If you have a crack or a chip on your windshield, the question that will most likely enter your mind is “how much will a repair or a replacement cost?” The answer to this will vary depending on several factors and whether or not your insurance covers it.
Factors that Affect Auto Glass Repair and Replacement Costs
Insurance Coverage
One of the things you have to know is if you have insurance for your car. If it doesn’t, then expect to shoulder the full cost of repairing or replacing your car. If you do have car insurance, the next thing to ask is if you have comprehensive insurance.
Comprehensive insurance covers most damages caused by calamities, vandalism, animal collisions, and the like. Auto Repair often fall under this coverage and they are usually paid in full. However, different insurance companies have different rules for coverage. Some look at how long the damage is before determining whether it is covered or not.
One of the most common tricks to know if it will be covered is the “dollar bill rule”. This rule uses a dollar bill to know if it will be covered. If the crack or chip is fully covered by the dollar bill, then this will most likely be paid by your insurance company.
On the other hand, if it is a replacement then you have to contact your insurance provider. Replacements are not covered for most insurance policies, so it’s best to ask your insurance company before getting your windshield repaired.
If you have any other questions and inquiries about auto glass and insurance, contact your insurance provider right away.
Type of Vehicle
Another factor that affects how much your repair or replacement costs is the type of car you have. If you have a luxury vehicle, then the cost of replacing or repairing your windshield is more expensive. The total cost can reach as much as twice or thrice the amount of a normal car’s. You can attribute this to the fact that luxury cars order their parts from the dealer itself. They are often customized and have special features that ordinary auto repair shops don’t provide.
Moreover, the cost will also be affected if your car has special moldings or parts in the windshield. If it has sensors or other kinds of tints, then the cost will be much higher. On top of the actual glass, you still have to pay to replace those features.
Getting a Quote
So you have a crack or a chip on your windshield. To know how much it will cost, you can request a quote from your chosen auto repair shop. If you don’t have one yet, do some research on the best shops that service the kind of vehicle you have. If they have an online quotation service, then you can directly submit a request for a quotation on your repair.
Things to Remember For Glass Repairs or Replacements
While cost is a major concern for auto glass repairs, it should not be a reason to delay repairing your windshield. For one thing, the more you delay the repair, the bigger the chips and cracks become. It might also lead to other problems when you forget to repair them in the next few weeks.
Another thing to remember is to get comprehensive car insurance. Don’t wait until your car gets damaged before you get an insurance policy. Accidents happen all the time and even if you’re extra careful with your car, something might happen that can damage it. When you have a comprehensive insurance, you can feel safe because you have something to fall back on to pay for the repairs and replacements. This is a lot better than paying from out of your pocket right away.
Lastly, if you are paying for everything, the cheapest option is not always the best. Sure, it might allow you to save a few bucks, but you also have to consider the quality of the service and the replacement glass. Make sure that the glass that will be used is still of good quality. Sometimes, shelling out a few dollars can be really helpful in ensuring the quality and service of the auto repair shop.
Take note that your chosen auto repair shop plays a big part in restoring your car to its best condition. If you are unsure about your auto repair shop, look for others that have great reviews from their previous customers. It also helps to ask their staff about the services they offer.