Discovering that tiny chip or crack in your windshield is never a cause for celebration. It is also not the type of problem that you should just put off thinking about until another time. While it is easy to do so in today's fast-paced and busy world, the longer it is put off and not dealt with, the more serious -- and even unsafe -- it might become. Knowing the steps that you need to take can give you an action plan to follow and make it easier to get this task taken care of in a timely manner.
1. Safety Comes First
Regardless of where the crack or chip in your windshield is located, its presence can reduce your visibility. While this might not be a factor during those days when it is clear and sunny, when night falls -- as well as during inclement weather such as rain, snow and ice -- having the distraction of a spider web of cracks throughout your windshield could significantly reduce your visibility. With a reduction of visibility, it is more likely that you will be involved in an accident. In fact, Minnesota law bans drivers from operating a vehicle whose windshield hampers their view.
2. Accidents Happen
In the event that the unthinkable happens and you are in an accident, if your windshield is cracked, chipped or otherwise reduced in integrity the results could be catastrophic. Given a significant amount of force -- such as that experienced during many car accidents -- this loss of integrity could result in the windshield splintering and breaking. In a worst case scenario, someone in your vehicle could be injured by the shards of flying glass. Even a best case scenario involving glass particles everywhere does not sound appealing to most people.
3. Contact Your Insurance Agent
Insurance companies in Minnesota must offer their clients the option to purchase coverage that replaces their auto glass, though drivers are not required to purchase it. Doing so, however, offers a number of benefits to the driver. You will not have to pay to have your windshield repaired or even replaced. You need to use the repair shop that the insurance company recommends or you might need to pay the difference in cost.
4. Choose a Reputable Shop
In the event that you did not purchase the applicable windshield replacement insurance, you need to locate a reputable shop within the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to repair or replace your windshield. Only 1 Auto Glass provides exemplary service to drivers in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas. Operating out of one of 15 metro offices as well as via a fleet of mobile vehicles allows you to have this necessary service completed when and where it is most convenient for you.