Auto Glass Replacement May Be Faster and Cheaper Than You Thought

Did you know that your car’s windshield is considered a safety feature? Yes, the windshield allows you to look across your driving plane to detect oncoming traffic and pedestrians. However, its especially important purpose is to protect you from flying debris. With all the impacts windshields take, as well as other glass panes on your car, one day your car is inevitably going to need auto glass replacement.

Auto glass replacement can cost a considerable amount of money, if you take your car to the wrong business. It also can take several days to get your car back. Nonetheless, auto glass replacement may be faster and cheaper than you think if you take your car in for work at a highly-rated business such as Dan’s Glass.

What Should I Do If I Discover Broken Car Glass?

The first impulse after noticing your vehicle has sustained damage as the result of broken glass should be to call 911 to report a possible crime. Maybe an object fell and shattered the glass, but you cannot be sure until a law enforcement agency conducts an investigation. Calling 911 is important because if a thief committed a crime, the thief might be still in the area, even nearby.

You also must file a detailed insurance claim with your car insurance company. Submit photographs of the damage, as well as a copy of the report filed by the law enforcement agency in charge of the investigation. The more detailed information that you provide your insurance company, the more likely you get your car insurance claim approved.

The last step to take after discovering broken car glass involves bringing your motor vehicle in for auto glass replacement at Dan’s Glass. One of our specialists conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle before providing a cost estimate and an expected date for returning your car.

What Types of Auto Glass Replacement Services Does Dan’s Glass Offer?

Peace of mind is what you need after discovering broken car glass, and peace of mind is what you receive from Dan’s Glass because of our comprehensive list of auto glass replacement services.

First, we secure your vehicle and then remove it from the scene. We follow up an initial onsite inspection with a much more detailed inspection at our facility. One of our auto glass replacement specialists takes accurate measurements of the area or areas where we must install new glass. Before taking the measurements, the specialist working on your car clears out every piece of glass. Then the specialist checks our inventory list to determine whether we have the type of auto glass required for your car in stock or whether we have to place an order for customized auto glass.

A team of our auto glass replacement experts completes the installation process. We check, double-check, and triple-check our work to ensure it meets our high standards.

We understand the stress and anxiety caused by broken auto glass such as the different types of windshield glass. Discover why Dan’s Glass is the go-to business for auto glass replacement by contacting one of our customer service representatives.

4 Reasons Auto Glass Replacement is a Better Idea Than Windshield Repair

When it comes to fixing a damaged windshield, many drivers are often faced with the decision to either replace the glass or repair it. While windshield repair may seem like a cheaper and quicker option, in many cases, auto glass replacement is actually the better idea. Here are four reasons why:

1. Structural Integrity

Your windshield is an important safety feature of your vehicle. It's designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. When a windshield is damaged, its structural integrity is compromised. Repairing the damage may not always fully restore the glass's structural strength, leaving it susceptible to future damage. Auto glass replacement, on the other hand, restores the glass's structural integrity and ensures it can provide the necessary protection in the event of an accident.

2. Visibility

Windshield repairs can often leave behind minor distortions or marks on the glass. These can impact your visibility while driving, especially in bright sunlight or during nighttime driving. Auto glass replacement ensures that your windshield is crystal clear and free of any distortions, providing optimal visibility for safe driving.

3. Time and Cost

While windshield repair may seem like a quicker and cheaper option at first, it's not always the case. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive to be repaired and replacement is the only option. Additionally, if the damage is in the driver's line of vision, windshield repair may not be an option due to safety regulations. In the end, you may end up spending more time and money on repeated repairs than you would on a one-time auto glass replacement.

4. Resale Value

If you plan on selling your vehicle in the future, a repaired windshield may not have the same value as a replaced one. Potential buyers may view a repaired windshield as a sign of neglect or improper maintenance. On the other hand, a new windshield can improve the overall appearance and value of your vehicle, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Auto glass replacement is often the better idea when it comes to fixing a damaged windshield. It ensures the structural integrity and visibility of the glass, can ultimately save time and money, and can even improve the resale value of your vehicle. If you have a damaged windshield, contact a professional auto glass replacement service to discuss your options and ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers on the road.

Does My Auto Glass Replacement Fall Under Items That Have a Deductible?

If something such as debris thrown up from the roadway causes you to need auto glass replacement, it is important to know whether your auto insurance deductible will be a factor. It is a valid question, and the answer may be more complex than you think.

Facts About Auto Glass

Depending on the type of incident, your auto glass provides between 45 and 60 percent of the structural integrity of your vehicle. But your windshield doesn't have to be cracked or broken to become an insurance red flag. That is why it is important to clean your windshield often and resist the urge to plaster cute bumper stickers on your window glass. It is very important that you can clearly see where you are going and what is behind you.

Auto Insurance for Windshields

Some insurance companies offer special windshield replacement insurance that has a lower deductible or none at all. Other companies include windshield replacement coverage as part of your comprehensive auto insurance policy. The point is, auto glass replacement is available from your insurance company, although how beneficial the coverage will turn out to be is based on individual insurers and state laws.

