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Windshield Replacement - What to do first
By gguild | July 15, 2008
Time for a windshield replacement! Surprise!
So you need a windshield replacement, do you? Are you ready for that? Before you get the feeling on not knowing exactly what to do first to make the best choices about that windshield replacement, there are a few things that you may want to read and review here first.
Windshield replacement step 1 - Research
Probably, the first step to take following a sizing-up of the damage to the windshield is to contact you insurance agent. Under most circumstances the broken windshield would be covered under the comprehensive damage portion of your automobile insurance. Not all situations require a windshield replacement. Some situations can simply be repaired and in some situations the damage may be so slight that insurance would not cover a windshield replacement. It is always a good idea to get a clear understanding of those situations from your insurance agent before you proceed.
Your insurance agent can help
Once you have established the type of damage and what the insurance company is willing to pay for, you now may be asked to secure three quotes, or the insurance agent may simply tell you where the windshield replacement shop that he or she approves, is located. If you are directed to a repair station, your immediate problems are all behind you. If you are asked to get windshield replacement quotes, then you should know exactly what you are looking for.
Windshield replacement step 2 - Quotes
What is wrong with the cheapest windshield replacement?
It is probably human nature to begin a search for bids and quotes to seek out the cheapest. We assume that is what is wanted. In this case, that is not the goal. The first thing to look for is the NGA logo. The National Glass Association (NGA) certifies windshield replacements and repairs as well as the technicians who install. Windshields are an integral part of the automobile’s safety equipment and it would be a reckless act to simply let the cheapest bidder have at a part of your car that is most likely to save your life in an accident, when installed properly.
NGA certified windshield replacement technicians will use only OEM glass. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM glass meets the tight specifications required by the original automotive manufacturers. Other glass often used is aftermarket glass that is made without access to the specifications demanded by manufacturers. With this glass, the makers simply back-engineer as best they can and produce a glass that “looks like” the real thing. Much of this glass is shipped into the United States from China at cheap prices, flooding the market with substandard glass. You do not want to trade with a windshield repair facility that would trade with this aftermarket glass.
Windshield Replacement step 3 – Selection
Select a windshield replacement shop with confidence
In all probability, the NGA certified and trained windshield replacement and repair facility you select will be satisfactory with your insurance company. There is a great deal of competition in the industry and those who do reputable replacement and repair know the prices and what the insurance payments will allow. There would not be a great deal of difference.
Consider Window Tinting
While your car is in for a new windshield, your windshield replacement and repair facility may also do window tinting. If you live in some of the sunnier climates such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and southern Utah, you might want to consider tinting the side and rear windows. Window tinting filters the bad part of the sun and also makes the interior of your vehicle much cooler. It is something to think about while your car is in for repair anyway.
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