Broken Windshield: Now What?
A vehicle’s windshield is vital to the structural integrity of the car. Windshields ensure proper deployment of the airbags, keep the driver and passengers inside of the vehicle during crashes and rollovers, and it is the first line of defense against the elements, such as rain and snow and debris from other vehicles. A chip in the windshield is inconvenient. However, it can also lead to a shattered windshield quicker than you’d think. Cracks and chips spread. Significant changes in temperature speed up that process. Eventually, a crack that would have required a repair will require windshield replacement instead. In that case, it’s important to know how and if your automotive insurance policy covers your vehicle.
What Will Your Insurance Pay For?
Most, if not all, comprehensive auto insurance policies cover windshield repair and replacement. However, the process for a windshield replacement is sometimes handled by third-party claims companies such as Safelite Solutions or LYNX Services. These third-party companies help keep the insurance company’s costs down by processing common claims. According to insurance claim statistics, the most frequent vehicle insurance claim is related to auto glass damage, accounting for more than 7 million claims every year in the United States. Third-party claims companies help auto insurance companies process these claims quicker than they could on their own. However, as a result, this process may be confusing for some customers.
Windshield Repair and Replacement Process: Choosing Your Preferred Vendor
If the windshield is cracked and in need of repair or replacement, the first thing vehicle owners should do is contact their insurance company. Many auto insurance providers allow their customers to file claims online. After the initial claim, and depending on the company and their claims process, the insurance provider forwards the claim to their third-party auto glass claims administrator. The third-party claims company handles the claim and billing for the insurance company. The third-party company will provide a list of “preferred” vendors, but, in most cases, the choice of vendor is left to the policyholder.
For example, if Collision Auto Glass & Calibration isn’t the name of the vendor that is provided by the third-party company, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose us for your windshield replacement. Our knowledgeable team can help answer your related questions.
Windshield Repair or Replacement?
There are a few different factors that determine whether the windshield needs replacement or repair. Minor chips and cracks may be repaired easily with resin. However, the rule of thumb is that if the crack or chip is larger than a dollar bill, the windshield needs replacement. For windshields that require repair, after the resin dries, the blemish is barely noticeable. It will disappear with time. Many insurance companies will waive the deductible if the windshield only needs repair, as that saves them money in the end. However, not all states or insurance companies have this policy, so be sure to ask your insurance agent for details on your auto glass coverage.
Questions to Ask Your Auto Glass Company
Once you’ve chosen your auto glass company, there are a few questions to ask to ensure quality service. The vehicle’s windshield accounts for as much as 45% of the structural integrity of the car, and 60% of the structural integrity in rollover crashes. Having a functional and properly-installed windshield is crucial to your and your family’s safety. It’s critical to ensure the company working on your windshield understands new technologies such as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and how to properly install a new windshield so that it’s correctly calibrated.
1. How have your technicians been trained?
Before choosing an auto glass company to repair or replace your windshield, make sure to ensure that their technicians have been properly trained. At Collision Auto Glass & Calibration, we ensure that we’re up to date on all technologies, including MaxiSYS calibration and ADAS calibration. Our technicians attend professional training. They’re dedicated to ensuring your safety.
2. What kind of warranty do I get?
Most reputable auto glass companies will offer a warranty on their work. Be wary of any auto glass replacement companies that only offer warranties on parts or manufacturers’ warranties. Collision Auto Glass & Calibration in Portland offers a lifetime No-Leak Guarantee on all its windshield replacements. For the entirety of the vehicle’s lifetime, Collision Auto Glass & Calibration’s warranty covers both workmanship and leaks.
3. How soon can I drive?
The company that replaces or repairs the windshield should provide after-care instructions. While some adhesives may take as little as thirty minutes to set, Collision Auto Glass & Calibration recommends waiting a couple of hours after installation for the best results.
Collision Auto Glass & Calibration and Third-Party Claims Companies
Here at Collision Auto Glass & Calibration, we have experience working with over 300 insurance companies. We are familiar with all of the third-party auto glass claims companies such as LYNX Services and Safelite Solutions. When you first notice a crack or chip in the windshield, call your insurance company. If your insurance company uses a third-party auto glass claim company, they’ll most likely ask you to call them to get the process going. Keep in mind that no matter who the third-party company recommends as their “preferred” service provider, you have the right to choose your own auto glass replacement company.
Why Collision Auto Glass & Calibration?
Collision Auto Glass & Calibration can work with any auto insurance and any third-party glass claim company. We have experience billing Safelite Solutions, Harmon Solutions, and LYNX Services (along with many other third-party claims companies). We understand that navigating a windshield replacement can be tricky, especially when dealing with a third-party company on top of your auto insurance. However, our technicians have experience dealing with these situations and are ready now to help you navigate your auto glass claim. Call today to get started!