Auto Glass Repair Near Me

Auto Glass Repair Near Me

A broken window can be a big hassle for drivers. Fortunately, most auto glass repairs can be done for free or at a low cost if your car insurance has comprehensive coverage.

The best choice for your auto glass needs is OEM quality glass. This ensures a good fit, safety, and better clarity. Read on to find out more.

Chips and Cracks

Scratches on your windshield may seem harmless at first, but these shallow blemishes can actually degrade your auto glass. As they accumulate, scratches will reflect sunlight and headlights from other cars, obscuring your vision while driving. This can lead to dangerous accidents. Scratches can also cause your windshield wiper blades to wear out faster, which in turn leads to additional damage.

Windshield cracks occur when an object hits the glass, causing the outer layer to flake off. This leaves behind a dark circle and an impact point in the middle, similar to a chip pit. If the crack is not in the driver’s line of vision, it can usually be repaired.

If the crack is longer than a quarter or in the driver’s line of vision, most shops recommend a replacement for safety reasons. However, if the crack is still small and you can see straight through it, it may be repairable. This is especially true if you fix the crack promptly.

ADAS Camera Calibration

Whether your vehicle has a camera connected to the windshield or radar sensors, almost all manufacturers require these advanced safety systems to be recalibrated after any windshield replacement or repair. This process is complex and requires specialized equipment to ensure the cameras and sensors are properly aligned.

These cameras and sensors are incredibly sensitive. Even the smallest change in alignment or airbag deployment could knock them out of focus. The most common instances that ADAS cameras and sensors need to be recalibrated are when a windshield is replaced, but they also need to be re-calibrated after any collision repair or maintenance work on the car.

Static ADAS calibrations are performed in-store and require specific lighting, manufacturer-specific targeting equipment, and a room that is kept at exacting standards (level floors, clean walls, etc). Dynamic ADAS calibrations are performed on the road using software connected to the vehicle diagnostic port. This can take up to an hour and usually involves driving for a set distance while the system reads lines, street signs, and vehicles to fine-tune alignment.

Comprehensive Coverage

If your windshield or other auto glass is damaged in an accident that isn’t your fault, your comprehensive insurance should pay to repair or replace it. In many states, you can also add an add-on known as full glass coverage that is solely dedicated to covering these expenses without affecting your comprehensive deductible.

However, the cost of this coverage varies by state and your insurance provider. It is a good idea to discuss the cost with your agent and determine whether this coverage makes sense for your current policy.

In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, you can even purchase full auto glass coverage that will prevent your comprehensive insurance deductible from applying to a windshield replacement or repair. This can save you hundreds of dollars, depending on your current insurance deductible and the cost of your windshield repair or replacement. It is a good idea to consult with your insurance agent before dropping comprehensive coverage, however.

Insurance Claims

The good news is that auto insurance providers typically cover the cost of a broken windshield with comprehensive coverage. This includes repairs and replacement of your windshield, as well as any other auto glass that may be damaged by an accident. You will need to check with your car insurance agent and see what the specific terms are for your coverage. You may be required to choose an auto glass shop from a network provided by your insurance provider or you might be able to select your own. You will also need to pay any applicable deductible and submit your service receipt to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Depending on your policy stipulations, filing a claim may not always make sense. It is important to understand how a claim will affect your insurance rates, both immediately and at renewal time. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of how much the repair/replacement will cost. Visit This Webpage!