We have all been there. You are driving down the highway, minding your own business, when all of a sudden you hear a loud “pop” that makes you jump in your seat. After a few moments of trying to figure out what part of your car just fell off, you notice it. As you try to see around the large crack right in front of you, all you can think about is how much a windshield replacement is going to cost.
That is where most people go wrong. While it can be a bit of an inconvenience, we all usually continue driving around without fixing it because we do not want to pay for a repair. However, like most maintenance issues, this will generally end up costing you more in the long run. If a rock decides to become best friends with your window, get it taken care of as soon as possible.
Depending on the size of the crack, you may be able to simply repair the glass without having to get the whole thing replaced. Most windshield replacement companies offer on-site repair services where a technician will come to you and patch it up. Not only is this a cheaper and more convenient alternative, but it is also eco-friendly. By taking care of the damage while it is still small enough to repair, you will avoid contributing to the local landfill. Glass takes an incredibly long time to decompose – around a million years. So get the little things fixed pronto to save some cash and the planet.
Sometimes though, the damage is just too severe. Maybe you are reading this article a little late, and you have let a small crack turn into a snaking obstruction across your entire front window. Thankfully, there are few other things to consider besides price when shopping around for windshield replacement.
Check Your Insurance
Depending on your coverage, your insurance may completely cover the cost of getting it replaced. If it is not totally paid for, you may receive a discount if you have comprehensive coverage. In some cases, your insurance company will waive your deductible if you qualify for a repair instead. It never hurts to ask, so speak to your insurance agent before getting any work done.
Auto Glass Safety Council
Did you even know such a thing existed? While some shops focus on the lowest price, since that is what most people are after, you need to make sure they follow all of the safety guidelines from the Auto Glass Safety Council. Don’t take the cheap way out if it means you could be left with a less-than-safe installation. Check the credentials of whomever you decide to use.
Quality
Again, some shops will try to lower their prices by providing less than the best in terms of quality. You do not want to be left with glass that is going to break even more easily next time, or worse, an adhesive that isn’t going to hold firmly. Consult your manufacturer’s recommendations for these materials and be sure your service technician is using the same.
If you are in need of a windshield replacement, please take care of it immediately. There is no good reason to leave it unattended and let it grow into an even bigger problem.