So you’re dealing with your first damaged windshield? Then there are a few things you’ll need to know to ensure you handle the repair or replacement properly. At Only 1 Auto Glass, we’ve repaired and replaced thousands of windshields for Twin Cities drivers, and over the years, we’ve seen quite a few first-timers. Below, we’re covering some of the most common auto glass questions we’ve received to help you understand what to expect.
1. Can’t I Just Repair the Damage Myself?
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Yes, there are plenty of DIY auto glass repair kits on the market, but they contain low-quality materials, and it’s exceedingly easy to mess things up.
If you do make an error, it’s nearly impossible to correct, and then you’ll end up taking your vehicle to a windshield repair shop anyway. If you let the botched job sit and don’t pursue professional repairs, the damage will only get worse.
2. How Much Do Windshield Repairs and Replacements Cost?
The cost of auto glass repairs depends on the scope of the damage. The cost of a windshield replacement depends on the type of vehicle you drive and whether you schedule mobile or in-shop service. It’s always a good idea to get a free estimate for the repairs or replacement, so you know what to expect when you bring your vehicle in for service.
3. Will Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
That depends on what your policy covers or what their policy covers if another driver caused the damage. Generally, this is how it works:
● Comprehensive coverage. If you have this type of insurance, your insurer will most likely foot the bill for a windshield replacement, provided the damaging event qualifies. Falling tree branches, vandalism, flying debris, errant baseballs, and the like are almost always covered. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your insurance probably won’t pay for your windshield replacement.
● Property damage liability coverage. When your windshield suffers collision-related damage that’s another driver’s fault, the other person’s liability coverage should pay for your windshield replacement. However, you’ll need to file a claim, and the other insurer will need to accept it.
For more information about how insurance works, see What Every Driver Should Know About Insurance Claims for Auto Glass Repairs.
4. How Long Does Rock Chip Repair Take?
Generally speaking, windshield rock chip repairs and crack repairs require about 30 minutes. However, that timeframe can vary depending on the number of chips or cracks your windshield has. If you don’t want to wait around for in-shop auto glass service, you can always opt for a mobile repair and our techs will come to you to perform the work.
5. How Do I Know if I Need a Windshield Repair or Replacement?
If you’re dealing with what appears to be minor windshield damage, getting a professional assessment is the best way to determine whether the damage can be repaired. But if you’re dealing with a large crack or chip, chances are you’ll need brand-new glass.
To learn more about the various types of glass damage and how they’re fixed, check out What Types of Windshield Damage Are Eligible for Repair?
6. Is Mobile Auto Glass Service as Good as In-Shop Repairs?
Yes. We perform mobile windshield repairs to the same quality standard as our in-shop auto glass repairs. The only difference is that when our techs do a mobile repair, they can’t control the surrounding environment like they can in the shop.
If the weather is poor and you don’t have a covered area where our techs can work, you may need to wait until the skies clear up to get a mobile repair. Certain weather conditions can prevent the filler materials from setting properly inside the chip or crack, and if that happens, the repair essentially becomes worthless.
7. Do I Need to Do Anything Special After a Windshield Replacement?
Yes! Immediately after a windshield replacement, you must wait to drive your vehicle for at least one hour. That’s non-negotiable. Apart from waiting to drive, there are a few other things you’ll need to pay special attention to if you want your new auto glass to last.
Check out this blog to learn all about those special care measures: Just Got a New Windshield? Aftercare Tips to Make Your Investment Last.
8. What Is ADAS Calibration? Do I Need It?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and ADAS calibration is designed to ensure those systems are properly calibrated after you get auto glass service. If you have a newer-model vehicle that has modern safety systems like lane assist, backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, etc., your vehicle will require ADAS calibration after you get a windshield replacement.
For more information about this topic, as well as other instances that may require recalibration, check out Does Your Vehicle Need ADAS Calibration After Auto Glass Repairs?
Only 1 Auto Glass: The Twin Cities’ Number One Choice for Auto Glass Repair & Replacement
No matter what kind of window damage you’re dealing with, bring your vehicle to our team at Only 1 Auto Glass for the highest quality auto glass service in the Twin Cities. We’ve proudly served drivers throughout Maplewood, Golden Valley, Burnsville, and the surrounding cities for over a decade, and we’re here for you too. Whether you’re looking for in-shop service or mobile auto glass repairs, our expert team has you covered.
To get started, give us a call today at 651-789-1111 or request a free estimate, and we’ll be in touch!