Imagine this -- you are driving down the road when suddenly a large rock comes crashing into your windshield. If this occurs, your windshield may shatter. If this has never happened to you before, you may wonder what you need to do next. Here are the steps you should follow if your windshield was shattered by a rock while you were driving.
Pull Over
If your windshield was shattered by a rock, the first thing that you will want to do is pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. This gives you an opportunity to collect your breath and assess the damage to your windshield.
Assess The Damage to Your Windshield
Once you have pulled over, you will want to get out and assess the damage to your windshield. If the rock left behind a small chip or crack, you can drive your car to a windshield repair company. However, if the windshield is shattered or if the crack impedes your vision while driving, you will not want to drive the car. You do not want to keep driving as a shattered windshield may break apart if you hit a bump or a second rock collides with it and you can receive a ticket for driving with a crack in your windshield that impedes your vision. In this scenario, you are best having your car towed to a windshield repair company or finding a mobile repair company that will come to you.
Have Your Windshield Replaced
If there is a large crack in the windshield, or it is shattered, there is no way to repair it. It will need to be completely replaced. In most instances, your auto insurance will cover the cost, but you will be responsible for the deductible. Contact your auto insurance company before you begin working with an auto glass company to find out if you are covered and what proof you may be required to submit before the repair begins. In some circumstances, an auto insurance company may ask you to take pictures of the windshield or may even want to inspect it before it gets replaced. Calling ahead helps ensure you meet the criteria they need to pay for the repairs.
Has your windshield been shattered by a rock in St. Paul, MN? If so, contact Only 1 Auto Glass. We can help replace your windshield and get you back on the road again.