If you find a smashed car window, move to a safe place, document the damage from outside, contact police, and notify your insurer if you plan to make a claim. If the airbag is missing or the steering wheel or wiring appears damaged, do not drive the vehicle until a qualified repair professional has assessed it. Replacing the glass alone does not restore the airbag system.

This guide is for drivers in Glen Burnie, Odenton, Crofton, and nearby Anne Arundel County communities who need to decide what to do next after a vehicle break-in.

Why local Honda owners should check more than the window

On September 8, 2026, FOX45 reported that Anne Arundel County Police had warned Honda owners about airbag thefts involving smashed vehicle windows. The report described seven vehicles targeted in one night along Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton and also named Glen Burnie and Crofton. Read the September 2026 FOX45 report.

If your window is broken, look for visible damage from a safe position outside the vehicle. Do not touch an opened steering wheel, loose wiring, or damaged airbag components.

1. Stay safe and document the damage

If a theft is in progress or anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 and keep your distance. Otherwise, contact Anne Arundel County Police through its non-emergency reporting process and follow the instructions you receive.

Before cleaning up, take photos of the damaged window, glass inside and around the car, any visible steering-wheel damage, and other affected areas. Record the location and approximate time you discovered the damage. Tell police if other vehicles nearby were also affected, and ask for the incident or report number.

Avoid sitting in a seat covered with glass or reaching through the broken opening. Ask police whether anything should be left undisturbed before arranging cleanup.

2. Separate glass damage from airbag and steering-system damage

A missing driver's airbag removes an important part of the vehicle's crash-protection system. Airbags supplement seat belts; replacing a side window does not repair the restraint system or any steering-wheel damage.

If an airbag is missing, the steering wheel has been forced open, wiring is exposed, or a restraint-system warning appears after the break-in, arrange an assessment by a qualified dealer or repair facility. Ask whether towing is needed.

NHTSA advises owners to use qualified repair facilities for airbag work and warns about dangerous replacement airbag components. Read NHTSA's airbag safety information.

Glow Auto Glass handles the damaged glass. Airbag and steering-system repairs need to be coordinated with a facility qualified to perform that work.

3. Ask your insurer about the whole incident

If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, theft and vandalism damage may be covered, subject to the policy, deductible, exclusions, and claim approval. Comprehensive coverage is different from collision coverage. The Maryland Insurance Administration explains that comprehensive coverage usually includes events such as theft and vandalism.

When you contact your insurer, ask:

How will the broken glass, stolen airbag, steering-system damage, and towing be handled?
Will these repairs fall under one claim, and what deductible applies?
Do you need a police report number, photos, or a repair estimate?
What is the process for using my preferred glass shop and a separate airbag repair facility?
Should any repairs wait for an inspection or authorization?

Compare the deductible with the total covered damage, not just the window price. An airbag theft can involve more than a glass replacement, so ask how the full loss will be handled before deciding to pay for individual repairs privately. See our auto glass insurance information for help preparing your glass-service questions.

4. Protect the parked vehicle while arranging repairs

An open window leaves the interior exposed to weather and further theft. Ask your insurer or repair professional about securing the vehicle and arranging a temporary weather cover while it is parked. A temporary cover does not restore the window's strength, security, or normal operation and does not make a damaged vehicle safe to drive.

Do not attach tape directly to painted surfaces or try to operate a window with loose glass in the opening. Leave glass embedded in seals, the door, or damaged components for the technician to assess.

5. Confirm the correct side glass and replacement plan

Side windows can use different glass constructions. Some vehicles have tempered side glass; others have laminated or acoustic glass. Honda's own technical guidance on acoustic side glass describes laminated construction on certain Honda and Acura models. The replacement should match the vehicle's VIN, trim, and glass specification.

Before booking side window replacement, ask the shop to explain:

Which glass part and specification fit your vehicle.
How accessible broken glass will be removed from the cabin and door as needed.
Whether the window regulator, motor, seals, or trim need further repair.
How window operation and fit will be checked after installation.
Whether mobile service is practical or the vehicle should be brought to the shop.

What does side window replacement cost at Glow Auto Glass?

Typical side window replacement at Glow Auto Glass costs $220–$450. Your final quote depends on vehicle details, door versus quarter glass, laminated or acoustic options, and damage to the regulator or other components. Airbag and steering-system repairs are separate from this glass estimate.

For a vehicle-specific price, send your year, make, model, VIN if available, which window is damaged, and a photo. You can also read our side window replacement cost answer.

Local glass service in Glen Burnie, Odenton, and Crofton

Glow Auto Glass is based at 512 Crain Hwy N Ste 17, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. We offer in-shop glass service and mobile side window replacement in nearby communities, including Odenton and Crofton, when the location, weather, parking, and condition of the vehicle allow a suitable work area.

Call to confirm the correct glass, available appointments, and whether mobile service fits the job. Same-day scheduling depends on parts and technician availability. If the vehicle also needs airbag or steering-system repairs, coordinate the glass appointment with that repair plan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive after my car window is smashed?

Do not assume the vehicle is safe just because it starts. Remaining glass, visibility, window operation, and any additional damage need to be assessed. If an airbag is missing or steering-system damage is suspected, arrange professional assessment and towing as needed before driving.

Does insurance cover a smashed window and stolen airbag?

Comprehensive coverage may cover theft and vandalism damage, subject to your policy and deductible. Report the full incident and ask how glass, airbag damage, other repairs, and towing will be handled.

Do I need a police report before filing a claim?

Report the theft to police and ask for the incident number. Your insurer may request that number, photos, or other documentation. Ask the insurer what is needed rather than delaying contact while waiting for a completed report.

Can Glow Auto Glass replace the window where my car is parked?

Mobile side window service may be available when the correct glass is in stock and the location and conditions are suitable. Tell us if an airbag was stolen or the car cannot be moved so we can discuss the glass-service plan.

Does a new window fix damage from an airbag theft?

It repairs the glass opening only. A qualified repair facility must assess and address missing airbags, restraint-system faults, and steering-system damage separately.

Need help with a smashed car window? Call Glow Auto Glass at (443) 410-4224 or request a free quote. Send your vehicle details and a damage photo so we can confirm the glass and discuss scheduling.

Car Window Smashed in Anne Arundel County? What to Do Next