What to Do When Your Car Windshield Gets Hit by Another Vehicle?
4 Answers
When struck by a stone, the front windshield may develop a bullseye or radial crack pattern, typically without being fully penetrated or shedding fragments. Park and inspect the damage. If you have separate glass coverage, you can drive directly to a repair shop for damage assessment and replacement of a new windshield.
I've been through this situation. First, make sure to safely pull over to the side of the road and don't block traffic. Immediately turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights to alert others. Get out of the car and carefully check the extent of the crack on the windshield. If it's a small crack, you can drive temporarily, but if it's shattered, you should call a tow truck or hitch a ride to avoid injuries from falling debris or putting yourself in danger. Quickly take out your phone to take photos documenting the damage location, the other party's license plate number if it's still visible, and it's best to also capture the surrounding environment. If the other party fled, don't panic—call the police immediately to report the incident and describe what happened for official documentation. Then contact your insurance company to report the accident; they can help track down the responsible party to claim repair costs. I recommend going to a professional shop to repair the windshield as soon as possible to prevent the crack from expanding and becoming harder to fix. The cost is usually covered by insurance. Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving to reduce similar risks.
When I first got my driver's license, my car window got cracked by a flying stone—it was really startling, but I forced myself to stay calm. After moving the car to a safe spot, I carefully checked the size and location of the crack. The other driver had stopped, so I got out and politely asked for their contact details, taking photos of their license and insurance documents to prevent any denial of responsibility. If the other party had been confrontational or fled, I would have photographed their license plate and the scene before calling the police. Then, I immediately reported the incident to my insurance company, who guided me through the next steps. For the repair, I went to a trusted auto shop where they professionally sealed the crack—cost-effective and durable. Staying calm throughout the process was crucial, and I learned that keeping a phone mount in the car is handy for quick photos in emergencies.
I've dealt with this kind of situation many times, so I know to be meticulous and prioritize safety. Park on the roadside and carefully inspect the glass damage: if it's a small crack, you can temporarily seal it with transparent tape to prevent spreading, but if it's shattered, you must stop driving. Immediately take photos of the scene and the other party's license plate if it's still there. If they fled, I'd note the vehicle model and report it to the police to keep a record. Contact the insurance company to check the policy's deductible and decide the next step—for minor issues, I'd find a roadside shop for low-cost repairs, but for a big hole, I'd file a comprehensive claim. For repairs, it's recommended to go to a professional glass shop; don't DIY to avoid worsening the damage. For daily parking, stay away from large trucks to reduce the risk of flying gravel.
