Should I Use Insurance To Replace Windshield?

If you have a crack in your windshield you should definitely use insurance to replace windshield damage. Especially if you have glass insurance with no deductible. This article covers your options when considering replacing damaged windshields. But first lets address a commonly asked question we get.



Does claiming windshield affect premium?

As long as you're not abusing the system, in most cases replacing windshields will not affect your premium.



You have to replace chipped windshields quickly before they become large cracks. A large crack in your windshield can be hazardous to you and everyone else on the road. If it shatters completely you run the risk of road debris and rocks hitting you in the face at the speed in which you're driving, which can be lethal at a high enough speed.



Here are some tips for Arizona drivers to replace windshield cracks:

A damaged windshield reduces the structural integrity of your glass. This means that if a second force decides to hit the same spot, it will cause the windshield to shatter leaving glass shards all over your vehicle. Scary right? Well at Phoenix Auto Glass Replacement we have a couple of options for you to avoid this issue entirely.

1.) Replace the windshield with an auto glass company - using professional windshield replacement services is the easiest way to replace a windshield because it often comes with a cash back rebate, which literally pays for itself, that is assuming you pay for auto glass insurance and have no deductible.

2.) DIY windshield replacements - Here are the exact steps if you decide you'd like to take on this feat on your own.

• Remove the rearview mirror, plastic covers, wipers and the rubber gasket.
• Cut the urethane seal with a cold knife.
• Remove the windshield.
• Remove excess urethane with a razor blade and clean the bonding area.
• Apply the urethane primer.
• Run a bead of urethane around the perimeter.
• Reinstall the windshield.
• Allow the urethane to cure.
• Reinstall any hardware you removed and replace the rubber gasket.

Here is an in depth video for how to remove a windshield by yourself.

Now that we've laid out the options to replace windshield damage, we can discuss the types of glass you can replace your windshield with.



1.) OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) - The benefits of using OEM glass; it's considered by many to be the highest quality auto glass as it was the choice by the manufacturer when they produced this line of vehicle. The difference between true OEM and OEM quality equivalent are often not noticeable. These parts can only be purchased through the dealer and come with a premium. Many auto glass companies in Arizona specifically will mislead customers into thinking they are getting OEM, the easiest way to tell if you've been duped is to check the windshield markings which will have a stamp indicating the same part number as the manufacturer parts.



2.) Aftermarket (OEM Equivalent) - Unless specifically asked for most auto glass companies will give you an aftermarket part, with that said, If the car is new then there likely isn't an aftermarket equivalent yet. L Brand glass is considered higher quality than G brand but if you're looking for the cheapest windshield so that you can get the largest cash rebate, let the auto glass company you choose to do your replacement know that G brand is fine with you. The overall functionality of aftermarket and OEM are the same, but the testing on aftermarket products is sometimes questionable.



3.) New Windshield - these are recommended if you're looking to replace windshield damage, and will be the choice of auto glass companies. This is because the insurance will want new glass installed in order to pay.



4.) Used Windshield - these are not recommended, however, if you're looking to replace windshield damage, and are opting not to use a company, then you can go to say a salvage lot and find a matching vehicle with the same windshield and pick it up for relatively cheap. This option is likely best for a car savvy mechanic with a high deductible or someone who simply doesn't want to pay for glass insurance and knows a guy.



 5.) Laminated Windshield - All windshields installed today are laminated, this insures that the glass wont break and cut all the passengers inside. Think of it like a bag that traps the glass shards in on impact, just because it is laminated doesn't mean that you should drive on cracked glass. Seek to replace broken windshields as fast as possible.



6.) Shade (Window Tinted Windshields) - These help protect drivers from UV radiation. Shade windshields are painted on while tint are more like adhesives, and can get bubbles if not installed correctly. For information on Phoenix Auto Glass window tint options click here.



7.) Bullet Resistant / Bulletproof Windshields - Thick heavy glass that is used to protect from blunt force such as a hand gun would be classified as bullet resistant glass. Bulletproof windows are extremely heavy glass that are designed to withstand medium firepower even at point blank range. There is no point in adding bulletproof windows without bulletproofing you're entire car.



8.) Rain/Condensation Sensors - is a specialty piece of equipment that guides the windshield wipers on speed based on the amount of water. These are often the most expensive type of windshield. Condensation sensors sense heat and reduce condensation to reduce build up and function similarly to rain sensors using your vehicles computer system.



9.) Heads Up Display - are holographic images projected onto the windshield.



10.) Solar coated, Acoustic Inter-layer, High-beam Dampener - solar coating helps keep UV radiation out of the vehicle. Acoustic Interlayer is designed to keep outside sounds out and vice versa. High beam dampeners reduce glare when approaching vehicles with their brights or high beams on, great for if you take a lot of long distance road trips at night.

If you have questions about your options or would like to schedule a mobile windshield replacement appointment in Arizona feel free to call us at Phoenix Auto Glass (800) 674-9208 or fill out the form conveniently located below this article.