If a stone or some other small piece of road debris cracks your windshield, it may be possible to fix it with the following household items—packing tape, super glue, or clear nail polish—as long as you catch the damage early on. If the damage is severe, however, it is recommended you have it professionally repaired or replaced.
If you regularly drive, chances are you’ll have to deal with a cracked or chipped windshield at some point. After all, it’s not exactly uncommon for small rocks to be kicked up by a vehicle’s back tires. But if the damage is relatively minor, it may not be worth getting the glass professionally repaired—and you may be able to fix the crack yourself.
Getting a cracked windshield professionally repaired or replaced can be expensive—that’s why licensed car insurance
comparison app
and broker Jerry
has put together this guide detailing three different ways to temporarily fix a cracked windshield with household items. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How to fix a cracked windshield with household items
Whether it’s caused by a rock flung up by the vehicle in front of you or a freak hailstorm, a cracked windshield can be an incredibly frustrating experience—especially if the damage isn’t enough to warrant a full professional fix.
But doing nothing isn’t a great option either, as it will allow the crack to worsen over time, in which case you’ll definitely have to pay to get the windshield professionally replaced. Fortunately, there are a few methods for dealing with a cracked windshield using everyday household items—we’ve outlined a few of the best below.
Packing tape
It might not seem like it, but clear packing tape is actually one of the best—and easiest—ways to temporarily fix a cracked windshield. To do so, follow the instructions below.
Use 0000-grade steel wool to clean the glass around the crack. This will ensure the surface is as clean and free of dirt as possible, allowing the tape to better adhere to the windshield.
Apply a strip of clear packing tape over the cracked area. You should only need one strip of tape, as any large cracks should be professionally repaired immediately.
Firmly press down on the tape to adhere it to the glass. Make sure it is lying as flat as possible.
Super glue
Similarly, super glue can be used to temporarily repair a cracked windshield. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Thoroughly clean the area around the cracked glass. Take care not to get any cleaning liquid into the crack. Let the area dry before proceeding.
Use scissors to cut off the tip of your super glue, and then apply a small amount to the affected area.
Take a cotton swab and spread the glue to fill the entire crack. You’ll need to do this quickly before it starts to dry.
Allow the glue to set up and dry for the next few hours. Once dry, use glue remover to clean up any excess.
For added protection, it’s recommended to put a clear strip of packing tape over the crack once the glue has dried.
Clear nail polish
Our last—and least reliable—method of repairing a cracked windshield at home is to use clear nail polish as a temporary filler material. If you decide to go with this method, you’ll need to:
Park your vehicle underneath a shaded area. This will ensure the nail polish doesn’t dry too fast.
Clean the area around the crack or chip, taking care not to get any fluid into the crack. Allow the area to dry completely.
Use the nail polish applicator to apply an ample coat of clear nail polish into the crack. Make sure the polish is even with the glass.
Move your vehicle back into the sun and allow the nail polish to dry for a few hours.
Cover the nail polish-filled crack with a strip of clear packing tape.
Key Takeaway Remember, none of these DIY fixes with household items are meant to be permanent—you should always have a cracked or chipped windshield professionally repaired as soon as possible. If you can locate one, try to find a shop that uses resin injection to repair the cracked glass.
Does car insurance cover a cracked windshield?
A basic car insurance policy, or one with liability coverage
only, will not cover a cracked or broken windshield. However, this doesn't mean your car insurance policy can’t cover glass damage—you’ll just have to pay extra for this type of coverage. If you upgrade your insurance policy to include comprehensive coverage
, you can rely on your insurance company to cover a cracked windshield, minus your deductible. Some companies also offer a $0 deductible or full glass coverage, so check with your insurer if you’re interested. How to save money on car insurance
If you want your car insurance to cover a cracked or broken windshield, you’ll need to add comprehensive coverage to your plan—make sure you’re getting the best deal possible by using Jerry
. As the nation’s #1 licensed car insurance
comparison app and broker, Jerry makes finding affordable rates easier than ever, saving the average user $800+ a year on their car insurance payments. All you have to do is download the app, fill out a short questionnaire, and Jerry will start comparing dozens of quotes from trusted insurance companies to find you the best deals on the market.
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makes choosing new insurance as easy as grocery shopping. Even though I had a car accident within the past 2 years, Jerry found me a great deal with Nationwide–I went from paying $340 to $90 a month!”—Pan N.
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