You know that car ownership has its fair share of issues, no matter if you’re a road-tripper or a daily traveler. Even keeping up with routine automobile maintenance can be a lot to handle. Add even the smallest windscreen damage to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for an urgently required repair.
You need to know what to do if your windscreen splits, whether you are driving in the future and a pebble breaks on it, a tree branch breaks off while you are parked or you get into a collision. You need to have a clear view of the road as a responsible car owner, both to comply with state inspection requirements and also to ensure your safety.
What causes damage to a windshield?
Unfortunately, your windscreen can be damaged by a variety of everyday threats. Windscreen damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including flying road particles, sudden temperature changes, car accidents, low-grade glasses, or incorrect installation. Windscreen damage is a major issue, since your windscreen makes up 34% of the structural stability of your vehicle.
Roadway Particles
It is a fact that this is the leading cause of windscreen damage on the front. Other automobiles’ tires can throw rocks and crushed rock off the road surface at such high speeds that they will chip your windshield glass. Even tiny cracks or chips can quickly spread and also cause even more serious damage.
Sudden temperature level modifications
Windscreens are more at risk if they live in an area where temperatures can vary wildly from day to night. The glass on windscreens is designed to expand and also adjust to temperature changes, but sudden, extreme variations can still cause the glass to break.
Mishaps involving cars and trucks
These are a given. Your windscreen, like many other components of your car, is designed to float in a way that will not hurt you in the event of an accident. It means that while your windscreen may barge in a crash of sufficient severity, the tempering and safety covers on it will stop it from deteriorating into dangerous items.
Low-grade glass
Watch out for prices that seem too good to be true. They probably are. Some companies may try to cut corners and skirt market standards when installing a new windscreen. This puts your safety at risk.
Setup incorrect
A windscreen that is incorrectly installed puts the vehicle at a greater risk of damage. A mediocre installation is indicated by wavy, fuzzy, or distorted glass, water leaking around the edges of the windscreen and also voids between the frame as well the glass.
Does my insurance cover damage to the windscreen?
Like many insurance questions, the answer is “it depends!” We have discussed below that different types of auto insurance policies provide various coverages for windshield damage.
Comprehensive: Short solution, yes!
Windscreen repair and/or replacement is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance, provided the damage was caused by a covered event. Some examples of covered events are:
- Severe weather
- Dropping Items
- Burglary and criminal damage
- Pets can be injured by hitting them
Accident: You can be involved in an accident if you remain there.
Accident insurance policies will cover windscreen repair and replacement costs, less your insurance deductible if the damage was caused by an accident. Accident protection will cover any damage to your windscreen if you hit someone while at a traffic light or enter into a more serious accident.
Responsibility: No
It is recommended that you purchase a liability insurance policy to cover any expenses incurred by another party due to the problems caused by you. You can begin the process if you’re at fault in an accident. If you are at fault for a car accident and also your windscreen gets damaged, you’ll be responsible for the repair or replacement costs.
Should I always sue for damage to my windscreen?
Many automobile insurance providers have zero-deductible plans for windscreen replacements and repair. You should sue if your insurer has such a plan. Your windscreen can be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.
In many instances, however, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the windscreen replacement. You may find that many windscreen replacement quotes are about the same as your insurance deductible. If this is the case, it’s better to not sue.
Does submitting an insurance claim for a damaged windscreen affect my insurance costs?
In most cases, suing for a new or repaired windscreen will have no effect on your insurance costs. If you are suing in the above scenario, where the cost of the windscreen repair is similar to your insurance deductible you may see an increase in your insurance costs.
Can I get OEM or aftermarket glass?
The original tools producer (OEM) is the company that makes your vehicle’s parts. The OEM glass costs about 40% to 60% more than the aftermarket alternatives. In many instances, your insurance company will only cover aftermarket glass due to the cost difference. Although aftermarket glass is usually of the same high quality as OEM glass, you could ask to have OEM glass installed and pay for the difference between what your insurer will spend for aftermarket.
How can I protect my new windscreen?
You can take a few steps to keep your new windscreen in top condition for as long as possible after it is installed. You can’t prepare for everyday risks such as road particles or falling tree branches. However, you can protect your new windscreen.
- Driving safely. Driving safely. You might not be able to avoid the random rock that damages your day but you can certainly increase the life of your new windscreen if you adhere to good sense safe driving preventative methods. Follow all traffic laws and also avoid driving in particularly bad weather.
- Replace your wiper blades regularly. Windscreens are seriously damaged by faulty wiper blades. If your wipers stagnate water or seem to be more uncomfortable than usual, you should replace them right away.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Use only products that are intended for your car. Windscreens can be permanently damaged by some chemicals. They may also become less durable.
You will certainly not need the information on windscreen replacement and also repair in this article anytime soon. But, we all know that the unexpected can happen, and with winter weather conditions well underway, your windscreen could be in a bit more danger than usual. Keep an eye out for even the smallest cracks in your windscreen and also replace or repair any broken auto glass as soon as possible. This is to ensure your own safety as well the safety of others when you are driving.
