Wherever your adventures may lead you, an intact windshield is key to safe driving. A cracked or chipped windshield can impair vision and make driving dangerous. Should an accident occur, having one fully intact can significantly lower risk for serious injury or death for both driver and passengers.
When it comes to replacing your windshield, depending on your insurance coverage and preference, used auto glass may be more suitable or OEM parts (original equipment Manufacturer).
Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages: typically aftermarket glass will meet all safety regulations while matching manufacturer specs; however, quality may differ significantly between brands.
OEM glass refers to the windshield that came standard in your car when you purchased it new, adhering to standards set forth by auto manufacturers for their products and often bearing their brand name for added assurance of approval.
OEM glass is manufactured by licensed manufacturers who must meet certain specifications to sell it. As opposed to aftermarket options, it tends to be more durable, offer superior clarity, and include all features originally found on your windshield.
People may opt to purchase non-OEM windshield replacements for various reasons, including complying with their insurance policy or saving money by purchasing cheaper windshields.
Windshields play an essential role in keeping your vehicle’s roof from collapsing during an accident and helping airbags deploy properly, as well as protecting you and your passengers from debris that could fly up upon an impact.
When replacing a windshield, it is critical that it fits correctly to avoid stress cracks, water leaks, distortion or adhesion issues. A certified technician will ensure the glass fits securely into your car’s opening for a secure fit that lasts.
Most auto insurance policies provide windshield repair and replacement coverage under their comprehensive policy, provided you meet their deductible. Be sure to document the incident, such as a collision or act of vandalism, along with any relevant police reports so your claim can be properly processed.
Some auto glass and mobile auto glass services may offer remote touchless inspections to determine whether your windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced and can also provide detailed quotes for the job.
If your windshield can be repaired on-site, you can essentially save time and money by working directly with your insurance provider to minimize the cost of replacement windshield.
Not only can reputable specialty shops offer quality auto glass repairs, they often also provide lifetime warranties on their services to give you peace of mind that the repairs will be completed properly the first time and prevent additional repair costs in the future. When choosing a shop make sure to read up on its warranty details and terms of service for assurances that what you pay for will actually happen.
These companies specialize in working directly with your insurance provider to file claims and estimate out-of-pocket costs, offering mobile repair services at convenient times to meet your schedule.
If you’re uncertain as to which option would best meet your auto glass needs, here are a few points worth keeping in mind:
Repair or replacement of your vehicle’s window or windshield may be expensive, depending on its age and cause of damage. As soon as possible, get a quote and compare costs between companies; chances are high that a reputable glass shop offers better deals than dealerships and can complete repairs faster.
Save money when replacing glass by consulting the details of your auto insurance policy before choosing a shop to repair or replace windshields. Some insurers offer lists of preferred shops while some even have programs to reimburse you for work, less any applicable deductible payments.
If you have comprehensive insurance, deductibles for glass damage may be waived depending on where you live. Otherwise, the same deductible would apply as it would when repairs or replacement are necessary.
Pricing should always be prioritized when looking for repairs or replacements, so finding an affordable option with quality work should be the goal. Skimping on quality could result in more costly problems in the future. For best results, find a reputable shop offering fair rates with longstanding history in the community.