What to Do If Your Car’s Rear Windshield Shatters

Posted on: Jun 4, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What to Do If Your Car’s Rear Windshield Shatters

The sudden shattering of your car’s rear windshield can be alarming. Whether it’s due to an accident, flying debris, or a defect, knowing what to do is crucial. First, ensure safety, then check if your car insurance policy covers the damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling the situation.

What to Do if Your Car’s Rear Windshield Shatters?

A shattered rear windshield can be unexpected and dangerous, but knowing the right steps can help you stay safe and prevent further damage. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety First

The moment your car’s rear windshield shatters, focus on staying safe.

• Pull Over Immediately –

If the incident occurs while driving, slow down and park in a safe location.

• Check for Injuries –

Assess yourself and your passengers for cuts or bruises from glass fragments. Seek medical help if needed.

• Avoid Touching the Glass –

The broken edges can be sharp, so avoid handling them directly.

2. Secure the Vehicle

A broken rear windshield exposes your car to weather damage and theft. Take these steps to protect it:

• Remove Loose Glass –

Wear gloves and carefully clear shattered pieces from the car’s interior and exterior. Use a broom or vacuum to pick up smaller shards.

• Cover the Opening –

Use a plastic sheet, tarp, or strong adhesive tape to temporarily seal the rear windshield.

• Clean the Area –

Sweep or vacuum glass from the ground to prevent injuries.

3. Assess the Damage

Before deciding on repairs, evaluate the situation:

• Check if the Car is Drivable –

If visibility is compromised or glass fragments pose a hazard, do not drive.

•

Look for Signs of Break-In

– If vandalism is suspected, take photos and report the incident to the police.

• Review Your Insurance Coverage –

Contact your provider to check if your car insurance policy covers windshield replacement.

4. Temporary Fixes for a Shattered Rear Windshield

If you cannot get immediate professional help, consider these temporary solutions:

• Plastic Covering –

Secure a plastic sheet over the opening with duct tape.

• Heavy-Duty Tape –

Use masking tape to hold any remaining glass in place.

• Drive Carefully –

Avoid rough roads and high speeds to prevent further damage.

• Adjust Side Mirrors –

This helps compensate for reduced rear visibility.

5. Professional Repair and Replacement

Since rear windshields are made of tempered glass, they cannot be repaired and require full replacement.

• Contact an Auto Glass Specialist –

Find a trusted service provider to install a new windshield and ensure it includes a wiper for clear visibility.

Conclusion

Rear windshields are tempered glass designed to shatter into small, rounded pieces upon impact. This reduces the risk of serious injuries but makes repairs impossible—replacement is the only option. Always check if your car insurance policy covers the costs of replacement.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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