Windshield Replacement Cost

If you have found yourself in need a new windshield and do not know how much a

Windshield Replacement Cost

is, hopefully you will have an idea once you finish this article.  First you also need to determine if the windshield can be repaired such as a minor crack or chip, of course if it is completely shattered or if there will be any type of damage to your car or truck if it is not replaced.

No one wants to ride around with a cracked windshield, besides looking bad the windshield keeps the car intact.  Once altered, the vehicle is not as solid and may not be as reliable the windshield has been altered.  Many years ago, windshields were made of glass and a minor chip could turn into a disaster.

Unlike many years ago, now windshields are made up of a laminated glass that usually consisted of 2 curved sheets of glass and a plastic layer laminated in-between, then the windshield is glued to the frame.  So depending on where the windshield is damaged, the price can go to very little to a bit more for other parts to be replaced.  But without a doubt repairing will be a lot cheaper than replacement.

Also depending on how the damage was done, the cost may be covered by insurance, but the only problem with that is many people have such a high deductible you may not think it is worth the effort to call. Then again, it depends on your insurance company some will not charge you a deductible so it is worth the phone call to find out.

Now how much for windshield replacement cost,that will also depend on what type of car you have so below will be the typical costs involved:

• If you have a small chip or crack in the windshield it may not need to be replaced except if it directly involves the driver being able to see the road
• If the windshield needs to be replaced this can run between $140 to $325you’re your vehicle on the lower end for cars and SUVs then up from there for mini-vans and trucks
• If you would like a service to come to you for the chip repair, that is about $50 and if you into the store about $25 for each chip.
• For a crack repair that is up to a foot $50 to $60; cracks between 1 to 2 feet anywhere between $60 to $70. Anything larger than that, do not let anyone tell you it can be repaired safely, your windshield will need to be replaced.
• Buy a kit and do it yourself.  A good kit will run about $12.

These are estimates so to get a better idea, try visiting a windshield shop near you.  This way you can get an idea of the cost and whether or not it is a major or minor repair.  You never know, you may be able to do it yourself if it is minor.  Also consider getting a second opinion for your windshield replacement cost so you do not over pay for the job.

Windshield Replacement Insurance

When your windshield needs to replaced do you know if you have

Windshield Replacement Insurance

?  Another question that comes up is whether or not the insurance will go up because of the claim.  Usually unless otherwise specified, the coverage to replace the windshield would fall under comprehensive and the deductible is lower for comprehensive insurance.  But in some states in the US do not require you to have comprehensive, so it may well depend how the windshield was damaged and you may be able to go after the party that damaged your windshield.

Depending on how bad the damage is to the windshield, in some states it could be very minor, you could be held liable and a citation could be issued.  It depends on how strictly the law is enforced.  Then other states as long as it doesn’t impair your vision, it is okay. Needless to say you do not want to have a damaged windshield because it could get a lot worse.  Something as simple as hitting a pot hole too hard can cause something minor to become major.

To find out about the laws in your state, you can go to the division of motor vehicle to find out what the laws are and also check with your insurance company to find out if there is any fine print that would cover the cost.  Then with other insurance companies, you will find that with windshield replacement insurance the deductible is more than the actual cost to repair so be prepared, you may be stuck with the replacement cost.

It is easier said than done to find an insurance company that will cover the entire cost of everything.  Then where there are some states that do not require you to have anything in your policy that would cover windshield replacement insurance leaves you feeling like what am I paying for?  Another thing is that there is no standardization throughout the United States with coverage or price.  So the bottom line is that you have to check your policy and if you are shopping around for insurance, this may be something worth asking about.

Windshield Repair Kit

If you have noticed that you have a small chip or crack in your windshield, you may want to look into getting your own

Windshield Repair Kit

.  These do-it-yourself kits a rather inexpensive for a small job by you taking care of it while it is small, you may be able to prevent it from getting much larger.

Most of these kits are quite easy to use and have a tendency to make the windshield stronger than it was for.  As with just about any product you need to fully read the instructions to make sure that you do everything right.  These kits come with resin to repair the chip or crack and little goes along way so just in case you end up with another chip or crack, you will have your windshield repair kit handy.  The reviews have been quite good with the longevity of the results using windshield repair kits too.

When working with resin, you have to have the proper temperature conditions.  Temperatures under 30 degrees may result in the resin not drying properly, then the other side of the spectrum if it is too hot or if you are in direct sunlight the resin will dry too fast making the repair not as professional looking as it could be.  Whichever product you decide to purchase read the enclosed instructions, but here are the basic steps so you will get an idea of what you will have to do:

• Clean the area you about to repair with a knife or razor (no chemicals) to remove any extra chips or dirt, wipe with  soft cloth
• Place suction cups around the damaged area making sure it is well secure
• There should be a center hole for you to place the repair tube upside down, then screw it tight
• Make sure the tip of the resin tube is over the damaged area before you open the tube
• Add the directed amount of drops (don’t overdo it – do exactly what the directions say for your size damage)
• There may be a plunger that controls the pressure to the resin so there will be no air, this is a quick process because resin hardens quickly
• Go back and for to loosen then tighten the plunger to make sure there are no air bubbles
• Remove the suction cups and if your kit came with a clear film, place it over the repair
• Let it dry and you have just done your first windshield repair!

With roads being as they are, rocks popping up or something flying off of the back of truck can leave your windshield with many chips.  If you find yourself in an area where repairs need to be done more frequently, you may want to invest in a larger kit.  Again, the key is making sure you follow the steps for the repair so the chip or crack stays repaired.  While you can give a windshield repair kit on cracks, once they get to be a foot long, you may find that it will not work.