Should you replace the windshield after an accident?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
After any airbag deployment or a front-end impact, the windshield and its urethane bond should be inspected even if the glass looks whole. A collision can loosen the bond or hide stress cracks. The body shop and insurer usually handle the glass within the collision claim, so flag it early.
What to check after an accident
- Whether any airbags deployed, since that puts load on the glass and the bond.
- Whether the glass cracked, even away from the direct impact point.
- Whether the windshield moldings or trim shifted, which can signal a disturbed bond.
- Whether the camera behind the mirror moved, which can mean the bracket or glass shifted.
Signs the windshield was damaged in the crash
- A new crack or star break anywhere on the glass
- Impact or body flex during the collision stressed the glass enough to fracture it.
- Wind noise that was not there before the crash
- The urethane bond may have loosened, which weakens both the seal and the structural support.
- A driver-assist warning light after the hit
- The camera behind the glass may have shifted and need recalibration, or the glass may need replacing first.
How the glass fits the collision claim
When the windshield damage came from the collision, it is usually handled within the collision claim rather than a separate glass claim. The body shop inspects the glass and the bond as part of the repair, and the insurer covers what the policy allows. Tell the shop and the adjuster about the glass early so it is not missed.
If the airbag deployed, the windshield should be inspected even if it looks intact. The deployment force can stress the bond or the glass in ways that are not visible from the seat.
More questions about windshields after an accident
Does a windshield need replacing after a crash?
Not always, but it should be inspected. A collision can loosen the urethane bond or hide stress cracks even when the glass looks whole. If the airbag deployed, the glass and bond should be checked before the vehicle is driven.
Can a collision loosen a windshield?
Yes. Body flex and impact can disturb the urethane bond, which shows up as wind noise or a leak that was not there before. A loose bond weakens the structural support the glass gives the roof and the airbag.
The airbag cracked my windshield — is that normal?
It can happen. A deploying airbag carries enough force to crack or push out a windshield that was already damaged or poorly bonded. The glass and bond should be inspected after any deployment.
Related guides
More in Safety and the law
- Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?
- How does a windshield protect you in a crash?
- Does a cracked windshield affect the airbags?
- Can you sell or trade in a car with a cracked windshield?
- What should you do if your windshield cracks while driving?
- Is a cracked windshield worse at night or in the rain?
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