Auto Glass Damage: What to Do in the First Hour

The sudden cracking of your windshield can come out of nowhere. Instead of panicking, you should try to follow step-by-step directions to help make the most out of the situation and come up with a solution. In just the first hour alone, you can take care of a lot of the problems and be well on your way to windshield repairs.  If you find yourself in an auto glass emergency situation, then follow this guide to help you get through the first hour and set up a foundation to get through the situation as needed.

Decide if a Police Report is Needed

Before you can consider repairs or replacement for your windshield, you need to consider whether you need to file a police report. Some situations are purely accidental — a branch could fall from a tree, a stone could accidentally ding your car, or extreme heat or extreme cold could cause cracks.

Then there are cases where you will want a police report. For example, if debris from another vehicle flew off and hit your glass. If the vehicle kept going, you will want to call and report as much information as possible. If you have the license plate number, then the process will go easier.

You may also discover your parked vehicle was vandalized and had the windshield cracked.

In either case, a police officer can file a report, which will help with insurance and compensation for your windshield. If you wait until you replace the windshield, then a police officer may not have enough evidence or details on the case to file an official report.

Perform a Windshield Examination

When your windshield cracks, you want to do a visual examination of the glass to see the damage. You want to ensure pieces of the glass will not fly off if the car is driven. You want to check if there are multiple spots where cracked glass has occurred, or if any foreign objects have wedged into the glass.

For example, a baseball could have broken glass and got stuck inside the windshield. Do not touch the glass at all. Keep your inspection purely visual. Not only do you want to avoid the spread of cracks or breaks, but you do not want to get cut by the small shards.

As part of the visual inspection, you want to check the driving condition of the vehicle. Sit in the driver's seat and see how much of the view has become impaired by the cracks. If your visuals are blocked, then you should not drive the vehicle.

If you cannot drive the vehicle, then take the first hour to determine alternate transportation. You could call family members or friends to come pick you up. You could also arrange for a ride through a driving service app. If you cannot drive the vehicle, make sure you park the car in a safe location where you will not run into problems or get the way of other vehicles.

Read Over Your Insurance Policy

You may assume you have auto glass coverage as part of your insurance policy, but every policy differs. Before you make any decisions on your auto glass replacement option, check out your insurance policy to see exactly what is covered. Auto glass coverage varies and typically has two separate options based on repairs and replacements.

If your insurance policy covers auto glass repairs or replacements, then you should consider filing a claim as soon as possible. If you get a claim approved, then you will only have to pay the deductible and the insurance company will pick up the rest of the cost.

For example, if you have $250 deductible and the windshield replacement cost $600, then you would pay the $250 and the insurance company would cover the additional $350. If someone is at fault for the accident, then an insurance company will help you file a claim against the other insurance holder. The claim can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Phone Call for Quotes

To get your vehicle back on the road quickly, you need to receive an estimate for your auto glass repair service. While many websites feature forms and ways to receive quotes online, you will find faster results if you call an auto glass company directly. While on the phone, you can describe the damage and give details about your vehicle's make and model.

From there, you can get a direct quote. You do not need to wait for an email response and also have the opportunity to decide whether you want to file the claim with your insurance or just pay straight out of pocket to cover the costs. Once you decide, you can arrange for glass repair services and get your vehicle back on the road quickly.

Call us at MS Glass Outlet to receive a direct quote for your glass repairs and replacement. In many cases, we can perform same-day repairs and help get you on the road again quickly.