Windshield replacement is not usually at the top of our to do lists. But when a hail storm hits like the one that took out half of Round Rock Texas this past march, auto glass repair is the only thing on your mind when you wake up to a glassless vehicle. Our homes and vehicles usually take the brunt of the storm damage since a lot of us do not all have the option to keep our vehicles covered or protected. Our cars can incur a lot of auto body damage from rain, hail, or from the wind blowing other items on to your vehicles and causing a ton of damage. If your vehicle is damaged during a storm, what should you do to get it repaired?
You need to check first with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for any storm damage. They will let you know if and what they will cover. They will also let you know what your deductible is for the repairs. If you use your insurance to help pay for the auto glass and body repairs remember that the law allows you to choose whoever you want to fix your vehicle. You may be happy to find that many times the repairs are less expensive then you thought. If you have insurance, use it, it can save you a lot of money and comprehensive claims usually don't hurt your rates.
Next you need to decide if you are going to replace your windshield or try and have the chips repaired. Chip repairs take less time to complete and will cost much less as well. Auto body repairs that can be completed at most auto body shops but windshield repair and replacement takes a specialty shop. The repairs come out looking great in the end and it is hard to notice that there was damage to begin with. Also the repairs hold up safety wise just as good as the replacement does. If the damage is in the line of vision of the driver, replacement is the only legal option. Line of vision is the area in front of the driver in the windshield, usually about the size of a medium pizza box.
Your next step is to choose an auto glass shop for the repair. It is critical that you look around for an auto glass shop that will produce the highest quality work for your car or truck. You should start by asking around to check the reputation of auto glass shops around you. Research them online too and see what kind of reviews they have. Don't fall for fake reviews often written by the shop themselves. They are pretty easy to spot, if you see 10 review of 5 stars by people who only review one site, you can bet they are fluff. Get free estimates from all the places you are considering. Most glass shops will accept all insurance companies but ask just in case.
Don't wait, get started immediately on getting that auto glass fixed, the longer you wait the more damage can be done. Just make sure that you remember that Auto Glass Replacement is a skilled trade and should not be left up to just anyone. Spend the time and find a shop that is worthy of your business.
