Drive long enough, and your windshield will get hit with gravel, sand, salt, or even a bird with a bad sense of direction. The impact will most likely crack or chip your windshield.
The question most people ask is whether they should ignore the problem, repair their windshield or replace it. The one thing you don’t want to do is ignore cracks and chips in your windshield.
Many chips and cracks can be safely repaired by trained professionals. However, it’s important to know when you should consider replacing a damaged windshield instead. Either way, you need to take care of your windshield to stay safe out on the road.
WINDSHIELD REPAIR
Small cracks and chips in your windshield can usually be repaired instead of going through the time and expense of a full replacement. Most professional repair companies can repair chips that are as big as a quarter and cracks up to three inches long. The important thing to remember is to get the repair done quickly. The bump of a bad pothole or sudden braking can cause the crack or chip to spread past the point where repair is an option.
Many Charlotte auto insurance policies include windshield repair or replacement. If you need to repair your windshield, contact your insurance agent to find out how your policy handles repairs.
WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT
Windshield replacement is the more expensive option but may be necessary in some situations. If your insurance policy covers replacement, depending on your policy, you may have to pay your deductible and the rest should be covered under your policy. Always check with your agent to be sure.
There are several instances when a replacement is the only option.
- Cracks or chips in the driver’s line of sight
- More than three chips or cracks in the windshield
- Damage at the edge of the windshield
- Old windshields
- Windshields covered with tiny pit marks from sand, gravel, or salt
Your ability to see clearly out of your windshield is something that should be taken seriously which means that sometimes, the only option is a replacement. It’s also important to know that the windshield of your car has important safety features. It’s made of three layers: glass, vinyl, glass. If you’re in an accident and the windshield shatters, the vinyl is what keeps the glass shards from going everywhere and causing more damage. Most windshields are also important for the structural integrity of your car. If not properly installed or weakened from too many cracks, the roof of your car could cave in on you in a bad accident.
Windshields are so important to your safety that you want to make sure only a professional company or dealership takes care of your windshield. Some companies will come to you, but they should all be licensed and insured with plenty of experience. Check reviews online and with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no major complaints against them.
If you need to know if your auto insurance covers windshield repair and replacement, contact us at Charlotte Insurance. We can help you understand your current policy or help you find one that fits your needs and your budget.