4 Ways Your Windshield Can Be Broken (& Repaired)
The windshield is an essential part of the car This piece of glass separating us from the outside elements while we are cruising the highway is crucial for protecting us from the rain, snow, and sleet. It also gives us a clear vision so we can see where we are going.
It is also one of the most fragile parts of the car. It endures a range of objects that hit it, from bird poop all the way to massive hail. Sometimes a kid might even throw an errant baseball that crashes and breaks it.
Other times you might need windshield replacement in Maine when you are traveling down the East Coast and an accident strikes. It’s important to know how to fix the damage quickly when you are taking a road trip.
Because a broken windshield doesn’t affect the way a vehicle runs, people ignore it when it needs repairing. We’ll talk about the ways your windshield can break, why you should fix it, and where you should take it to get the best prices.
#1 – Weather Events
Weather events will occur during the course of every driver’s life. Even some of the world’s most scenic drives can present hazards to your windshield. If you are driving on long road trips, snow and hail may enter the picture in almost every state in America.
Areas in the Midwest and the Northeast especially have a lotof these possibilities. Often there isn’t much you can do to avoid the weather in these parts of the country if you have to drive to work or school.
If you are retired, perhaps you can keep your vehicle in the garage or another indoor area. Only taking your car out when you need it will protect it from the elements that cause harm to the vehicle.
This is not going to be an option for many people throughout America, though. A weather-related event is something out of your control. Anything that happens naturally can’t be prevented, meaning your insurance company will cover almost any type of windshield damage from the weather or a natural disaster.
#2 – Damage From a Third Party
In most instances, your insurance company will also cover any sort of windshield damage that occurs because of an outside party. This is because you are not at fault for the damage, much like damage from weather events.
These examples could range from someone throwing something at your car’s windshield by accident to vandalism from a criminal. The thing to remember no matter how the damage happens is your insurance company is usually going to be in control of who they will pay to get the glass fixed.
It may be frustrating to only get a certain amount of money to fix your broken glass, but many states like Maine require there to be no obstructions or breaks on the glass bigger than one inch. This means you will have to repair your windshield as soon as possible or you’ll get a ticket when the police notice.
Try to negotiate your insurance policy so it is friendlier to your pocketbook when it comes time to fix your windshield. Look for lower deductibles and policies that will allow some flexibility on the type of windshield installed. You will have to cover any excess costs if the shop you choose exceeds the claim amount.
#3 – Something Falls in Your Garage
This is where you start to become at fault for the broken windshield on your car. If you park your vehicle inside your garage, make sure there are no items hanging in the rafters that could fall on your car. This could damage the glass and become a problem with your insurance company.
Unlike the natural events or harm that other people cause, these types of issues arise because of your own irresponsibility. Insurance companies aren’t going to be as kind to those who have contributed to the problem they are filing a claim for.
Protect everything in your living space so it does not become a problem. This means you could park your car outside, but then you are putting your vehicle at risk for a weather event. You have to find the least risky choice for your vehicle depending on the weather and what you own in your garage.
#4 – An Animal Strikes
If you are an experienced traveler, you understand that animals are also a threat to your windshield. Whether you hit a deer in the middle of the night or a pet from the neighbors next door, there are animals all around us. Respecting the ones you come into contact with is vital.
If you are taking your car into an animal’s natural habitat, there is a risk of damage. Try to stay on roads that humans have carved out for themselves, and don’t go driving into the areas that belong to our furry friends. This means no driving on shoulders. Try to stay on the main roads instead of the side paths. Unfortunately, these two areas intersect a lot of the time.
Your insurance company is likely to fix any damage that happens when an animal has caused a windshield break. They will want to know the details surrounding the circumstance to see if you were at fault in any way. Animals don’t go looking to damage your windshield, after all.
And that pretty much boils down to the basic ways your windshield can be damaged. It is a vulnerable part of your car. It is constantly at risk of getting broken, and your insurance company understands this. They will help you fix it as long as you aren’t the sole person to blame for the damage happening.