices and keep records of the claim process in case any issues arise later with the insurance provider.
By understanding your auto insurance coverage and using approved, reputable providers, you can often get windshield damage repaired affordably if not completely covered by your policy after your deductible.
The Costs of Windshield Repair vs Replacement
So how much can you expect to pay for professional windshield repair versus full replacement? The costs can vary significantly, depending on factors like:
• The specific damage type (crack, chip, etc.) and size
• Your vehicle’s make, model and year
• The type and quality of replacement windshield used (OEM, aftermarket, etc)
• The service provider you use
• Your geographic location
• Any additional materials or repairs needed
Small Chip/Crack Windshield Repairs
For minor chips, cracks under 6 inches, and other repairable windshield damage, professional repair typically costs:
• $60 – $100 for a single chip repair
• $100 – $150 for repairing a short crack
• Some companies offer unlimited minor repairs for an upfront fee of $150 – $250
Basic Windshield Replacement Costs
Completely replacing the full windshield generally falls into these price ranges:
•$200 – $400 for an aftermarket or recycled windshield on a standard passenger car
•$300 – $800 for an OEM (original equipment) windshield installed on late model cars/trucks
•$700 – $1,500 for a windshield replacement on higher-end luxury or sports vehicles
•Additional costs may apply for sensors, special window tinting, etc.
Keep in mind those are just general estimates, and the final cost can be higher or lower. It’s always wise to get quotes from multiple providers, and avoid any suspiciously low-priced offers, as they may use substandard glass or have inexperienced installers.
When Minor Repairs Aren’t Possible
If the damage spans more than a few inches long or is located in the critical viewing area, a full windshield replacement will likely be required for safety reasons. Some auto glass companies have limits on the size and placement of cracks/chips they can repair.
Also, if there are any existing previous repairs or other compromised areas in the windshield, attempting to repair new damage nearby may not be effective or recommended. At that point, a complete replacement is the only proper solution.
The importance of using quality replacement glass and technicians cannot be overstated. While it may cost more upfront, having your windshield properly and securely installed is critical for protecting you and your passengers while driving. Cutting corners by using low-quality materials or shoddy installation practices is extremely risky and could void any warranties.
State Laws About Windshield Damage While Driving
In addition to presenting a clear safety risk, driving around with excessive windshield damage may actually be illegal in many states. Here’s an overview of some of the typical laws and regulations:
Critical Viewing Area Restrictions
The majority of states prohibit driving when there is any crack, chip, stuck object, or obstruction in the critical viewing area or area directly in the driver’s line of sight.
• This includes the sections of windshield directly in front of the steering wheel.
• Damages or obstructions can’t be larger than approximately 1 inch in diameter in this region.
Maximum Crack Size Limits
Some states spell out the maximum allowable length for any single crack in the windshield. Common limits are:
• No cracks over 12-14 inches long permitted
• No crack that extends across more than one area of the windshield (side to center, etc)
Aftermarket Repair Limitations
A few states don’t allow any aftermarket windshield repair at all, and require replacements to use OEM (original factory) windshield glass only.
• Missouri, South Carolina and New Hampshire have such laws on the books.
• Other states may allow aftermarket repairs but prohibit replacing OEM windshields with cheaper copies.
Obstructed View Laws
Most areas also have general laws prohibiting driving with any obstructed or limited view, which could apply to severe windshield cracking or damage that obscures visibility.
• Any damage that significantly reduces the driver’s ability to see could be grounds for a citation.
• Law enforcement can use discretion to determine if the damage creates an unsafe situation.
Fix-It Ticket Policies
Many states have instituted “fix-it ticket” policies for things like cracked windshields.
• Rather than an automatic fine, the driver receives a citation that can be dismissed by providing proof the windshield was repaired or replaced within a given timeframe, usually 30-60 days.
• This provides a grace period to take care of the problem without an immediate penalty.
• Tint, glazing, and other glass regulations may be enforced this way as well.
While penalties vary, getting pulled over for excessive windshield damage can often result in tickets ranging from $100 to $300 or more in many areas. So it’s wise to get repairs made promptly rather than risk fines.
Besides potential legal issues, there’s also the obvious safety risk of driving with a severely cracked windshield that could collapse at any time in an accident or impact. Don’t take that chance when windshield replacement is an affordable repair covered by most insurance policies.
How To Prevent Windshield Cracks and Damage?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. While you can’t always avoid windshield chips or cracks, you can take some proactive measures to minimize the risks and hopefully prevent major damage:
• Avoid driving in areas with excessive debris like on gravel roads if possible
• Don’t follow trucks or vehicles hauling loose rocks/gravel too closely
• Consider adding protective window film or glass coatings if in high risk areas
• Make windshield chip repairs promptly before they spread
• Avoid extreme temperature changes that could stress existing cracks or flaws
• Carefully clear heavy snow/ice buildup rather than knocking on the windshield
• Have any existing cracks or compromised areas replaced
Sometimes windshield chips and cracks are simply unavoidable, even for cautious drivers. But taking reasonable precautions and addressing small issues promptly can go a long way in preventing major windshield damage requiring full replacement or putting your safety at risk.
So in summary, while it may be tempting to continue driving with a cracked windshield, it’s never a good idea except for briefly getting to a repair shop if the damage is very minor. Even small cracks can rapidly spread and create hazardous driving conditions, obstruct your vision, reduce structural integrity, and potentially cause the entire windshield to shatter.
Getting prompt professional windshield repair or replacement is essential for your safety on the road, and is often covered by insurance policies. Don’t neglect that cracked windshield – get it fixed properly as soon as you can to avoid further risks and expenses. Your safety and that of others on the road depends on maintaining an unobstructed view while driving!
