Having a rock shoot from under another driver’s tire and hit your windshield while driving is scary and frustrating. For some, the rock causes a crack, which can put a damper on anyone’s day—especially if you don’t know what to do if a rock hits your windshield.
We’ll go through the steps you’ll need to take after your windshield is cracked by a rock or another object, as options differ depending on what state you live in and what insurance coverage you have.
What should I do after windshield damage?
It’s crucial to treat your automobile carefully until you get expert auto glass repairs to prevent the fracture from spreading. External pressure, concussive pressures, and quick temperature changes can all widen the break over your whole windshield in an instant.
Close doors gently and carefully to reduce concussive forces. To avoid fast temperature swings, park in the shade and avoid using heat and air conditioning. To prevent external pressure, postpone car washes like drive-through car wash machines.
You can continue your usual activities without worrying about the integrity of your vehicle glass once you’ve had your windshield fixed or replaced by a professional.
Find a Professional to Replace Your Windshield
Finding a professional to replace your windshield is one of the smartest things you can do because they understand auto body damages and repairing techniques.
Professional auto glass installers can also offer pricing quotes over the phone quickly and efficiently, so take advantage of this by phoning several local businesses for comparison. Remove the lowest and highest quotes, and then choose the optimal mix of quality and value from the remaining bids.
Always read current reviews to ensure that the car glass business has a positive reputation among previous and present consumers. Before taking your car down to the shop, phone ahead to make an appointment.
Should I call a mobile windshield professional?
Existing regulations in most states prohibit driving with dents or cracks in your windshield, and for a good reason. Since windshield damage reduces sight, you’re more likely to collide with road barriers, pedestrians, and other cars.
Suppose your car is involved in an accident. In that case, an intact windshield can help your vehicle maintain its rigid structure, reducing the risk of injury to you and your passengers.
Does car insurance cover windshield damage?
Windshield damage claims are usually covered under the comprehensive insurance part of your vehicle insurance policy. Theft, fire, flood, hail, falling items, and animal collisions are all covered under this form of insurance.
If you have a car loan, comprehensive insurance is usually needed.
Is a deductible required for a windshield claim?
A deductible, or the amount you’ll pay out of pocket if you submit a claim, is usually included with comprehensive insurance. Typical deductible amounts range from $250 to $1,000.
Some insurance carriers provide complete glass coverage or a no-deductible glass replacement option independent of your comprehensive deductible.
Is it true that filing a glass claim would increase my insurance rates?
Your insurance company will determine if a glass claim may affect your future auto insurance premiums.
A glass claim to repair or replace your windshield should, in most cases, have no effect on your auto insurance rates. However, if you have many glass claims in a short time, it may affect your renewal rates.
If you wish to transfer insurance carriers, a history of frequent automobile insurance claims may come back to haunt you because insurers often view multiple claims as a higher risk, which might result in higher rates.
So while using your auto insurance to lower repair and maintenance costs, it can make your monthly premium higher and increase your expenses in the long run.