Does Car Insurance Cover Repairing Auto Glass?

There are a number of different ways that windshield glass can get damaged. Maybe you're driving on the highway and debris from a construction vehicle that's ahead of you flies back into your windshield. Or maybe your windshield has a tiny crack that you don't notice at first, and over time, factors like sunlight and pressure changes cause the crack to significantly increase in size.

Regardless of exactly what causes it, dealing with a damaged car windshield isn't something most people look forward to. The reason this problem can create noticeable anxiety is people assume it's going to take quite a bit of time to fix and cost a lot of money. Fortunately, neither of those concerns have to be true.

As far as taking a lot of time to fix, anyone in the Cincinnati area can get their windshield repaired by J. Royce Auto Glass in as little as fifteen minutes. Best of all, you don't even have to schedule time away from work or your family to get the repair done. Instead, we are 100% mobile and will come to wherever you are around Cincinnati at no extra charge.

And in terms of costing a lot of money to repair a damaged windshield, there are two reasons this doesn't have to worry you. The first is we offer very competitive rates for windshield repair. Since many types of damage can be repaired and don't require a full replacement, it's a great way to save. You can read more about that in our post on saving money with windshield repairs. The other reason windshield repair doesn't need to be a significant expense is you can process a claim through your insurance provider.

Using Your Insurance for Auto Glass Repair

The sooner you can report a claim for windshield damage and get it repaired, the better. Even if the initial damage to your windshield seems quite small, there's a good chance that putting off taking care of it will result in the damage getting worse. One reason people are often hesitant to file a claim for windshield damage repair is they think it will make their rates go up.

In reality, unless you're filing over three claims a year, your rates won't go up. And since you're already paying a significant amount for your insurance, you should put it to work for you. Another important thing to know about using your car insurance for auto glass repair is you have the right to choose the company that does your work. So even if a call center employee tries to push you in the direction of their preferred vendor, all you need to do is let them know that you're going to use J. Royce Auto Glass.

We understand that even with the above information, the prospect of dealing with your insurance company can be intimidating. So if you would like help from someone who's very experienced with these interactions, just give us a call at 513-437-6923. We are also available at J. Royce Auto Glass.  We can walk you through the whole process in as little as ten minutes!

Blake Evans
Owner
J. Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923

Can I wait?

This is a question we hear a lot in the auto glass business. The answer won't surprise you, but the reason may.

Spending money to repair unexpected damages like a broken windshield, door glass, or mirror is never fun. We all work hard for our money and want to keep it in our pockets as long as we can. But auto glass, much like most other automotive repairs and maintenance, is one area you don't want to cut corners in.

Your windshield does a lot more than keep bugs out of your eye while you're driving. It's a crucial part of the safety and structural integrity of your vehicle. The glass helps solidify the front end of your vehicle and, in cases of severe collisions, keep you inside that vehicle. It also allows the passenger side airbag to deploy properly. Unlike the drivers airbag, which typically deploys straight out, the passenger side relies on the windshield for support and direction. 

When you get a crack in your windshield, the structural integrity is weakened. What does this mean? If you were in a collision, and were thrust toward the windshield, there is a greater likelihood of you being thrown through that windshield. The same applies for objects coming at your vehicle from the outside. This also means there is a greater chance of damage were the passenger airbag to deploy.

Don't panic! Your windshield isn't just going to fall out or shatter. Unlike the rest of the glass in your vehicle (we will explain in a later post), your windshield is a laminated part. This means that there are actually two pieces of glass, bonded with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between. This increases the strength of the glass and holds everything together. 

What typically happens is the cracks continue to grow and spider until they reach the edge of the glass. The longer and more plentiful the cracks, the weaker and weaker the glass becomes. Once these cracks reach the edge of the glass, they won't go any further. This is where most people pose their question: Can I wait? It's not getting any bigger, so why bother?

While they are correct in the fact it is not getting any bigger, the damage has been done. It is never advisable to put off replacing a damaged windshield. If you do, however, have a period of time before you're able to schedule an appointment, there are some things you can do to slow the cracking and keep yourself safer.

1. Drive safely and alertly. This is obvious, and should be first and foremost every time you enter a vehicle, but it especially applies when you are driving with a broken windshield.

2. Avoid bumps. The bumpier the ride, the more force and pressure it puts on the vehicle. This causes stress on the glass and can quicken the spread of cracks. 

3. Avoid carwashes and drastic temperature changes. The pressure from the carwash sprays and brushes can cause the glass to crack. Drastic temperature changes will do the same. Try gradually heating or cooling your vehicle to get to the desired temperature. 

Again, it is always advisable to replace your broken or damaged windshield immediately. Don't wait.  Keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe. If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to call and speak with a professional. We are always happy to help!

Thank you for making J Royce Auto Glass the FIRST and BEST choice for your auto glass replacement needs.
 


Blake Evans
Owner
J Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923
jroyceautoglass@gmail.com