If you have comprehensive insurance coverage in Minnesota, your windshield repair is fully covered with no deductible. 

The only question is, what are you waiting for? 

The longer you wait to get your windshield fixed by an Only 1 Auto Glass repair specialist, the greater your chances are of suffering the consequences. Read below to discover what could go wrong and how it can affect you.

Why Damaged Windshields Are Not Safe

Any structural damage to a windshield already compromises its ability to protect you in situations when you need it to shield you the most. If the glass has cracks, chips, or missing pieces, the odds are against you that the entire windshield will stay intact in a collision. 

Your best bet is to fix the windshield imperfections as they happen and restore the windshield's stability.

Small Cracks & Chips Only Get Worse

Like any other component in your car, glass damage only worsens with time. Therefore, you should bring the vehicle to our Only 1 Auto Glass repair shop to fix small issues before they become big problems. 

Fixing small dings and chips in your windshield takes far less effort and will help reduce the labor costs involved in the process. Most windshield chips can be handled in a short period.

Your Insurance Company May Not Cover the Entire Repair

Although insurance companies are required to waive their deductibles when paying for windshield damage, they can set a cap on how much they are willing to pay for the entire repair or window replacement. 

You are better off hiring a certified window repair expert from Only 1 Auto Glass to solve the issue now before it costs you more money than it has to. 

You & Your Car Become a Liability

Chances are, you are not the only one who operates or rides in your vehicle 100% of the time. If you are toting passengers or allowing other drivers to operate your vehicle, you owe it to them to ensure your automobile is as safe as possible. 

This means fixing all damaged glass around the entire vehicle. Our glass experts can inspect your entire vehicle to ensure all windows are tip-top and your car is safe.

You Could Get a Ticket 

It is against the law to drive with a cracked windshield as it obstructs your vision field, and any damage to the windshield glass may be a traffic violation. 

Any crack in your windshield, mainly if it is right in your field of vision, must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

The Structural Integrity is Compromised

Each component of your vehicle serves a different purpose, and because the windshield is a direct support for the roof, it plays a critical role in keeping the cars structural integrity together. 

If a collision or accident occurs, the windshield can prevent the roof from caving in and keep everyone inside safer, so complete the repair as soon as possible. 

Malfunctioning Airbags

Airbags are designed to keep you and your passengers safe if there is a collision, and when the unit goes off, it bounces off the windshield, which can help decrease the force of the crash and soften the impact. 

Damaged windshields mean they're less likely to handle the force of the airbag being released and could result in the glass shattering or breaking, leaving you and your passengers vulnerable to the full force of the collision.

How to Tell It's Time for a New Windshield

If your windshield is damaged, you likely worry you'll need to replace it. Since this can be costly if filing a claim with your insurance doesn't cover it, it's no wonder this makes you apprehensive.

You will be relieved to know that, in many cases, windshield damage doesn't mean you have to throw out the entire window. Instead, the damage can be repaired. When the damage is significant enough that replacement is necessary, you'll be glad to know we have reasonable rates on custom-fit windshields.

What criteria are used to determine whether to repair windshield damage or go with replacement? There are a few simple guidelines we use to make the decision. By going over them, you can avoid surprises and be better prepared for what will be needed to get you safely on the road.

Here are the typical determining factors we use when deciding if a windshield is repairable or needs to be replaced.

The Size of the Damaged Area

The standard guideline for size is that the damage shouldn't exceed the dimensions of a dollar bill. Replacing the glass is recommended if a crack is pretty long or a hole is thick. 

Because of this, it's important to get repairs right away, especially with cracks. Cracks in auto glass will spread if not addressed, so what was once a repairable amount of damage can grow until a replacement is necessary. 

Fixing them quickly will prevent this!

The Location of the Damage

A crack, ding, or other damage in the driver's field of vision can impair the view of the road even after repairs. In these cases, we recommend replacement.

It's also dangerous to try to repair damage in any of the corners of the windshield. That's because weakness in these areas can cause the window to shatter unexpectedly, even after a repair. 

Therefore, we always recommend a replacement for this damage to maintain safety.

The Amount of Damage

In most cases, windshield damage only affects one or two areas. However, hailstorms, gravel spilling from trucks, and other such things can cause pockmarks or cracks in multiple places on the window. Then, your windshield must be replaced to ensure it won't shatter without warning later on.

Whenever you notice an imperfection in the glass of your car's windshield, you should take it to professional Auto Glass Installers and have it inspected. 

If you live in the Minneapolis, St Paul area, you're lucky because Only 1 Auto Glass has the best Auto Glass Installers in the Twin Cities. 

They specialize in the following:

To find out if your windshield can be repaired, contact our team today. Our expert technicians will examine your window and recommend the most affordable and safest option for its condition.

Let Only 1 Auto Glass Handle all Your Small & Large Repairs

Several things need to be considered when you have a damaged windshield. The financial cost is usually the biggest concern for most people, as they are unaware of how important the windshield is to the vehicle's structural frame. 

The sooner you repair a rock chip or a cracked windshield, the less likely you will need a windshield replacement, which is more expensive than a windshield repair. So, don't waste time getting your car to the auto glass installers; at least evaluate the damage.

Take your vehicle to Only 1 Auto Glass, where we'll inspect your windshield and explain your options for windshield repairs, windshield replacements, and rock chip repair in Minnesota. When it comes to auto glass repair or replacement, nobody can restore your windshield like our experts!

We provide a comprehensive service that includes repair, replacement and help you file your insurance claim. Call us today at 651-789-1111, and let us give you a free estimate!