Aaa Auto Insurance: Cracked Windshield Conundrum

Cracked windshields are the most frequent auto insurance claim in the United States. AAA Auto Insurance offers windshield repair and replacement services in select states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. If you live in Florida and have comprehensive or collision insurance coverage, the deductible is waived for windshield replacement due to damage. AAA also provides a limited lifetime warranty for glass replacement and repair services, ensuring that repaired or replaced windshields are free from defects in material and workmanship.

It is important to note that windshield damage, even a small chip or crack, should not be ignored. While it may not seem like a big deal, a damaged windshield can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle and impact the effectiveness of safety features like airbags and seatbelts. Therefore, it is crucial to address any windshield issues promptly to maintain your safety on the road.

AAA Auto Glass services

The AAA Auto Glass Services repair minor damage to windshields, such as rock chips, to restore them to a like-new appearance. This service is significantly cheaper than a full windshield replacement. However, the size, age, and location of the damage determine whether a repair or replacement is required. For example, a bullseye, combination break, half moon, or star break with a diameter exceeding certain dimensions will necessitate a full windshield replacement.

In addition to windshield repair and replacement, AAA Auto Glass Services offers a range of other services, including motorhome and truck glass repair, addressing wind noise and water leaks, foreign and domestic auto glass services, window motor replacement, and wiper blade sales and installation.

To locate a AAA-approved auto repair facility near you, you can use the AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility Locator tool, which provides information on over 7,000 facilities across North America.

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked or broken windshield. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may pay for auto glass repair or a full windshield replacement, minus your deductible. In some cases, insurance companies may even waive the deductible for repairable glass damage or offer free repairs for small chips or cracks.

It is important to note that the extent of glass and windshield coverage can vary across different insurance companies and states. For example, in Florida, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage, the deductible is waived when your front windshield is replaced due to damage. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims in certain states.

When it comes to filing a claim for a cracked windshield, it is recommended to act as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will spread. You should also keep in mind that repairing a windshield is generally less expensive than replacing it, and the cost of repair usually depends on how much of the glass needs fixing.

Repair vs. replacement

If you have a cracked windshield, it's important to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a cracked windshield is unsafe, and the crack can spread and create a need for a full windshield replacement.

Whether a cracked windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on several factors, including the size, age, and location of the damage. Small chips and cracks can often be repaired, but larger cracks or chips may require a full replacement. The depth of the damage is also important; if the crack penetrates past the halfway point of the windshield thickness or affects both the outer and inner layers of a laminated windshield, a replacement is necessary.

The type of glass used in the windshield also matters. Windshields made of tempered glass, like those in side and rear windows, are more likely to shatter into fragments and will need to be replaced. Laminated glass windshields, on the other hand, can often be repaired if the damage is not too extensive.

The location of the damage is another critical factor. If the crack is on the driver's side or spans from edge to edge of the windshield, it will likely need to be replaced to ensure the driver's visibility and the structural integrity of the glass. Multiple cracks or chips on the windshield will also likely require a replacement.

In some cases, a durable resin-injection process can be used to repair a cracked windshield safely, restoring it to a like-new appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacement. However, if the damage is extensive or in a critical area, a full replacement will be necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.

AAA Auto Repair offers services for windshield repair and replacement through its partnership with Safelite AutoGlass. AAA Members enjoy priority service and a 10% discount on auto glass repair and replacement services.

Insurance fraud

It is unclear whether AAA auto insurance covers cracked windshields. However, it is important to be aware of insurance fraud, which is a common issue in the auto glass industry.

To avoid insurance fraud, individuals should be cautious of aggressive advertising methods, such as door-to-door visits or offers in parking lots. It is also essential to understand how the business is submitting the claim and to carefully review any paperwork before signing. Working directly with the insurance company or using a reputable auto glass repair company recommended by the insurer can help prevent fraud.

Additionally, individuals should inspect their bill for inflated charges and be wary of offers to replace windshields with minor damage, as trustworthy shops will often try to repair small chips or cracks first. By staying vigilant and informed, customers can protect themselves from insurance fraud and ensure they receive quality repairs or replacements for their windshields.

Windshield safety

Your vehicle's windshield is an essential safety feature that could even save your life. Here are some of the key ways in which a windshield contributes to vehicle safety:

Structural Support

Modern windshields are made with a thin layer of strong, clear resin called polyvinyl butyral (PVB) laminated between two sheets of glass. This makes windshields strong and flexible, and helps them absorb a lot of force in a crash—up to 45% in a head-on collision and 60% in a rollover. A damaged windshield reduces the structural integrity of your vehicle, making it more likely to collapse in a crash.

Occupant Retention

Windshields act as a barrier, keeping occupants inside the vehicle during a collision. Many fatalities occur when someone is ejected from a vehicle, so the windshield plays an essential role in safety by keeping people inside.

Airbag Deployment

The windshield also works in tandem with your airbags. The safety system is designed so that, at the moment of impact, the airbags bounce off the windshield at a precise angle before cushioning the people inside. If your windshield is damaged or not correctly installed, your airbags may not deliver the necessary protection.

Visibility

Windshields allow the driver to see the road clearly during the day and at night. Cracks, chips, or scratches can seriously impede visibility and increase the risk of an accident. Wiper blades should also be maintained to ensure they do not scratch the windshield and hinder visibility.

Maintenance Tips

Given the importance of the windshield, it is crucial to take proper care of it. Here are some tips to maintain your windshield:

• Only use vinegar or alcohol-based glass cleaners, as ammonia can damage auto glass.
• Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and do not scratch the windshield.
• Park your vehicle out of direct sunlight when possible, as UV rays weaken the glass.
• Promptly repair any chips and cracks in the glass.

Frequently asked questions