Can a 12 Inch Crack in Windshield be Repaired?
Yes, it can be repaired. If the crack is smaller than half an inch wide, an adhesive kit will do. For larger cracks that are spider-web-like, you should replace the windshield to avoid any more damage or leaks in the glass.
Impact of Windshield on Auto Insurance Rates
The cost of windshields varies according to size and type. The price also differs between car brands and models. Repairing a 12-inch crack costs around $100 dollars which is not deemed expensive by most people but if your insurance covers it why spend money on an auto glass repair? When you file a claim with the insurance company, they take into consideration many factors such as the severity of damage including how much damage was caused due to weather conditions or poor road conditions. Insurance companies consider windshields with cracks as a high-risk component of the vehicle. Some insurance companies, especially in California do not cover windshield damage due to poor weather conditions while others offer only limited coverage for small windshield cracks.
You should file your claim if you are driving an old car or are concerned about your deductible amount because filing claims on your older cars will increase your premium rates significantly. If you have similar damages on all other components of the car then it may raise an eyebrow at the insurance company and they would be more willing to charge higher premiums not considering that this is just one accident-related claim which would have increased their revenue anyhow. You should also avoid filing multiple claims within a year's time frame since doing so will have a negative impact on your insurance premium.
You can save money by filing your claim online because most states allow filing claims online, speeding up the process of reimbursement. After submitting the claim you will be asked to pay for the repairs or replacement and then you will be reimbursed for it. There are some companies that deduct the price of repairs from total amount they owe you but there are other companies that send you a check after receiving information about your repair expenses which would not require any additional paperwork on your end if this is an option available with your car insurance company.
Windshield Replacement vs. Windshield Repair
One primary advantage in repairing instead of changing windshields is its cost-effectiveness done properly by professionals with years of experience. Quality windshields can be very expensive, at times more than what most people are able to afford. Some insurance companies offer better deals on windshield replacements but it is always good to compare prices across multiple companies before you make the decision of spending so much on a windshield replacement that may not even require any repair in the future.
Windshield Repair Process
Although auto glass repairs cost less than replacing the windshield with an unbreakable one, repairing damages does require some time and specialized tools. Professionals use special adhesives that keep the cracked area together until it can slowly grow together as one piece of glass if left undisturbed during the curing process which may take up to 48 hours for complete cure depending on temperature, humidity levels, and other environmental conditions.
Windshield Repair Availability
Windshield repair with a reputable company is available at all times in most states of the US but some companies like Safelite restrict windshield repairs for various reasons such as open recalls due to manufacturer defects, more than one claim filed within a specific time frame, and other similar factors which would make them lose money instead of saving it through the use of specialized tools and high-quality adhesives that ensure that your cracked glass does not shatter suddenly without warning even if you drive over potholes or hit a major road bump suddenly. Removal and replacement of windshields require more time and expensive equipment, technicians also need to be trained extensively before they can start working on repairs which may take longer especially when the damage caused is severe.
It is possible that you will have to remove your windshield for replacement or repairs if your car insurance company cannot offer you a reasonable solution but remember that most companies cover the cost of emergency replacement services in case there is no other option. You may receive an allowance for over-the-phone windshield repairs if the damages are not too severe but this allowance usually covers up to 50% of the total amount due. If you are unsure about whether you should replace or repair, call different insurance providers and ask them what they would do in case they were in your shoes then compare the quotes provided by each one of them before making a decision since some of them may offer higher estimates for new windshield installation than actual while others may not be willing to offer you a percentage of the total cost quoted.
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