Does Car Insurance Cover A Broken Window From Theft?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage.
Good news: if your car window gets broken during a theft, comprehensive coverage will take care of the damage.
Here’s what you need to know about car insurance and broken windows from theft.
TL;DR
- Comprehensive coverage handles broken windows from theft, but you’ll pay your deductible
- Extended glass coverage can lower or eliminate what you pay out-of-pocket for glass fixes, depending on your state
- You’ll usually need to file a police report to get your claim processed
- If someone steals stuff from your car after breaking the window, your renters or homeowners insurance might cover those items
How does car insurance cover a broken window from theft?
Car windows deal with a lot—falling branches, theft, vandalism. Here’s what coverage kicks in when someone smashes your window during a break-in:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage fixes or replaces damaged glass when something other than a collision causes the damage. Think theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting an animal. It covers up to your car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible (usually $100 to $1,000).
Extended glass coverage
Extended glass coverage is an add-on that cuts your out-of-pocket costs for glass repair or replacement—availability varies by state. With this coverage, you can often fix or replace windshields, side windows, or sunroofs with a much lower deductible, sometimes as little as $50 or even $0. Say replacing a windshield costs $400. With extended glass coverage and a $50 deductible, insurance covers the remaining $350.
With Lemonade Car, when you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you might be able to add extended glass coverage (depends on your state). Deductibles range from $0 to $50 and cover windshields, side windows, back windows, and sunroofs or moonroofs.
That’s pretty solid, considering windshield replacement can cost anywhere from $200 to over $1,500 for luxury cars with advanced features.
When does car insurance cover a broken window from theft?
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), vehicle thefts in the US fell 23% during the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. Theft rates are dropping, but they haven’t disappeared, and comprehensive coverage helps when your window gets broken during a theft.
Wondering where vehicle theft is still a problem? Check out the top ten states impacted in the first half of 2025:
| State | Theft Rate per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 373.09 |
| California | 178.01 |
| Nevada | 167.68 |
| New Mexico | 167.54 |
| Colorado | 149.04 |
| Missouri | 142.17 |
| Maryland | 136.48 |
| Texas | 123.83 |
| Alaska | 117.41 |
| Washington | 115.20 |
Picture this: you’re walking back to your car after dinner and find the driver’s side window smashed, radio gone. Comprehensive coverage would help cover the window repair costs for eligible incidents.
Say the window repair costs $600 and your comprehensive deductible is $250. For a covered claim, you’d pay $250, and your insurer covers the remaining $350.
Just remember: any personal stuff stolen from inside your car (laptop, phone, etc.) isn’t covered by car insurance. That usually falls under renters or homeowners insurance.
When is a broken window from theft not covered by car insurance?
Car insurance won’t cover a broken window from theft if you only have liability insurance. Why? Liability insurance doesn’t protect your car—it only covers damage or injuries you cause to others.
Here’s the scenario: you park overnight in a poorly lit area, and someone smashes your window to steal your stuff. With only liability coverage, you’re paying to fix that broken window yourself.
Negligence can also affect your coverage. Say you have comprehensive coverage but left a window down or a laptop visible in the passenger seat—basically making your car an easy target. If someone damages your windows during a theft, your insurer might deny the claim due to negligence.
What should I do if a thief breaks my car’s windows?
Finding shattered car windows after a break-in is stressful. Here’s how to handle it:
- Document everything: Take clear photos of the broken window and any other damage. You’ll need these for the police report and insurance claim.
- File a police report: Contact local police immediately with details about what happened and any stolen items. Get the police report number—you’ll likely need it for your claim.
- Secure your car: Cover the broken window with something sturdy (garbage bag, cardboard) to prevent more damage. If possible, move your car somewhere safe, like a private garage.
- File your claim: Contact your insurer as soon as you can to start the claims process.
At Lemonade, our digital claims process is designed to be quick and straightforward. Submit your claim through the app with help from our AI chatbot, Jim. If you have extended glass coverage and only need to file for broken glass, select “Glass damage only” during the process.
Answer a few questions, then tap the ‘Send details to Safelite’ button at the bottom. We’ll pass your info to our glass repair partner, Safelite.
Safelite will reach out directly to assess your car’s damage and arrange repairs.
Before we go…
Car break-ins are stressful, but comprehensive coverage means you don’t face repair costs alone. Adding extended glass coverage to your Lemonade policy cuts out-of-pocket expenses and gets you quick claims processing to get your car back in shape.
Ready to get started? Get your free quote today.
FAQs
Is a cracked or chipped window from vandalism covered by insurance?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, vandalism damage is covered after you pay your deductible.
Can I drive with a broken window?
You can technically drive with a broken window, but it’s not great. Rain or debris can get in your car, and depending on the damage, it might not be safe. Get it fixed as soon as you can to stay safe on the road and avoid any legal issues.
Can I repair the window myself and still file a claim?
Most insurers require you to use an approved repair center to make sure your claim gets covered properly. These centers meet their quality and pricing standards. File your claim first, then check which repair centers your insurer approves (or if you can pick your own) to avoid issues. At Lemonade, you can choose your own shop or use one we’ve had good experiences with.
Do I need to file a police report for all glass damage claims?
If the damage is from theft, vandalism, or an accident, you’ll need a police report. If your glass was damaged by natural events like hail or a falling tree branch, a police report usually isn’t required.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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