A window just broke — what should I do right now?
Insurance & Emergencies · Answered by Lake Tahoe Glass, the CA shore’s glass shop.
The short answer
Keep people and pets away, put on real shoes, photograph everything before touching it, don't pull shards from the frame, tape cardboard over small openings, and call us — Mon–Fri 9–5 we can usually board up the same day.
The full picture
In order: (1) Clear the area — kids and pets away, closed-toe shoes on; glass travels absurdly far. (2) Photograph everything before cleanup — the break, the room, whatever caused it. Your insurer will want this, and it takes two minutes. (3) Leave shards in the frame alone — pulling embedded glass is the classic ER visit; that's our job with the right gloves and tools. (4) Sweep floors, then dab tape or a damp paper towel to lift slivers a broom leaves behind.
For the opening: cardboard or plywood taped over small breaks keeps weather and critters out overnight. This being Tahoe, treat an open ground-floor pane seriously — an open slider or kitchen window with food smells behind it is a bear invitation, and they know it.
Then call (530) 544-5884. During business hours (Mon–Fri 9–5) a call by early afternoon usually means same-day board-up or temporary glazing, and the permanent, altitude-built glass ordered before we leave. After hours, secure it as above and send photos through the form — you're first in line at 9am.
Every house and pane has its wrinkles — a two-minute call gets you a straight answer for yours, and estimates are always free: (530) 544-5884. Or send photos with the form for a same-business-day ballpark.
Related questions
People also ask
Does homeowners insurance cover broken windows?
Sudden, accidental damage — storms, falling limbs, vandalism, break-ins, wildlife — is typically covered, minus your deductible. Gradual failure (fogged seals, wear) is not. Photograph everything before cleanup; we provide adjuster-ready documentation. Full answer →
Will insurance pay to fix my foggy windows?
Almost never — seal failure is classed as gradual wear/maintenance, which homeowners policies exclude. The good news: IGU-only replacement costs far less than people fear, and we'll quote it free. Full answer →
A bear broke into our Tahoe house through a window or slider — now what?
Make sure it's gone (loud noise from a safe spot), don't corner it, photograph the damage, then board up fast — an opening plus food smells invites a return visit. Insurance typically treats bear break-ins as covered sudden damage. Laminated glass is the smart rebuild. Full answer →
Straight answers from the shop with the lake in its name.
What neighbors say
Tahoe Neighbors, In Their Own Words
“Garrett is the best glass guy I have ever used. He installed a shower door enclosure for me that is top quality work. Extremely fair pricing as well. Thank you Lake Tahoe Glass.”
“Garrett and Heather were an absolute gift. He went above and beyond to help me and did great work! 10/10! HIGHLY recommend!”
“Lake Tahoe Glass did all of the custom shower enclosures in my home — beautiful work! Their prices are good and the customer service is excellent. I will use Garrett and his guys for future projects.”
Hand-picked from our public Google and Yelp profiles — every review, unfiltered, lives at the links below.
Broken glass right now? Keep people clear and don’t pull shards from the frame. Call for a free estimate — or send photos and get a same-business-day ballpark.
☎ (530) 544-5884Free estimate
Send Photos, Get a Ballpark
Fastest answer is the shop line — (530) 544-5884 (Mon–Fri 9–5). Prefer to write? Two or three photos with rough size, and requests in by early afternoon usually get a same-business-day ballpark.
Clear as the Lake — Starting With the Estimate.
Free estimates · Licensed & insured · Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · 2621 Lake Tahoe Blvd