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Replacement or repair - Which is the better option

Some states, like Kentucky, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Florida (among others), are considered zero deductible states. This means that if you have insurance more comprehensive than liability, the insurance company will pay for a new windshield altogether without you having to pay for it at all. Though this may seem like the best option any time you have a crack, it is not quite that simple.

Though your insurance company might cover the cost, it is up to them to determine whether or not that will constitute the need to raise your rates. Some say that it is not an at fault issue and the rates should not go up, but ultimately it is up to the company that just had to pay about $300-$400 to replace your windshield whether or not they want to get more money from you.

Also, it might be better to hang onto the option of replacing the windshield until you truly need it. Most insurance companies that will replace your windshield have a limit as to how many times you can do that without having to pay. Usually it is just once. This is important if you have just had your windshield replaced and happen to get another chip or crack. If the crack is too large or in a bad place, and it cannot be repaired, the windshield would then have to be replaced. Then the $300-$400 cost of a new windshield is paid by you.

Because the cost of repairing a windshield, compared to replacing it, is much cheaper most insurance companies will cover it at no cost to you. So those that do not live in a zero deductible state might still be able to get rid of the damage without paying. For those that do live in a zero deductible state, the odds of your rate going up should be lowered considerably when your insurance company is paying for a much less expensive fix.

Waiting to decide is a decision

When deciding whether or not to get the window repaired or replaced, the extent of the damage is an important factor. If the crack starts or ends at the edge of the windshield, it cannot be repaired. If the chip is larger than a 50 cent piece, most repair services will not repair it. Cracks longer than six inches are generally considered to be structurally unstable to be able to repair safely. Cracks and chips in glass are very susceptible to the environment; weather and vibrations can worsen the damage. If you wait too long the decision will be made for you and you will be forced to replace the windshield.

What about safety?

Auto glass repair has been around since the 1970s. It was during this decade that it was invented. It was also during this same decade that insurance companies took notice of the merits of auto window repair. It is now an art that has been perfected and is very safe. Most services will offer guarantees on their work. Most services also will not repair a crack if it touches any edge of the window or exceeds a certain size. This is for safety concerns.

Additionally, many insurance companies work with specific glass repair companies. It is considered a very safe procedure and if auto glass repairs presented any sort of major safety concern the many companies that offer the services would not only not be working with insurance companies, but additionally would be on the receiving end of a slue of lawsuits.

When dealing with a crack or a chip in the windshield of your car, the best route is to have it repaired when that option is available. This will save money and still give you the option of having your window replaced down the road if you have a crack or chip that cannot be repaired. It is also just as safe a procedure as having the window replaced altogether so there is no sacrifice in safety that would incline someone not to simply repair it. Whether you are going through your insurance company to have any damage to your window repaired or simply paying for it yourself, it is more beneficial to repair it when possible.

If your windshield has suffered damage repairing it is a must, however you should know more details on how the insurance companies handle this issue before taking your car to a certain repair company.