# So I need to replace my windshield? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 8, 2015, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523 "2015-03-08T13:24:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/21 "2015-03-08T19:17:49Z")
My insurance company lets you add no-deductable glass coverage to your comprehensive policy, which I think adds like $100 a year. Around here most people don’t really replace cracked windshields until they get really bad (the crack in the OP wouldn’t get a second glance) so I’ve never found it worth it. ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/22 "2015-03-08T20:48:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I would be astounded if that were actually the case. Small dings can be stopped from spreading, but I’ve never heard of a crack being repaired and cannot visualize the process that could make that happen. Hell, they can’t even buff out the pits. I was watching a few You tube videos about this a couple of weeks ago. It really was amazing the length of the cracks they were repairing. The end results were nearly invisible. Check this one out: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/poMi4zOH8ko/hqdefault.jpg "Windshield Repair Training on 24 Inch Long Crack Repair") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poMi4zOH8ko) ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/23 "2015-03-08T21:04:16Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > does someone have a survey about windshield coverage by insurance companies? Most insurance companies charge no deductible for auto glass repair, when comprehensive and full glass coverage is included in the policy. This was true of the over 30 companies that I dealt with at my insurance agency. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/24 "2015-03-08T22:45:29Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Your link is to a car that has a glass roof? That was recalled? > > Did you read the OP’s question? Did you look at the pictures from the OP? > > There is NO reason to alarm the OP to get that glass replaced immediately. show me where I did that. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/25 "2015-03-08T22:46:00Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > unfortunately the side windows and backlite are tempered glass, so occasionally they’ll just pop into bits out of the blue > [@enipla](#): > > Have you ever seen that happen? The side windows just pop out? Site please. He gave the site: side windows. mmm ---
**Author:** ![MrsBear99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@MrsBear99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsBear99)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/26 "2015-03-08T23:15:55Z")
I’ve had my Jeep windshield replaced 3 times in 7 years, due to large cracks (from routine use, not off roading). Installers have told me that if a crack is smaller than a dollar bill it can often be repaired. If it’s larger than that, they typically have to replace it. I’ve always replaced it on the chance it could be dangerous if not replaced. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2015, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/27 "2015-03-08T23:20:34Z")
Thanks guys! I think I’ll wait for a bit. My inspection isn’t due until the end of the year. I think my insurance only covers glass repair, probably not a crack like this or a complete replacement, at least not without the deductible, which is $500 in my case. Hope Santa has a big sled this year. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/28 "2015-03-09T00:14:39Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > He gave the site: side windows. > mmm And it was retracted and had nothing do with the OP’s question. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/29 "2015-03-09T05:18:47Z")
I know if you’re driving a big rig, you MUST replace the windshield if a crack forms in the part that is swept by the wipers. They figure if it’s covered by the wipers, it’s in the driver’s field of view. Heck, once they replaced my windshield just because of the normal, not generally visible pits and stuff from 3 years of bugs flying into it. Heck, it was their truck and their money; I had no problem if they wanted to give me a new windshield. I did notice the difference. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/30 "2015-03-09T11:46:32Z")
Price shop. My replacement brought estimates from $1300 to $175, most in the $300 range. My deductible was $200. The vender with the $175 price had good reviews. I went there and was very happy. Fast service, great price. Would buy again! ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/31 "2015-03-09T12:48:25Z")
Depending on how low your windshield replacement deductible is, many windshield replacement companies will cover the deductible so you may not need to pay anything out of pocket. That was the case when I had to replace my windshield last winter. If I remember correctly, you just have to make sure the replacement company you choose is on the approved list of your insurance provider, but it was a pretty big list in my case. Then it was just a matter of choosing a company on the list that had the best online reviews. Also, as long as the outside temperature is over I think 35F, they’ll usually come out to where you are, your driveway or work parking lot, and replace the windshield on-site. I couldn’t take advantage of that because it was during a stretch of bitterly cold weather. