It might be such a hairline crack that you barely notice it or it could be quite obvious. Either way, it is safe to say that the realization that your auto glass is chipped will not be a welcome one. In fact, you might not know the steps you need to take to get the chip repaired. By following the easy guide below, you can get the repairs completed and avoid the potential for larger problems.

Call Your Insurance Company

There are a number of different ways that your windshield or other auto glass could wind up with a chip. The most common ways that chips appear is from rocks and other debris from the road, auto accidents and acts of nature such as downed tree limbs. If you know how your windshield ended up with a chip, you can check with your insurance company to find out if the cost of the repair is covered.

Consult a Trained Professional

The next step to getting your chipped auto glass repaired is to consult with a trained professional. Whether you will be going through your insurance company to have the repair completed or you will be solely responsible for it, you want to make sure the company you choose has the right attributes.

  • Free estimates: This option is extremely important -- whether you are paying out of pocket or not. Not only does knowing an estimated cost for the repair help you budget appropriately, it gives you a guideline when it comes to determining if you will meet your deductible and should involve your insurance company at all.

  • Repair or replace: There are a number of factors that go into determining if a chip is simply a minor repair or if it is best to have the entire auto glass replaced. While your particular chip could look almost benign, its appearance could be deceiving. Its location, for example, could warrant replacement of the entire windshield for safety reasons. Another aspect to consider is the amount of spidery cracks that radiate from the chip.

  • Reputation: You want to make sure your auto glass gets the best care. The company's reputation within the community says a great deal about how they treat their customers. For your peace of mind, be sure to do a check with the Better Business Bureau offices in the Twin Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis areas.

Only 1 Auto Glass provides exceptional customer service and a range of specialized services that are designed to give you peace of mind. Not only is Only 1 Auto Glass a member of the local Better Business Bureau, they are also a member of the National Glass Association and the Auto Glass Safety Council.