The short answer is no; driving with a cracked windshield is unsafe, especially if the damage to your windshield blocks your view of the road. It’s common to have a rock or another object hit your windshield, especially if you drive on a highway or a gravel road. However, it’s important to get your windshield fixed or replaced. At MAIF Insurance Online, your Maryland auto insurance provider, we want you to stay safe on the road, and we want you to be insured if you experience damage to your car.
Can You Drive With a Broken Windshield?
Whether you should continue driving your vehicle depends on the break’s position and size in your car’s windshield. If the crack is at the perimeter of your windshield, keep an eye on it, and call an auto shop if it worsens or blocks your sight when driving.
While Maryland does not have specific laws against driving with a cracked windshield, driving with too large or dangerous of a break in your windshield can cause problems. If you notice a small crack in your windshield that has slowly worsened over time, or if there is a large obstruction in your view due to your broken windshield, you need it fixed. Damage to your windshield can increase your risk of causing an accident, putting yourself and others in danger.
Options for Fixing a Broken Windshield
If you have a small crack in your windshield, you can contact an auto shop for a repair. However, if you have multiple cracks in your windshield, if the placement of the crack is directly in your line of sight, or if the damage to your windshield is extensive, you will need a windshield replacement.
A broken windshield may be covered by comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance can cover the cost of damage to your vehicle when you aren’t in an accident. If you are financing or leasing a vehicle, you likely already have comprehensive insurance. You may have to pay a deductible from zero to $2,000, depending on your insurance company. If you are uninsured, you may have to pay more and may avoid having your windshield repaired, even if it makes it difficult to drive safely.
Make Sure You’re Covered with MAIF
Drivers who drive uninsured and are at fault in an accident end up paying more in the long run for repairs or bills. Even with insurance, drivers with a crack or break that impedes their view will be found at fault if they get into an accident. Repairing damage to your vehicle and getting car insurance is your best bet for protecting yourself and others. We offer multiple types of insurance, from liability to comprehensive auto insurance.
Make sure you’re covered in the event of damage to your vehicle. If you do not have car insurance or are looking for a different type of insurance for your vehicle, contact MAIF Insurance Online at 301.476.4887. You can also receive a free car insurance quote on our website.