Broken Windshields: Repair or Replace?

So you've got a broken windshield. You have zero deductible on the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, so you're going to get the windshield replaced. Right? I mean, a repair may only cost 20 to 50 bucks, and the average windshield is between $300 to $500, so you want to get your moneys worth.

Hold on one minute. You may want to consider getting the windshield repaired. First, is the damage in the driver's direct line of vision? If it is, forget it - go straight to the repair. If it is not, it may be repairable. Is it a star crack? The size of a quarter or smaller? It may be repairable. Is it a regular crack? A crack up to a foot long may be repairable.

But why should you consider a repair? Many people are concerned with the integrity of the windshield. They don't want to break the factory seal. Rembember, the windshield is a structural component of the car. A new windshield may leak. Possibly. If the job is done professionally, the glass shops warranty their work. They'll do the job until it is done right. So either choice is correct. Which one are you most comfortable with?

Another thing to consider is the cost. Not everyone has a zero dollar deductible. For those who have a $100, $250, $500 or higher deductible, a repair is less expensive than replacing the windshield. The glass shops warranty their work, and if the repair does not work, they usually apply the cost of the repair to the cost of the replacement. If you have a low deductible, and you still opt for the repair, you are contributing to keeping down costs. That is good because that helps keep the cost of insurance down. Remember, it is a business.

So which one is it? Repair or replace? There are many instances where you don't have choice. The location or size of the damage dictate that you must replace the windshield. But sometimes the windshield can be repaired. I have seen repairs where you can't tell the glass was previously damaged. Tip. If you are considering having the windshield repaired, cover the crack with a piece of tape and get it repaired as soon as possible. The tape keeps dirt out of the area.

How Do I Get My Broken Windshield Fixed?

You are driving down the road making good time when all of a sudden BAM! you hear a sound as loud as a gunshot! You don't think you hit anything, there was nothing in the road. Then you see it. There is a two inch crack in the windshield over on the right side. Wonderful. And this month you need to get your car inspected. What are you supposed to do?

The comprehensive coverage in your automobile insurance policy will cover it. You will be required to pay your deductible, but the insurance will pay the remainder. Contact your insurance agent to make a claim and he will guide you through the process. Many insurance companies have a procedure in place with a number of glass shops where the shop will only charge the customer the deductible. They bill the insurance company for the rest. The insurance will reimburse you for the amount over the deductible if you have paid in full.

Many glass shops are now mobile and they will come to you. They can do the job at your home or they may even do it at your workplace. Of course you normally would be able to drop your vehicle off at the glass shop. But who do you choose to do the job?Many of the glass shops in your area can do it both efficiently and professionally. Ask your insurance agent for guidance. Maybe you've had to have your windshield replaced before. Were you satisfied with the work? Who have your friends and neighbors used in the past? Were they satisfied?

Now may be a time to review the deductibles on your policy. Did you have a $500 deductible and you got stuck paying for the whole windshield? Ouch! How much more would the insurance be for a lower deductible? Check with your agent. You may be surprised. Now that you've had some experience, would it be practical to change to a lower deductible? Is the deductible the same on all your vehicles? Have you recently purchased a new car and continued the same coverage you had on the old car? Or have you recently paid off the loan on your car and deleted coverages? Have your agent run the numbers for you. He'll be happy to compare the cost of different deductibles for you.