Insurance Companies Differ

It is rare for PIP or gap auto insurance policies to provide free windshield replacement. Instead, you would need to have comprehensive auto coverage-- commonly referred to as "full coverage." And even companies that provide windshield replacement may require you to pay a deductible or even carry specialized windshield replacement coverage. Finally, some companies allow you to pay a special deductible for a windshield replacement that is not affected by your regular policy deductible. This allows you to replace faulty auto glass at a lower cost than if you had to pay for it out of pocket, but not exactly free of charge.

Auto Glass and State Laws

State laws affect how auto glass replacement is handled by insurance companies. In Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina windshield replacement is included for free in a comprehensive policy. In half a dozen other states you can purchase a separate, non-deductible windshield policy. Everywhere else you will have to meet your policy deductible before insurance kicks in-- and it may be a better idea to simply replace the glass out of pocket.

Talk to your insurance provider before scheduling windshield repair or replacement. If it is covered on your policy, your auto glass company will take care of billing the insurance portion of the cost, and all you will have to pay is the deductible.

How Long Does it Take For Auto Glass Replacement?

Whether your car is fresh off the dealer lot or you've owned it for a number of years, the day may come when you need to have auto glass replacement. Most insurance policies will cover windshield replacement free of charge and without increasing your premiums because windshields contribute to the structural integrity and overall safety of your vehicle.

Windshield Replacement

A typical windshield replacement will only take a short time when the job is performed by an experienced auto glass replacement specialist. Whether you bring our car into the glass shop or have it replaced at your location, the job can usually be completed in less than an hour-- and it may take as little as 20 minutes or so.

Side Glass Replacement

Replacing a side window may seem like a more complicated process, but experienced installers can still get the job done quickly. Using specialized tools and materials, side windows can be replaced in about an hour, from removing the interior side panels to presenting you with the necessary papers. If your car has hard-to-find window glass, let the glass company know the make and model when you set up your appointment.

Glass Repair Services

Glass repair is an option for types of cracks. Glass repair involves carefully cleaning the area around the chip or crack, then filling the damaged area with a specially formulated bonding agent that dries to form a complete seal. Keep in mind that glass repair may be slightly visible after it has been repaired, and replacement is the generally recommended solution. 

Glass Tinting Services

In addition to replacing broken auto glass, your glass technicians can also apply window tint if you wish. Since the amount of tinting allowed by law varies from one state to another, using a local glass service guarantees conforming to regulations. Because reducing glare can make driving safer, window tinting won't increase your premiums.

Before You Drive Wait Times

Once your auto glass has been replaced, it is a good idea to allow the adhesives to dry before driving the vehicle. In most cases, auto glass adhesives will be fully dried in less than an hour, and some types may be ready to use in as little as 20 minutes. In the end, most windshield replacements are ready for the open road in about an hour, including the wait time while adhesives are curing.

Since auto glass replacement can be done at your home or even while you are at work, you won't have to worry about missing important visitors, appointments, or deadlines. You don't even have to set aside time during the replacement process-- simply sign the work release when the job is done.

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drive with Damaged Windows

There are a lot of reasons to get an auto glass replacement if you have damaged windows in your vehicle. Auto glass is very important, contributing to the safety of your passengers, avoiding legal costs, and more. Here are 10 reasons you should have damaged windows repaired as soon as possible.

1. Auto Glass Provides Comfort

Replacing auto glass will make every ride more comfortable. Your auto windows and their seals keep out road noise and maintain a barrier between the outside elements and your vehicle's interior.

2. Structural Integrity

Depending on your make and model, your auto glass is responsible for as much as 45 percent of the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Cracked and broken windows reduce that protection considerably. 

3. Cracks Expand with Driving

The force of wind created by driving will cause cracks to get longer and splinter into new cracks. As the glass weakens, it will eventually fail completely and may cause serious injuries to passengers.

4. Dirt and Dust Affect Cracks

As you drive along with cracked auto glass, particles in the wind become lodged in the cracks. These particles build up and begin to wedge the crack wider until it eventually shatters.

5. Climate Enlarges Cracks

Unbroken windows aren't affected by extreme temperature due to their design and manufacture, but once the integrity is lost the elements become a major problem.

6. Reduced Visibility

Cracked auto glass makes it harder to see what is going on outside the vehicle. This begins as an effect of the crack itself but often leads to milky glass expanding around the crack. 

7. Legal Troubles

Intact auto glass is a matter of law in most states. If you are seen driving with cracked, broken, or missing auto glass you can be stopped and will face fines or other charges.

8. May Affect Safety Devices

Cracked or broken windows have been shown to cause safety devices such as airbags not to work properly. Replacing your auto glass keeps your vehicle operating the way it was designed to do.

9. Risk of Ejection at Impact

Since the glass is already weakened, your passengers are no longer protected properly against being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision. 

10. Increase Resale Value

Replacing cracked or broken glass before you put your vehicle on the market will make it more valuable to prospective buyers. Because auto glass is so important, it will have a huge impact on your resale value.

Most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement, so your auto glass repairs may cost you little or nothing. The important thing is to get the glass replaced as soon as possible because the situation will only grow more serious.