It’s Road Construction Season - So, Here are 5 Tips Regarding Windshield Damage
A chipped or cracked windshield might seem like a minor annoyance, but it can quickly escalate into a major safety issue if left unaddressed. Whether caused by flying stones on the highway or a sudden temperature change, it’s important to act quickly. Here are five key tips for handling windshield damage—and how your auto insurance may play a role in the process.
1. Assess the Damage Immediately
As soon as you notice a chip or crack, examine the size, depth, and location. Small chips (under the size of a quarter) or short cracks (under 6 inches) can often be repaired without replacing the entire windshield. However, if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight or near the edges, it may weaken the structural integrity of the glass and require full replacement.
Best Practice: Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles. This helps with both professional assessment and insurance claims.
2. Avoid Temperature Extremes and Moisture
Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can cause cracks to grow rapidly. Until you can get the windshield repaired:
- Avoid washing your car with hot or cold water.
- Park in the shade or indoors when possible.
- Don’t blast your defroster or air conditioning directly onto the windshield.
Best Practice: Cover the damaged area with clear tape to keep out dirt and moisture, but only if it doesn’t obstruct your view.
3. Contact a Windshield Repair Professional Promptly
Time is of the essence. Small chips can often be fixed in under 30 minutes by mobile glass technicians. Most experts recommend addressing the issue within a few days to prevent worsening.
Best Practice: Choose a certified auto glass technician or repair service that uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or OEM-equivalent glass.
4. Know When and How to Involve Your Insurance
Many comprehensive auto insurance policies cover windshield repair or replacement—often without a deductible for minor repairs. However, this varies by provider and policy.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Review your policy or contact your insurance agent.
- File a claim online or by phone, if covered.
- Schedule service through your insurer’s preferred provider to streamline the process.
Best Practice: Don’t delay calling your insurer. Waiting too long can cause the damage to worsen, potentially turning a covered repair into a more expensive replacement that may come with a deductible.
5. Prioritize Safety and Legal Compliance
Driving with a cracked windshield is not just risky—it could also be illegal depending on your state’s vehicle safety laws. Cracks that obstruct the driver’s view or impair windshield integrity can lead to tickets or inspection failure.
Best Practice: If the crack is growing or affecting your visibility, avoid driving until it’s repaired. Many mobile services will come to your home or work.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring a chip or crack may seem like an easy option, but it's not worth the risk. Prompt action can save you time, money, and potential safety hazards down the line. Always consult with a professional and check with your auto insurer—many are surprisingly accommodating when it comes to windshield damage.
We teamed up with Covered Insurance and now you have access to their insurance marketplace and their licensed insurance advisors. They’re available to help you find the right coverage for you. If you’d like to connect with one of Covered’s advisors they can be reached at 877-750-3980.
Covered Insurance Solutions is not affiliated with First Commonwealth Bank. Insurance products are offered by independent insurance companies, are not bank deposits and are not insured by the FDIC. You are not required to purchase insurance from Covered.