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/32 "2015-03-09T14:27:35Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > Thanks guys! I think I’ll wait for a bit. My inspection isn’t due until the end of the year. I think my insurance only covers glass repair, probably not a crack like this or a complete replacement, at least not without the deductible, which is $500 in my case. Hope Santa has a big sled this year. Are you really going to make a decision based on the advice of a bunch of people on the internet, who don’t even live in the same state as you? Call your insurance agent, and look up the laws in the state where you live (NJ IIRC?) Because you’re going to feel remarkably stupid if you get a ticket for a cracked windshield, only to find that your insurance would have replaced it at no cost to you. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/33 "2015-03-09T15:03:37Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > show me where I did that. Sure - From your post - [Hyundai Veloster Recall For Shattering Sunroofs Expands](http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1082624_hyundai-veloster-recall-for-shattering-sunroofs-expands) This is not germane to the OP’s question, and unnecessarily alarming. A glass roof is, at best vary rare, and the OP was worried about a small crack that they were worried about having to have fixed the next day. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/34 "2015-03-09T15:09:01Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Are you really going to make a decision based on the advice of a bunch of people on the internet, who don’t even live in the same state as you? Call your insurance agent, and look up the laws in the state where you live (NJ IIRC?) Because you’re going to feel remarkably stupid if you get a ticket for a cracked windshield, only to find that your insurance would have replaced it at no cost to you. I agree with this mostly. But I find in very hard to believe that any LEO would ticket someone for such a small crack. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/35 "2015-03-09T15:51:24Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > does someone have a survey about windshield coverage by insurance companies? > [@Honey](#): > > Most insurance companies charge no deductible for auto glass repair, when comprehensive and full glass coverage is included in the policy. This was true of the over 30 companies that I dealt with at my insurance agency. how many companies have full glass coverage as part of the policy? ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/36 "2015-03-09T16:34:51Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > how many companies have full glass coverage as part of the policy? Every policy I wrote that had comp on it had full glass coverage as well. I always advised my clients to keep comp on a car even if the car was paid off, and it was no longer required by the bank. Comp covers things such as a tree or limb falling on your car, your car hitting a deer or other animal (a common occurrence around here) and damaging the car, theft and fire. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/37 "2015-03-09T17:38:28Z")
> [@Honey](#): > > Every policy I wrote that had comp on it had full glass coverage as well. I always advised my clients to keep comp on a car even if the car was paid off, and it was no longer required by the bank. > > Comp covers things such as a tree or limb falling on your car, your car hitting a deer or other animal (a common occurrence around here) and damaging the car, theft and fire. But needing a new windshield too? I’ve sent an email off to my insurance rep. Allstate. Been with them for as long as I have driven (out lived the last guy at the company) We will see what he says, but replacing a windshield is sort of subjective. What about pitting? Not the SDMB type but gravel and sand that scars the windshield. That’s when I get them replaced. A simple crack is just no big deal. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/38 "2015-03-09T17:38:42Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > A Luckily it didn’t break through, or I would have been a goner and probably run off the road. > > \ > > I was glad the windshield was strong enough to handle the load. All modern windshields are made from glass that is laminated safety glass. Meaning that it has a laminate coating in the middle that prevents the glass from shattering and so that entire glass stays in one piece for safety reasons. ---
**Author:** ![mo50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@mo50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mo50)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2015, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/39 "2015-03-10T11:35:04Z")
Depending on your state, you may have to replace it if you need to passs inspection I’ve had to replace mine to pass here in NY. Also, I have USAA and they don’t cover glass, at least with my policy. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523/40 "2015-03-10T15:00:06Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > Woke up the other day to a cracked windshield. Don’t know if it had to do with the snow and temps that day or what. A crack that large is an [automatic MOT failure](http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/windscreen-vision-safety.html) here in the UK. Lots of sites also say that it is illegal but fail to provide a cite. I was stopped once by the police for having a cracked windscreen. However, it was not a nice evening and I was driving home very carefully and the officer accepted that I would be getting it replaced when I got home. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-replace-my-windshield/714523.md?page=3)