{"id":273,"date":"2022-11-29T13:55:25","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapazattorney.com\/?p=273"},"modified":"2025-02-14T14:54:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T14:54:58","slug":"is-a-cracked-windshield-covered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapazattorney.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/29\/is-a-cracked-windshield-covered\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a cracked windshield covered?"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter what kind of driver you are \u2014 road-tripper, carpooler, or daily commuter \u2014 you know that car ownership comes with its fair share of hassles. Even keeping up with routine car maintenance<\/strong><\/a> can sometimes feel like a lot to handle. Throw even the tiniest cracked windshield into the mix, and now you\u2019ve got a recipe for urgently-required repairs.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re hit by a pebble, or a tree branch, you need to know what to do\u00a0 about a cracked windshield. As a responsible car owner, you need a clear view of the road to comply with state inspection requirements and to ensure safety for yourself and others<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

What causes a cracked windshield?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, there are plenty of everyday hazards that can crack your windshield. Anything such as flying road debris, sudden temperature changes, car accidents can result in a cracked windshield. Low-quality glass, or improper installation can cause damage to your windshield as well. As your windshield provides a whopping 34% of your vehicle\u2019s structural integrity, any windshield damage is serious damage.<\/p>\n

Road debris<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is by far the most common cause of front windshield damage. Rocks and gravel from the road surface can be thrown into the air by other car\u2019s tires at such a velocity that they chip your windshield glass on impact. Even small chips or cracks can quickly spread and cause more substantial damage.<\/p>\n

Abrupt temperature changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you live in an area where the temperature tends to swing wildly from day to night, your windshield may be more at risk than if you live somewhere with a more consistent climate. Windshield glass is made to expand and contract with temperature changes, but abrupt, extreme fluctuations can still cause the glass to crack.<\/p>\n

Car accidents<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This one goes without saying. Like many parts of your car, your windshield is designed to break in a way that won\u2019t injure you in case of an accident. This means that, while your windshield will break in any severe enough accident, its tempering and protective coatings should prevent it from shattering into dangerous pieces.<\/p>\n

Low-quality glass<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When replacing your windshield, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true \u2014 they most likely are. Less than honest businesses may try to cut corners and skirt industry standards when installing a new windshield, which puts your safety at risk.<\/p>\n

Incorrect installation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

An improperly installed windshield is at much higher risk for damage. Signs of sub-par installation include wavy or blurry glass, water leakage around the edges of the windshield, gaps between the frame and the glass, and rattling or cracking sounds.<\/p>\n

Does my insurance cover cracked windshields?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As with most insurance questions, the answer is a resounding \u201cit depends!\u201d. Different types of car insurance<\/strong><\/a> offer different coverages for windshield damage, which we\u2019ve explained below.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive coverage: Short answer, yes!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

An auto insurance policy carrying comprehensive coverage should generally cover windshield repair and\/or replacement, so long as the damage was due to a covered event. Covered events may include, among others:<\/p>\n