Portsmouth Glass has been in business since 1955. Over the years we have learned that auto glass or windshield installations are the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about auto glass installation that we decided to offer this consumer information message so when you need to select an auto glass company, you can make an informed, intelligent decision.
Misconception #1
Your windshield is not considered part of the safety equipment of your car or truck.
False. The engineers of today’s vehicles use the windshield to help restrain you and your family from being ejected in case of an accident. It’s also designed to support the roof in case of a roll over and help the airbag deploy properly.
An improperly installed windshield could put you and your family at great risk in case of an accident. Read more about auto glass safety here.
Misconception #2:
You can safely drive your car or truck immediately after a new windshield is installed.
False. This could be a deadly mistake. The adhesives that hold your windshield in place take time to set up. This could be as few as 1 hour to as much as 24 hours. Make sure to ask the glass shop what brand and type of adhesive is being used in your vehicle. The set up times will vary greatly with weather conditions. The warmer and wetter the faster the adhesives set up. The colder and drier the longer it takes to setup.
Another problem with driving the vehicle too soon is the windshield could shift slightly and cause it to leak when it rains.
Misconception #3:
Making a claim with your insurance company will make the rates go up.
False. Most windshields break because of stones being thrown from the highway by other cars or trucks. Because these stone breaks are unrelated to your driving skills, they fall under comprehensive insurance coverage. Some insurance companies refer to comprehensive insurance as “act of nature” incidents because they are not the driver’s fault. In most cases, not all, your rates will not increase because of these “act of nature” incidents. Other examples of comprehensive claims could be theft or vandalism. A very small portion of your insurance bill is for comprehensive loss risk. See Insurance FAQ for more info.
Misconception #4:
You must go where your insurance company tells you to go to have your auto glass replaced.
False. By law as an insured, you have the right to choose any glass shop. The insurance company cannot direct you or influence you to go to a particular shop as condition for payment.
In addition, many insurance companies use glass networks as a means of handling their claims. If so, you may be arbitrarily sent to a glass shop that doesn’t adhere to the strict standards that your vehicle manufacturer recommends.
If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, calling around to get prices is a waste of your time since the price has already been negotiated in advance with your insurance company. If you have no coverage or a high deductible, make sure you get an estimate in writing in advance to avoid any bait and switch tactics used by some glass shops. Start your autoglass claim online here and choose YES for Pay with Insurance.
Thank you very much for taking the time to educate yourself before making the critical decision of replacing your vehicle’s windshield. This task should not be taken lightly. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide you with this information about automobile glass and help you choose a glass company.
