Windshield, chips or cracks?

[Matlock]

Seems like northern winters turn most small windshield stone chips into a spider web crack across the windshield.
In Ohio they hand out tickets once stopped for another reason if they notice the cracks. In Texas not so much, in my experience.

I hesitate going to my insurance Co for a replacement. I know years ago there was no issue and they ok'd replacement over the phone.

What's your experience been lately with law enforcement and the insurance industry?

 

[Almost There]

Seems like northern winters turn most small windshield stone chips into a spider web crack across the windshield.
In Ohio they hand out tickets once stopped for another reason if they notice the cracks. In Texas not so much, in my experience.

I hesitate going to my insurance Co for a replacement. I know years ago there was no issue and they ok'd replacement over the phone.

What's your experience been lately with law enforcement and the insurance industry?

I can forget my insurance company when it comes to windshield replacement.  The minimum deductible that they'll write a policy for is deliberately set at more than what the windshield will cost to replace.

 

[BC Guy]

My glass deductible is $200. I have run across places that only charge 1/2 the deductible. Right now I am watching to see if the big chip in the center of the windshield is going to spread.
A lot of the glass installers here are accredited with the provincial autoplan. They handle the interaction with the insurance company. You don't have to deal with them.

 

[Wanderer]

I had a quote of $369 for a new windshield 3 years ago....Now? It's $266....I may very well replace it....

Because it's low on the vision aspect (Or that the cops don't care here) I haven't had any complaints....

 

[Oberneldon]

In MA all MV insurance policies include glass replacement as part of the premium. You can not pass a safety inspection with a crack.

When I have a crack I call the insurance company and pay nothing to have the glass replaced.

Brent

 

[Txjaybird]

Well I learned a lot my first full winter in SD after always being in Tx or else where in the deep south for winter time.   I learned that a chip in my 1969 ford p.u. windshield would not only crack when hit with hot air when I switched to defrost from the heater setting after getting the cab really really warm...I also learned that I could hear the crack and watch it run across the bottom of the windshield from one side to the other! 

 During traffic stops in both Tx where there is/was a yearly inspection or no tags....and in SD where at that time there was no required inspections,  the cracked window In both stops was remarked on by LEO's,  also the location {bottom} was mentioned and that it was not eye level or in my line of sight, so I guess it wasn't a issue at that time.  

 I've had other vehicles up there with window chips and spent plenty of winters too.   One trick a old timer told me was to clean chipped & cracked  spots with alcohol and let dry.   Then use clear nail polish [ I use Sally Hanson with nylon fibers from Wally World]  on the chips and cracks,  I'm not sure if  this works or not.  The only time I've had a a cracked windshield  since  the 1969 truck was when a lock out service cracked mine at a truck stop in South LA.     and they replaced it very quickly!  I don't know if I was just lucky or this really did help.  I also began  turning the defroster on when first cranking the truck and set in on low fan and low heat and as soon as possible turn the defroster off and run the heater on floorboard or panel settings.
 The second time I moved to the frozen north [ I like it up there] I also used cheap small tarps when snow was forecast and pulled them over the windshield, some of it up on the roof and closed the sides up in the front doors.  Next time I used the truck I'd just pull off the tarp and the snow went off with it.  I hope this info helps out.   Texas Jbird

 

[flying kurbmaster]

most glass shops can fix those stone chips, make them disappear with a bit of uv light and some glue as long as you catch it before it looks like a spider web.

 

[arctic cat]

My glass deductible is $200.  I have run across places that only charge 1/2 the deductible.  Right now I am watching to see if the big chip in the center of the windshield is going to spread.
A lot of the glass installers here are accredited with the provincial autoplan.  They handle the interaction with the insurance company.  You don't have to deal with them.

Try to see if you can repair it.  A lot cheaper to repair

 

[NickTheoBennett]

My insurance policy (Progressive) has no deductible for repairs and $100 for replacement. I have comprehensive, though, so that might be why it is cheaper than most.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Prior to 2008 Companies that offered auto insurance in Massachusetts weren't allowed to charge a deductible for windshield replacement. That changed after 2008, but for whatever reason, my company (and most others I hear) still gives me a zero deductible on windshields. Don't need to call or anything, just take it to a place that does them and they do all the paperwork. Some local companies even offer to pay you $50 to have you get a windshield through them because they make such good money off of them when billing the insurance company.

 

[BC Guy]

Try to see if you can repair it.  A lot cheaper to repair

Many years ago places would do a chip for free.  Around 2 years ago I checked the current price at a local chain.  $99 and no guarantee.
I'll wait.

 

[MrNoodly]

The only time I've had a a cracked windshield  since  the 1969 truck was when a lock out service cracked mine at a truck stop in South LA.    ...

Smashing a window IS the fastest way into a locked car.

 

[MrNoodly]

Putting reflective shades inside the windshield in hot summer weather can also cause chips to turn into big cracks. The heat builds up between the glass and shade.

I'm registered in South Dakota, so no vehicle inspection. But I replaced a cracked windshield about 18 months ago (darned reflective shade) because I didn't want to look like a loser. Now a crack is developing in the replacement. Sigh.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Many years ago places would do a chip for free.  Around 2 years ago I checked the current price at a local chain.  $99 and no guarantee.
I'll wait.

shop around two years back I happen to noticed a sign that read chips repair 29.00 then drove up the Alaska Hwy got a chip, started asking around for prices, in Whitehorse one joint  said 65 the other 45.00 dollars, I thought I will wait till I am south next place down south was 75 then 95.00 I still haven't fixed it nor has it grown. I am waiting to see another 29.00 dollars sign, am I dreaming?