Imagine driving home on a beautiful day, and you’re enjoying the summer breeze in your hair through the open window. Then, all of a sudden, a rock flies up from the vehicle in front of you, and it smashes straight into the middle of your windshield, causing a huge chip.
Great.
What should you do now?
How to Handle Glass Damage to Your Vehicle
Glass damage to the window or windshield of a vehicle is common. That’s why some insurance companies offer what’s called Full Glass Coverage, which takes care of the full cost of a windshield replacement without a deductible. You would pay extra for this coverage. This is generally available once a year.
It’s good to have Full Glass Coverage. But even if you don’t, most Comprehensive Coverage will take care of a glass claim as well. Unfortunately, this will generally be subject to a deductible.
At the same time, remember that premiums may go up with glass claims.
Repairing a Broken Windshield
For decades, windshield replacement was not generally seen as an expensive service. It might cost an average of $150 to replace a broken or shattered windshield. With the advent of new features, technology, and extras, however, the price of windshields has risen significantly. Certain windshields come outfitted with light sensors, embedded tinting, rain sensors, antenna moldings, and more.
Contact your agent to find a glass company in your area.
4 Ways to Avoid a Windshield Break
1. Stay off dirt roads and shoulders
The shoulder of the road and dirt roads contain gravel and rocks that can easily fly up and hit your windows or windshield. This is especially likely if you drive fast on these surfaces. If you have no choice and must travel on a dirt road or the shoulder of the road, take it slow.
2. Be wary of semis
Semis on the road is a common cause of windshield cracks and chips. Many of the largest semis have double wheels, meaning they kick up twice the road debris. Even if they have mud flaps, these flaps are often broken, which means rocks and other objects will fly out at great speeds and with great prevalence.
Keep your distance from semis to avoid these problems. Passing them as soon as possible is advised, but if you must stay behind one, just put a lot of distance between you and the truck.
3. Watch out for vehicles hauling materials
Whether a semi or a regular pickup, if you see a vehicle on the road that’s hauling a large quantity of some material (rocks, pebbles, dirt, gravel, produce, etc.), stay as far away as possible.
4. Keep an eye on the weather
If you live in Wisconsin, you already know that year-round, the weather can be unpredictable. To avoid related chips (from hail or a bad storm) or stress cracks (from a sudden change in temperature), keep an eye on your local weather and shelter your vehicle whenever the forecast looks dim.
Frydach Insurance wants to help you handle your glass claim with ease. We can also educate you on our comprehensive auto insurance plans. Call or stop into our office today.