Here at Carglass Miami, we know that most people don’t know what a chip, crack, or scratch in your windshield means for your car or your wallet. No one likes an unexpected expense, but when you know how to deal with windshield damage when it arises, you can minimize your expenses and stay safe. Today, we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about windshield damage and repair.
How long can I wait to get my windshield repaired?
Regardless of whether it’s a chip, crack, or scratch, the answer is always as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that modern windshields are made in a way that is designed to offer you protection in an accident, so any blemish compromises the integrity of your windshield, and thus your safety.
Is it expensive to get a windshield repair in Miami?
Generally, the sooner you get a problem repaired, the cheaper it will be overall. This is because a small chip can become a huge crack if you hit a pothole, experience a big temperature change – which is common here in Florida, or get hit by debris. This can be the difference between a minor repair and an entire windshield replacement – clearly, one will be much more cost-effective than the other!
Minor repairs do not cost a lot and if it is more costly, most comprehensive insurance policies will cover it. See our blog post here for full information and a cost breakdown on windshield repair costs in Miami.
Will the cost of my car insurance go up if I get my windshield repaired or replaced?
If you’re paying for a repair yourself, your insurance company does not need to be notified that you’re getting a repair. If you are claiming the cost of the repair or replacement through your car insurance policy, it should not affect your car insurance premium. The only time when your insurance premium should be affected by windshield damage is if it was caused by an accident with another vehicle.
How long does a windshield repair or replacement take?
Most repairs and replacements will take less than an hour to complete, and if you take your vehicle to an auto glass Miami location for the repair, they won’t let you drive the vehicle away until it is safe to do so.
However, if you are having the repair or replacement completed at your residence or place of work, then there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wait for at least an hour before driving the vehicle. This is advisable but not necessary for a repair, but crucial for a windshield replacement.
- Look around in the car for any glass – it’s highly unlikely that the technician will have missed any as they did their repairs, but it’s worth giving the car a look over, especially if you have children or dogs in the car often.
- Avoid parking the car under a tree or using a sunshade inside the car if you’ve had a windshield replacement. The adhesive is extremely strong and you don’t want to accidentally stick something to your windshield! If your technician has used retention tape for this reason, make sure you don’t remove it for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid car washes and off-roading. It can be tempting to take your newly repaired vehicle to get sparkling clean, but you want to give the repair or replacement time to set completely before allowing it to come into contact with power washers and brushes. Similarly, if you take your vehicle off-roading, or use it on gravel roads, give it 48 hours after a windshield replacement before you put your windshield under stress.
The technician completing the work will tell you about what you should and shouldn’t do following the repair or replacement upon completion of the work. Getting a windshield repair or replacement doesn’t need to be a big deal or a big strain on your resources. If you’re ever concerned and are near Carglass Miami, don’t hesitate to swing by with your vehicle, if possible, for an assessment and quote. It’s better to know how much it’s going to cost you than stay in the dark, put off a repair, and potentially make things worse when it could have been a quick, affordable fix in the first place.