5 Questions to Ask When Getting a Quote for Windshield Repair or Replacement

Damaged windshields are nothing to take lightly, even if the damage is just a tiny chip. Small chips can turn into large cracks if left too long. The moment you notice damage to your windshield, you should make plans to get it repaired. Sometimes the damage is so severe that repair is not an option, and a full windshield replacement is necessary.

No matter whether you need a repair or replacement, you’ll need to find a reputable auto glass company to do the work. Besides the obvious solutions like checking Yelp and Google Reviews to find a reliable auto glass service, here are five questions you can ask to help the excellent companies stand out from the crowd.

1. Do You Accept My Insurance?

This is a big one. Having your vehicle insured is the law, so everyone will want to work with a company that is in their insurance network. Also, find out if they will work directly with your insurance—many auto glass companies have staff who handle that, which helps the claims process move along faster.

Click here to learn more about insurance claims assistance.

2. Do You Offer Warranties on Repair or Replacement?

A reputable auto glass company will offer some kind of guarantee on its work. Find out what kind of warranty they offer on both parts and labor. Without a guarantee, if the technician makes a mistake, you’ll have to pay to fix it. Reputable companies aren’t afraid to stand behind their work.

3. Will You Break Down the Quote?

If the company you’re speaking with won’t provide a breakdown of the total quote, it’s best to look elsewhere. A reputable auto glass company knows customers have the right to understand labor costs and any extra charges, such as those for specialty features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sensors.

4. What Kind of Glass Do You Use for Replacements?

There are different options when it comes to windshield replacement.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass is the same glass originally installed on your vehicle by the manufacturer. This is always the top choice because it fits your vehicle perfectly and works seamlessly with your safety features.

Aftermarket glass is another option. It’s produced by companies other than the vehicle manufacturer and is sometimes sold as OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent). While OEE may meet some standards, it’s rarely the same quality as OEM glass.

5. How Long Will It Take?

Before bringing your vehicle to a shop, it’s helpful to know how long the work will take. Everyone has busy schedules, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. That said, damaged windshields are dangerous, so the sooner you repair or replace your auto glass, the better.

In general, windshield repair can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. A full windshield replacement may take one to two hours, depending on the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology your vehicle has. If your vehicle is equipped with ADAS, windshield calibration is necessary to ensure your safety systems function properly with the new glass. This additional service will add to the overall time.

To learn more about ADAS technology, click here.

Do You Have a Chipped or Cracked Windshield in Boone, NC, or the Mountain City, TN Area?

If you live, work, or are passing through the Boone, NC, or Mountain City and Butler, TN areas, and you need a windshield repair or replacement, contact us at Appalachian Auto Glass. We’ve been repairing and replacing windshields in the High Country since 1986. We’re a preferred partner with most insurance providers, and we offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. Click here for a free quote today!