Windshield Safety First and Foremost!
Your windshield protects you and your passengers from the elements and debris, like insects and rocks. Modern windshields are even designed in a way that protects you, the driver/passenger when the glass is compromised. Modern windshields are made with laminated safety glass. This treated glass usually consists of two curved sheets of glass with a layer of laminate between them. So when your windshield breaks, instead of having shards of glass flying through the car, the safety glass shatters without caving in on you.
While this design is great in the event of an accident, it makes it crucial to repair cracks and chips as soon as possible. A crack or a chip compromises the integrity of the windshield by damaging the cohesion between the windshield’s glass and laminate pieces. This could make it more likely that you will suffer injuries from broken glass during an accident. It may also cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly since the windshield helps direct the inflated airbag towards the passengers during a collision. On top of these structural issues, cracks and chips can also impair your vision and increase the risk of accidents occurring while you drive.
Fix it or Ticket! Repair Your Windshield or Pay the Price
Did you know there are federal regulations on cracked windshields? If there is a chip or crack in your windshield, it must be smaller than ¾ inch in diameter. Even then, they aren’t allowed to be directly in the driver’s “line of sight.” A good way to know what’s considered in your line of sight is to look at your wiper blades. If your wipers touch the crack, your windshield is in an out-of-service condition. Not only can it not be in the driver’s line of sight, but your chip or crack can’t be within three inches of another crack or chip or else you could be looking at not only paying for the fixed windshield but paying a ticket.
You’ll need to check your State’s Transportation Code to know for sure what windshield damage is and is not allowed for you to continue driving your car within the legal limits. Checkout some of those State Codes below –
- Iowa Transportation Code
- Missouri Transportation Code
- Nebraska Transportation Code
- Kansas Transportation Code
. Violating the transportation code can lead to a civil infraction. Which is a fancy way of saying you’ll get a ticket and pay a fine.
Why Repair Your Windshield? It’ll Only Get Worse And More Expensive!
That crack won’t go away on its own. If you leave the cracks and chips unrepaired, they will get bigger and you’ll end up needing to replace the entire windshield. The good news is that small damages are fixable when repaired early. A chip will be less expensive ranging in price from $50 to $100. While a crack will cost you more, usually $125 to $150. This is all subject to the area you’re in, the type of car you drive, and the type of glass you need. Be sure to check with a reputable auto glass repair shop, like Kryger Glass, for pricing.
If you choose to continue driving with a small chip or crack, you are opening yourself up to larger repairs down the road. If you hit a pothole, drive on a bumpy road, or even make too sharp of a turn, the minor inconvenience can turn into a big problem. Once those cracks begin to enlarge you’ll need to replace the whole windshield. You will be kicking yourself for not getting that $50 repair when you are paying for a windshield replacement ranging between $200 and $400.
When is it too far gone for repair?
- If the crack is longer than a dollar bill
- If the crack or chip is more than halfway through the windshield
- If the crack or chip extends to the outside edge of the windshield
Will Insurance Cover My Windshield Repair?
The good news is your insurance may cover these costs. Some States require car insurance companies to fully cover the cost of windshield repairs. If you don’t live in one of those states, you’ll most likely need to check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers repairs or replacements.
Comprehensive coverage is an optional addition to the legally-required insurance policy, that may cover windshield repairs and replacements. It’s usually grouped in with collision insurance and covers damages from “acts of God.” So if your chip was caused by a rock kicking up while you were driving through road work, you can often get the repair cost covered through your insurance. Always double-check your policy to make sure it covers windshields specifically. Some may only cover side windows, require a deductible, or involve other caveats. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
Repair Your Windshield Quickly, Repair with Kryger Glass
Getting your windshield repaired quickly saves you both time and money and could end up saving your life! So when you get a crack or chip in your windshield, the best thing to do is call your auto shop to schedule the repair. When you need a repair call your nearest Kryger Glass, or get a quote online.