Tips for Auto Window Replacement

There are few things more stressful than coming out of your home or a store to find that your car window has been broken. Whether the glass is just cracked or completely shattered, you often need to replace the entire window. Before calling your insurance company or your nearest glass installer, read these tips for auto glass replacement.

Is It Time To Replace the Glass?

If the auto glass is shattered, it is easy to decide to replace it. But what if it's just cracked? Cracked auto glass does not usually stay that way. Changing weather temperatures can cause the cracked glass to worsen, spreading even further into the glass. Depending on the size of a crack, an auto glass company may be able to prevent it from spreading and repair the existing damage. The representatives from your insurance company or auto glass replacement company will be able to give you specific details.

As you decide whether to you have your auto glass replaced, remember it is against the law in most states to have large cracks in your car's windshield. Many states consider it a view obstruction and a safety hazard. If you do not take care of your damaged auto window, you may get a traffic ticket for a safety violation.

Are You Covered?

Depending on how your auto glass window was damaged, you may be covered for its replacement under your auto insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, it covers theft, vandalism and acts of nature. Collision coverage will pay out if you hit something with your car and it is determined to be your fault. If your auto glass was damaged in a claim that fits under those categories, your comprehensive coverage will probably cover it.

Also consider your deductibles. A deductible is an amount of damage you have agreed to pay in the event of a comprehensive or collision claim. Your insurance company will pay the rest of the damages. If your deductible is $250 and your auto glass replacement cost is $200, you would be responsible for the entire replacement cost. Some insurance companies do not require a deductible for auto glass repairs. Check with your insurance agents for your specific policy details.

Replacing the Auto Glass

Once you have decided to have your auto glass replaced, contact several reputable companies job and get a few comparison quotes. If you are going through your insurance agency, they may have a company they want you to use. Even if you are not covered under your auto insurance policy, your agent may be able to suggest some dependable companies to use.

Do not forget to ask about warranty information. Most reputable companies will offer some sort of protection against faulty installation, including cracks and leaks. Most installation warranties will cover you nationwide for a year or two. Some companies will even offer you the option of an extended warranty.

Doing It Yourself

If you are looking to save a few bucks and have experience with auto repair, you might consider replacing the auto glass yourself. First, consult our vehicle's maintenance manual for instructions specific to your particular make and model. Then buy the replacement glass from a reputable dealer. You may even save some money by going to a junk or scrap yard to find a car just like yours and salvage the glass from it.

If the window is in one of the doors, you will have to remove the door panel and unscrew the remaining glass from the window mount. Put the replacement glass in place and use the screws to mount it in place. (You may need an extra set of hands for this part.) Test the window to make sure it functions properly and then reassemble the door panel.

Replacing the front or back windshields is a lot more difficult and should be left to professionals. The windshield of your car is an important safety feature of your car and if it is done wrong, you could place you or your passengers in danger.