Is Windshield Repair All That It's Cracked Up to Be?
Repairing a chipped or cracked windshield is costly and not always effective. Does it really make more sense to simply replace the windshield? Let's take a look at the facts.
What Exactly Is Windshield Repair?
Windshield repair works by inserting an epoxy resin into the crack or the chip. Once hardened, this material repairs the damage and stops any further cracking from spreading. Although this may sound like a great idea on paper, there are some significant downsides to repairing your windshield:
The Repairs May Only Last A Short Time – Many experts agree that chips and cracks can spontaneously return after being repaired, necessitating further treatment as time goes on. In fact, most insurance companies specifically instruct you NOT to have your auto glass repaired at the first sign of damage.
The Repairs Often Look Ugly – Because windshield repair is done by injecting a resin into the crack, you're often left with an unsightly and unnatural-looking line that stands out from the rest of your window. If you can't bear to look at it yourself, imagine what other people on the road are thinking. This goes double for chips around headlights and taillights since they tend to be more visible than those in a regular view. The Repair Process Is Messy – Have you ever worked with epoxy before? It's not fun! You'll need protective gloves and eyewear just to get started, and then you have about five minutes until they start hardening. Which leaves you very little time to work it into the crack. The Repair Process Is Expensive – Windshield repair is considered an optional coverage on your car insurance policy, which means you're responsible for all costs associated with the procedure. So while you may only need a few hundred dollars worth of repairs, you could end up paying hundreds more in premiums to make sure they stay that way!
Is It Really Worth the Hassle?
Even if windshield repair does its job for a short amount of time, it's still inconvenient. And when you consider that most people will have about three chips or cracks repaired in their lifetime at best, replacement makes much more sense financially. Instead of worrying about recurring damage and unsightly lines, get rid of your old windshield once and for all. And replace it with a new one that will look great, save you money, and come with free mobile service.
However, before you take the plunge, make sure it's legal in your state. Some states require all pre-existing damage to be repaired by law, while others need only minimal damage to be fixed first. Call your insurance company or agent if you have any questions about what exactly these laws entail. After all, they know the rules better than anyone else!
When Is Windshield Repair a Better Idea?
Some minor cracks can actually be repaired during an annual inspection. This option is convenient for some people because it doesn't come with the hassle of rescheduling service or finding someone else to drive them around. Plus, small chips are usually less expensive and easier to work with than larger ones. Either way, keep in mind that many insurance companies won't cover inspection repairs, so you'll have to foot the bill for this one on your own.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that chip repair is a great idea if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Salt and sand on roads can really do a number on your windshield, so minor damage will save you from having to replace it later. Repairing chips is especially helpful during winter months when salt is most prominent. Just be sure not to use your wipers while driving through slushy puddles!
Is Windshield Repair Really Worth It?
Windshield repair isn't always the best option for every type of damage, but there are some instances where it makes more sense than replacement:
A small crack near the edge of the glass
Damage that makes it difficult to see out of your window
A chip in a car's windshield with poor visibility
A chip near the hood or roof of a vehicle
The Insurance Company Doesn't Care – Some insurance companies won't allow you to opt for repair at all. In fact, they'll require replacement right from the start. So if any part of your windshield is damaged, make sure you know what kind of coverage you have. If you don't agree with their decision, call customer service and discuss the problem further. They may be able to make an exception for certain types of damages.
Oldsmar, FL