Four Costly Misconceptions You Must Know Before Purchasing a New Windshield For Your Automobile

Facts are if your windshield has been damaged by rocks or debris, 90% of the time this damage can be repaired successfully. That means you won't need to spend the time or money to have a new windshield installed anyway, and most insurance companies love for their customers to have their windshields repaired before its too late and the cracks spread across the glass too far. They will even reward you by reimbursing the entire cost for a repair and not increase your rates, go against your policy's deductible and spells no costs to you. You've been paying them all that money for years anyway, you might as well have them help you out, and windshield repairs are one of the few areas where they will pay you.

If you can find a company that only works on repairs to fix windshield chips, stars, and cracks you won't even need this information. A company like that will not try to use the old bait and switch sales method, where they come out to fix a small rock chip or crack but they have the windshield on their truck that just happens to fit your auto. You know the rest, they can't fix your windshield so the only alternative is to put the new in they just happen to have on the truck. They got all that information from you when you called them to check on their price to fix your windshield.

A company that is only in business to repair auto glass makes their living from fixing or repairing the windshield verses trying to sell you on a new one. In contrast, a company that is replacing glass really only makes the income they want when they are slapping on new windshields. Repairs as an option are just a way to get to talk to you about purchasing a new one from them.

Now here's Misconception # 1: All windshields are the same. 
No. Usually the best windshield is the one that the manufacturer installed in the car when it was new. Aftermarket windshields tend to be thinner and more brittle which will cause it to break easier, and they don't fit your car properly. Many of these cheaper windshields must be forced to fit your vehicle. Also, an aftermarket windshield may deduct from the value of your vehicle when you trade it in, and you may be charged by your leasing company for not having the original equipment. Each windshield has a tag in one corner that indentifies the manufacturer and grade of the glass so this information is readily available.

Misconception #2: Your windshield is not considered part of the safety equipment of your car. 
No. The engineers of today's vehicles use the windshield to help restrain you and your family from being ejected in case of an

accident. Windshields are designed to support the roof in case your vehicle rolls over in a crash, plus it helps the airbag to deploy properly. An improperly installed windshield could put you and your family at great risk in the case of an accident.

Misconception #3: You can safely drive your car immediately after a new windshield is installed. 
No. This could be a deadly mistake. The adhesives that hold your windshield in place take time to set up. This could be as few as 2

hours to as much as 24 hours, and even this will vary greatly with weather conditions. The warmer and wetter the faster the

adhesives cure. The colder and drier the longer it takes to cure. Another problem with driving the vehicle too soon is the windshield

could shift slightly and cause it to leak when it rains or cause annoying air leaks that require reinstallation of the glass. This is why fixing a rock chip or crack damage should always be your first choice. Repairs save your auto's original equipment eliminating these issues altogether.

Misconception #4: You must go where your insurance company tells you to go to have your auto glass replaced. 
No. By law, as a policy holder, you have the right to choose any auto glass shop. The insurance company cannot direct you or influence you to go to a particular shop as a condition for payment. In addition, many insurance companies use glass networks as a means of handling their claims. You may be told to call an 800 number to submit your claim or fill out a form on a website. If so, you may be arbitrarily sent to a glass shop that doesn't adhere to the strict standards that your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, calling around to get prices is a waste of your time since the price has already been negotiated in advance with your insurance company. Most consumers carry $500 deductibles so if a replacement windshield is $300, they pay the full amount with no help from the insurance company. 
If you have no coverage or a high deductible, make sure you get an estimate in writing in advance to avoid any bait and switch tactics used by some windshield replacement companies. Remember these shops make more money on replacements then repairs. They will be ready to tell you that the damage cannot be repaired or they may quote you an unreasonably high price to fix your original windshield to tempt you to go for their new one. Always remember if the price is too good to be true it probably is.

There are the four misconceptions consumers must be aware of before purchasing a new auto windshield. But-if you want your vehicle to be returned to its original crash worthiness - helping to keep you and your family safe - get your windshield repaired as soon as the damage occurs. You wouldn't throw away your tires if they just had a small puncture, so get your windshield repaired instead of waiting until its too late. This information will save you time, and money which we all could use a little of.