While chips from rocks and pebbles often occur at the worst time they cannot be neglected and should be attended to quickly.
Even though it may seem like a minor chip, even the smallest chips can quickly develop into a costly repair job. Chips can turn into a crack when pressure hits your windshield. Pressure can come from a variety of sources, such as taking your car through the car wash or when temperature changes occur.
Comprehensive coverage is a crucial component of any auto insurance policy, especially when it comes to protecting against windshield damage. Comprehensive coverage goes beyond accidents on the road, extending to cover a wide range of non-collision incidents, including damage from rocks or debris hitting the windshield.
This means that if your windshield gets a chip or crack due to flying debris or a rock kicked up by another vehicle, comprehensive coverage typically steps in to cover the cost of repair or replacement. By having comprehensive coverage in place, drivers can rest assured that their insurance will help with the cost of unexpected windshield damage, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
The importance of fixing a chipped windshield
Once chips grow into a crack, they can no longer be fixed and your windshield will need to be replaced.
Most insurance policies will cover the cost of stone chip repairs without impacting your policy rate. You don’t need to be afraid to contact your insurance company if you require a stone chip repair.
Being proactive and repairing a chip in your windshield can save you a significant amount of money. A windshield replacement can cost over a thousand dollars while repairing a chip can cost less than a hundred dollars. Fast action could save you hundreds.
A cracked windshield is also a safety hazard. If the glass is cracked, it can break and impact your ability to drive safely or may even cause injury. What you may not realize is that your windshield is part of the structural framework of the vehicle. A cracked windshield has a greater chance of shattering or causing an accident.
You should take the following steps if you notice a stone chip in your windshield:
- Talk to your insurance representative to find out if the repair is covered.
- Contact a reputable and licensed supplier for glass repair. Many have mobile services and they will come to you.
- To avoid any insurance fraud scams be sure to speak with your insurance representative to get names of preferred windshield repair shops. Temporary repair stations should be avoided.
By being proactive and attending to your stone chip right away, you’ll save money, be a safer driver, and keep the inconvenience to a small repair job. For more information, speak to your insurance representative.
