Just went through this a couple of days ago. Wife dropped and shattered her 928, and was told by the Verizon people that nothing was backed up on a Windows phone. Sigh... After she called me freaking out, I told her that Windows Phone 8 backs up almost everything automatically if you configured with an MS account. After straightening out the issue that VZ tech support caused when they activated a temp phone she was using to my phone number (I was travelling for work and suddenly had no phone service...but that is a long and sad story...) I activated her 928 replacement, and everything was restored. Most apps, email account (asked for password the first time), contacts, texts, etc. Had her back up and running in about 15 minutes from opening the box, including putting on a screen protector and new armored case. I know this, because she and our girls were literally in the car, heading to the airport as I handed the completed phone to her. :grin:
I still am not sure if all three backup options (apps+settings, text messages, and photos+videos) are turned on by default, but I believe they are.
BTW, you still should be able to connect the damaged phone to your PC via USB cable and retrieve files stored there. Your OS should detect it as a removable HD.
Regards,
Gary