Is a Windshield Rock Chip Safe To Repair - What You Need to Know

When you hear that ping while driving, you instantly know it's a rock hitting your windshield. This sound is alarming and leaves you wondering about the immediate impact on your visibility but, more importantly, the integrity and safety of your vehicle. If your vehicle is suffering from a rock chip, you might be wondering if it’s safe to repair, or do you need a full windshield replacement. Here’s what you need to know. 

Understand What Windshield Damage Is

Windshields keep us safe while we’re in our vehicles whether we’re driving or just sitting in the car because they help maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle. Windshields are designed to withstand impacts and to protect you if you have a crash. When a rock chip occurs, your safety is compromised. 

Some cracks and chips can be small while others can be more significant. No matter the size, all chips can spread quickly so if you put off getting small chips and cracks repaired, you’re risking the damage growing and having no other choice but to replace the entire windshield. Even worse, if that chip spreads while you’re driving you could become injured in an accident. 

DIY Repairs are Risky - Contact a Professional Auto Glass Service

Doing things yourself is all the trend, from baking bread to cleaning supplies, and more. When it comes to damaged windshields, DIY options are a risky way to go. Sure, there are tutorials and DIY kits online, but if you don’t know what you’re doing you can do more damage or exacerbate the problem. 

Professional auto glass services have the specific tools and materials required for a successful repair process. Technicians also have the skills to assess how deep the damage goes and whether it poses any risks, plus they have a wealth of windshield repair experience, so they know how to do the job right. 

How To Choose the Right Auto Glass Professional

Finding the right auto glass company to repair your windshield shouldn’t be a daunting task. We recommend going with a local, independently owned auto glass service instead of one of those big, corporate companies. Small independent auto glass repair and replacement businesses will have a better focus on quality service and workmanship. They will also have greater flexibility and a stronger presence in the local community. 

The first thing to do is find those local independent auto glass services and check out their reviews. While their website will list their best reviews, check out their Google reviews because they’re a better gauge of customer satisfaction with service and workmanship. Check out our Google reviews here. 

Next, contact a couple of the independent shops and ask for a free quote. Remember though, don’t jump on the lowest price right away. Be sure the place you choose offers quality materials and experience repairing windshields on your type of vehicle, whether it's a sedan, SUV, minivan, or semi-truck. 

Will My Insurance Cover My Windshield Damage?

That depends on the type of auto insurance you have. If you have liability coverage then your policy probably doesn’t cover repair to your windshield. Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other vehicles, property, or people. But it typically doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle. That’s why liability insurance is so much less and only available to drivers who own their vehicles completely without a loan from the bank. 

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy then there’s a good chance your windshield repair will be covered. And, if you live in the state of Florida, the law requires insurance companies to waive the deductible for drivers with comprehensive insurance. So you might get that damaged windshield repaired with no out-of-pocket cost to you. 

Do YOU NEED A WINDSHIELD REPAIR in Tarpon Springs or Clearwater AreaS of FL?

If you live, work, or are just passing through Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Clearwater, or Holiday, FL contact us at Tarpon Auto Glass. We offer both mobile and in-shop windshield repair and replacement services. We’re a local family-owned business with more than two decades of repairing windshields on all types of vehicles. Contact us for a free quote today!