Whack! A rock hits your windshield. Your eyes scan for damage and your brain wonders if windshield damage means a quick repair — or replacement.
A chip or crack doesn’t always mean a new windshield. Most windshield repair shops can fix up to quarter-sized rock chips and cracks as long as 3 inches. Since repairs are cheaper than replacements, Erie Insurance will waive the deductible and pay for the repair. If a replacement is needed, the deductible will apply.
Whether you’re going to repair or replace, it’s best to take action right away.
“The sooner you do it the better — otherwise moisture could enter the crack and cause further damage,” said Jim Brown, vice president and manager of Erie Insurance’s Material Damage Department. “Repairs maintain the original seal around the glass and also are environmentally friendly as a repaired windshield is one less windshield going to the dump.”
If the small nick in the windshield doesn’t seem to require either repair or replacement, continue to keep an eye on it.
You should also be wary of strangers who want to help.
Windshield repair harvesters position themselves at gas stations, car washes and even county fairs, trying to sell motorists on windshield repair.
“When you’re approached by someone about repairing your windshield while you wait, my advice is not to do it,” said Brown. “Some know what they are doing but many do not do a good job. Don’t give your insurance information to anyone until you decide that you want a claim filed over the repair.”
If you’re an Erie Insurance Customer and decide to get your windshield repaired or replaced, call ERIEGlass at 800-552-3743, which offers 24-hour loss reporting and preferred appointment scheduling with a reliable repair shop.
For more information, contact us at 410-897-9890.
