Frequently Asked Questions

The National Glass Association recommends that any windshield damage be fixed as soon as possible. Most dings or chips can be repaired if the damage is not in the driver's line of vision and is smaller than a quarter, including cracks. This could save you and your insurance company hundreds of dollars. If the break is larger or in the driver's line of vision, most insurance companies will recommend replacement. Auto Glass Solutions provides both services for your convenience.

Yes. Your windshield was designed as the number one safety restraint system in your vehicle. Auto manufacturers say your windshield provides up to 60 percent of the roof crush protection in a rollover accident. It also provides the backstop support for your passenger-side airbag in a front-end collision. If your windshield pops out in a collision or rollover, you could be ejected or crushed. It is important to know who is replacing your windshield. Your life could depend on it.

That depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Because of the complexity of some vehicles, it could take as long as 3 hours. Most vehicles, however, require about an hour to an hour and a half to properly install the windshield. Auto manufacturers recommend a full cutout method when replacing a windshield. This method takes a little longer than what has been popular with most technicians in the past. As with most things worth having, quality takes time. If an installer claims he can install your windshield in 30 minutes or less, it is a sure bet it will not be done right and certainly not safe.

The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Next, make sure they are using OEM glass and have certified technicians. If you start with the right company, you are halfway there. When the installer comes out, ask questions. Questions about when you'll be able to safely drive your vehicle and what kind of urethane he'll be using. He should be knowledgeable enough to answer any questions you may have. Make sure that he will do a factory recommended full cutout instead of the quicker shortcut method. The installer should carefully clean and always prime the windshield before installation. He should also use suction cups or disposable gloves while installing the windshield to ensure that the adhesive surface of the glass does not become contaminated. Missing any of these steps could result in an improper or unsafe installation. After an accident is the wrong time to find out your windshield was improperly installed.

You should expect to get a written warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship including water and air leaks. It should be for at least a year. Many shops offer a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own your car. If you have a problem after the installation, a phone call to the shop should be all that's needed to have someone take care of the problem. Don't be shy about asking for a warranty. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.

This will depend on the type of urethane adhesive used to install the glass in your vehicle. While most automotive-grade urethanes rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer. This time frame can range from 3 hours up to 24 hours before your vehicle will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is considered safe to drive. If you need to drive your vehicle sooner, a chemically cured urethane can be used that will allow a 1-hour drive-away time. In either case, it's imperative that you follow the manufacturers' instructions regarding safe drive-away times. Not adhering to those instructions could result in your injury or even death. It is extremely important that the technician replacing your automotive glass explain to you when you are able to SAFELY drive your car.

It is recommended that you wait 24 hours to wash your vehicle. But it does not hurt to get wet. In fact, if it should rain, do not fear. The moisture actually helps the curing process of the urethane sealant.

You don't. That's the problem. Without removing the windshield, it's impossible the tell if the windshield was prepped correctly, or if critical primers were used, or if the proper amount and type of urethane were used. Once a windshield is installed, all the critical installation steps are hidden under the moldings and ceramic band. If it looks clean and the moldings are lying flat, you can only guess it was done right. But those things are only cosmetic. It's what is underneath that counts. The only sure way to tell if a windshield is properly installed is to crash test it, but we don't recommend it. The next best way is to know the reputation of the company that installed it.

There could be a lot of reasons. Some companies are famous for quoting incredibly low prices on the telephone, but when the customer goes in for service they find out that other parts are required and that tax and labor were not included. Some companies quote low prices because they use inferior after-market Chinese glass and cheap inexperienced labor. Unfortunately, most people don't know the difference or don't understand the safety implications and they make their decisions solely on price. Don't be fooled by the quick buck hustlers. The old adage applies: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

No, your insurance rates should not increase due to auto glass replacement. Insurance companies do not factor glass claims by themselves into the equation when determining your risk assignment or your insurance rates. Unlike accidents, windshield replacements are comprehensive claims that you have no control over. To be sure, however, check your policy or call your agent.

Quite simply most states grant you the consumer the Right to Choose which company repairs your car. You may find that your insurance company tries to direct you to a shop that they have cut a special deal with to save money on the claim. Since not all shops follow safe installation procedures, your insurance company has no way of knowing what kind of job will be done on your car. You do not have to go where your insurance company tries to steer you. If you decide to go where your insurance company wants you to go, make sure you ask about OEM parts, urethane sealants, safe drive-away times, and written warranties. The Better Business Bureau should also be called before doing business with any glass replacement company.