The process of assessing damage and repairing or replacing auto glass is often confusing and stressful, but it can be different. Here are the answers to five frequently asked questions about windshield repairs and replacement that will help your experience go more smoothly:
How do I know that my windshield needs to be replaced?
You can use the “silver dollar test” on your windshield beforehand to have an idea of what lies ahead. Take a silver dollar and place it on the dents and/or chips on your windshield. Any chip that is smaller in size than the coin qualifies for repair. Scratches on your windshield (surface-level ones) usually can be polished out, whereas deep scratches require windshield replacement. A crack in your windshield as a rule of thumb warrants a replacement, as cracks can cause structural instability in a windshield. In addition to the size factor of the dents and/or chips, don’t forget about the depth and location factors. For example, we don’t advise repairing a windshield if the damage is within the driver’s line of sight.
Can I use a DIY windshield repair kit for minor damage?
DIY windshield repair kits are inexpensive, but they are not effective. A chip or crack in a windshield requires trained technicians and the right material and tools to ensure the repair is done properly. Without them, you are risking a lot of wasted time, money, and could comprise your or someone else’s safety. Please check out our blog post Repair Your Windshield with a DIY Kit or Call a Professional for more details.
How long does it take to replace a windshield?
You’ll be surprised to find out that windshield repair usually takes between 15-30 minutes, and windshield replacement can be completed in 45-60 minutes. While you can drive a car immediately after windshield repair, it is not recommended. Instead, you will want to wait a few hours. This downtime is needed to allow the adhesives used in the replacement process to cure and bond with the frame of the windshield.
How much will a new windshield cost?
The cost of a new windshield will vary, depending on the kind of glass your vehicle requires. It depends whether you prefer dealer, OEM (original equipment manufacturer), aftermarket, or performance quality glass. At SuperGlass we only use the best U.S.-produced glass from brands including Pilkington and PPG. These are the same companies that provide the factory-installed windshields for Toyota, GM, Ford, Daimler, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda, BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Note that many newer vehicle models are equipped with smart windshields. Those typically come with features such as condensation sensors, rearview mirror auto-dimming, lane departure warning systems, anti-collision sensors, and built-in cameras. All these features can affect the total cost of replacement as calibration is required in these cases.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
The possibility of your insurance company covering the costs for repair and replacement completely depends on your type of coverage. For instance, people with premium insurance packages can usually get 100% coverage on replacement costs without deductibles. However, standard insurance coverage may cover the costs of replacement but charge you with a deductible fee for filing a claim. SuperGlass Windshield Repair is universally insurance approved. If you have a Florida registration with full coverage insurance, there will be no cost of replacement. We will even call your insurance company on your behalf to guarantee the free windshield replacement. We have experience working with insurance companies and can always help filing your claim correctly.
Call Us Today
As a leader in windshield repair, we guarantee that our repair to your chipped or cracked windshield will be perfect and permanent! If it can’t be repaired, we can replace it using only high-quality glass and adhesives produced in the U.S. For expert advice, call us at (321) 223-4106