Can You Ship or Tow a Car With a Broken Window?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Yes, in general — a car with a broken window can be shipped or towed, but tell the carrier, cover the opening, remove loose glass and note the damage on the condition report. Open trailers expose the cabin to weather, so a covered opening matters more on a long haul than a short tow.
Preparing a car with broken glass for transport
A few minutes of prep protects the interior and keeps the carrier happy.
- 1
Tell the carrier upfront
The transport company needs to know about the broken glass before pickup so they can plan for it and note it on the condition report.
- 2
Vacuum the loose glass
Tempered side glass breaks into small pieces that settle into the seats and door panels; clear them so they do not spread during transit.
- 3
Cover the opening
Tape heavy plastic or a board over the missing window to keep rain, dust and road debris out of the cabin.
- 4
Photograph everything
Document the existing damage and your temporary cover before the car leaves, so the condition at delivery is easy to compare.
- 5
Note it on the bill of lading
The condition report is the record both sides rely on; make sure the broken window is written on it before you sign.
What to think about for the trip
- Open versus enclosed trailer — an enclosed trailer protects the cabin from weather; an open one exposes a covered window to rain and grit.
- Distance and season — a short tow in dry weather is forgiving; a cross-country haul in winter is not.
- Loose interior parts — remove valuables and anything the wind could carry out through the opening.
- The forward camera — if the windshield is the broken pane, note whether recalibration will be needed after a replacement.
Towing versus shipping with broken glass
| Situation | What to watch | How to handle it |
|---|---|---|
| Short local tow | Weather and loose glass | Cover the opening and vacuum the glass; a short tow in dry weather is low-risk |
| Open-trailer transport | Rain, dust and road grit | Seal the opening firmly and choose enclosed transport if the cabin must stay dry |
| Enclosed transport | Shifting cargo | Secure loose interior items; the cabin is protected from weather but not from movement |
| Windshield broken | Camera and structural integrity | Plan for a replacement and recalibration after delivery; see what gets recalibrated |
Whatever the method, the condition report is the document that protects you — get the damage on it before the car moves.
Replace the glass after delivery, not before transport
A fresh windshield is safest installed at the destination, because transport vibration and loading ramps are no friend to a urethane bond that is still curing. Have the glass replaced once the car has arrived, and leave the safe drive-away period for after that job.
More questions about shipping and towing with broken glass
Can a towing company tow a car with a broken windshield?
Yes, a car with damaged glass can be towed. Tell the tow operator about the glass, and cover the opening if the tow is long or the weather is bad.
Will a transport company take a car with a broken window?
Most will, once they know about it and it is noted on the condition report. Some prefer the glass be covered before pickup, so ask when you book.
Should I replace the windshield before shipping the car?
Generally no. A replacement needs its cure time, and transport vibration stresses a fresh bond. Replace the glass at the destination instead.
Does insurance cover glass broken during transport?
It depends on the carrier’s coverage and your own policy. Read the transport agreement and check with your insurer before the car moves — see whether insurance covers a broken window.
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