Things to consider when having your windshield replaced
When it is time for a windshield replacement, there are a few steps that, if taken, can assist in making the process go smoothly and give you confidence in the decisions you ultimately make. Considering that windshields are part of your vehicle’s safety restraint system thereby possibly saving your health and life someday, as well as that of your family’s, you may see how important these decisions are.
The best place to start in most cases is to put in a call to your insurance company in order to find out whether or not they will cover the cost. Under most circumstances, windshield replacement would be covered under the comprehensive damage portion of your auto insurance. But not all windshield damage requires a complete windshield replacement as many times the damage is repairable. You should make sure your insurance company agrees that your windshield needs replaced.
Though it is becoming more common for insurance companies to direct you to a particular auto glass repair and replacement shop, one they prefer to work with, your insurance company may direct you to obtain three separate quotes to submit to them before the work has begun. In this case, cheapest is not always best and is not the goal. The insurance company only wants to verify that they aren’t being over-charged.
When searching for auto glass companies, the first thing to check for is the company’s certification. Look for the NGA logo. The National Glass Association (NGA) certifies not only windshield replacement and repairs, but also certifies the technicians that will be doing the installation. Approximately eighty percent of the eleven million annual windshield replacements are incorrectly installed. Since windshields contribute up to seventy percent of a vehicle’s structural integrity in the case of a roll-over accident, it is important to use an auto glass company that knows how to install a windshield properly. Improperly installed windshields can pop out during a roll-over accident and in such cases airbags won’t have the windshield in place to serve as a backing that will keep the airbag within the confines of the passenger compartment.
Another reason to use an NGA certified auto glass shop is the shop will only use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or OEM equivalent glass. OEM glass meets the specifications required by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Another type of glass used by some auto glass companies is ‘after-market’ glass. After-market glass is oftenproduced in unregulated foreign markets. Using this type of glass can result in leakages into the passenger cabin, wind noises, discoloring, and poor optical quality.
In all probability, the NGA certified and trained auto glass company quotes will be acceptable to your insurance company. The auto glass replacement and repair industry is highly competitive and reputable auto glass companies are well aware of prices as well as what your insurance company will allow as auto glass companies work with insurance companies regularly during the course of their business.
Another idea you may want to consider is having your side and back windows tinted while your vehicle is at the auto glass company as most of these companies offer this service. Tinted windows protect against the sun’s harmful UV light by preventing much of the UV light from reaching within the passenger compartment. This protects you and your family’s health as well as protecting the surfaces inside your vehicle from fading and cracking.
While a windshield replacement is generally simple to obtain, such simplicity does not mitigate its importance. If you follow these tips you can drive away after a windshield replacement with confidence that your windshield is serving its functions and the safety of you and your family is as secure as it was when the vehicle was originally purchased.
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SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving most of Maricopa and Pinal counties. We are auto glass repair professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. The installation team at Suntec Auto Glass maintains the highest level of certification available in the windshield repair and auto glass replacement industry. From headlights to taillights, from the east valley to west valley, whether you are looking to have a windshield replaced or even a side window replaced such as a door glass, quarter glass, or vent glass the team at Suntec Auto Glass can do it. If you live in Arizona look no further for professional help and premium quality automotive glass, parts and moldings. Contact us today.
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