Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do I cover a broken car window with plastic wrap?

My car was broken into and the front window was smashed. I need a way to temporarily keep the weather out until I can get it fixed. How do I cover a broken car window with plastic wrap?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
So sorry to hear this! To cover a broken car window with plastic wrap, you’ll need masking tape and a high-density clear garbage bag.
When you’re ready, put on gloves and eye protection. Gently remove the remaining bits of glass from the window frame. It’s important that you prevent any pieces from flying off. Then, vacuum or sweep out the shards from the seat and the floor.
Here are the basic steps:
  • Cut a plastic rectangle to fit your window plus an extra ½-inch margin all around.
  • Cut two-inch pieces of tape and pre-stick them all around the window frame from the inside.
  • Sitting on the seat, begin affixing the plastic rectangle to the tape pieces by pulling the plastic taut and then attaching the tape.
  • Finally, go all the way around the edges of the plastic with extra-long strips of tape.
We do not recommend plastic wrap to cover a broken car window since it’s so flimsy. Instead, get a large, clear, high-density garbage bag. You can find these at most grocery stores. A clear bag allows you to see through the window somewhat, whereas black plastic or cardboard obscures your view.
You may want to
file a claim
to get help covering the cost of a window replacement.
If you have any
car insurance
questions, reach out to
Jerry
for help. Our friendly agents are just a text or phone call away, and the Jerry app can help you change your policy in an instant.
Good luck with your window!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings