It is not uncommon to have a crack in your windshield that can not be fixed and requires glass replacement. When this happens, calling the glass shop to schedule a windshield replacement is probably the first thing you will do, but there are a few things that you should check before making that call.
Verify Windshield Options
While it makes sense that the auto glass shop will know what the right glass is for your car, there are often some potential options that you might want to verify so that you get the right windshield replacement glass. In many new cars, there are optional features that the manufacturer may have put in specific trim levels of the same model cars coming off the production line, so while one windshield will fit all of these models, there are some things that are different.
The glass dimensions may be the same, but many times one model will have a shaded top portion or an electric defroster embedded in the glass. If your car has any of the additional features, you need to let the glass shop know this so they can order the right glass for your windshield replacement.
Price and Insurance Coverage
Before you have the auto glass company order your windshield replacement glass, it is vital to get a price for the job and then call your insurance company to determine if they will cover the repair. Often, glass breakage is covered, but if you have a high deductible you have not met yet, you may find that it would cost more to pay the deductible than to pay for the repair.
Knowing what the cost of the windshield replacement is going to be upfront can help, so get the price for the glass and the installation from the auto glass shop and verify that the price is final. If you are paying for the repair yourself, you may want to ask the glass company if there is a discount for cash when your windshield replacement is done.
Warranty Coverage
Check with the auto glass company you are working with about the warranty that comes with the work. If you have a windshield replacement and it leaks, you need to know that the installer will reseal the glass and correct the problem.
It is also essential to ask about the warranty on the glass itself. If the glass cracks after installation because it is not seated right or there is a weak spot, the glass company should warranty the windshield but not every company does. When choosing an installer for your windshield replacement, these details may be significant and help you decide what company to use.
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