AN ARIZONAN’S GUIDE TO WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT
Arizona Through the Windshield
Like anyone who drives in Arizona, you’re probably just as stumped as I am when you see a tiny chip in your windshield grow to a crack that wasn’t there yesterday.
Windshields in this state are an unfortunate magnet for all kinds of debris. They can also fall victim to high summer temperatures and buckle under pressure changes from a weekend trip upstate. Depending on size and location, pesky cracks could earn you a $150 ticket if you were to be pulled over. Police in our state are trained to recognize windshield flaws that could potentially distort the driver’s vision. According to Arizona’s cracked windshield replacement law, federal requirements mandate drivers have clear vision.
Due to the high demand in our state and urgency to keep an intact windshield for the safety of everyone, auto glass shops have taken to wheels and can easily service you at your home or workplace (my personal choice) with minimal disturbance to your routine. Truly a game-changer for windshield repair, alleviating the need to schedule your day around waiting at a repair shop!
If avoiding fines, staying safe, and convenient repair aren’t incentive enough for you to replace your windshield, I’m sure that an undisturbed view of our gorgeous sunrises and sunsets would be. 😊
Replace or Repair?
If you have a crack in your windshield, position a dollar bill along the length. Does your dollar cover the entire crack? If no, you’ll be needing a repair.
Chip?
If you’ve got a chip, go ahead and grab a quarter from your center console, this will be yet another unofficial measuring device. Place the quarter directly on top of the chip in the windshield.
Are you noticing that you can’t cover it completely? That’s because your chip is bigger than the limit they can be where a replacement is mandatory. Repairs will fall within the $60-$125 range and entirely depend on the length and depth of the chip.
With or without insurance, we’re going to recommend that you plan ahead for vehicle service. It is imperative that the proper techniques and components to your specific vehicle are used to adhere to the high safety standards that only trained installation technicians to follow.
For Drivers With Coverage
Windshield replacement is covered under the comprehensive portion of your insurance policy. Keep in mind that your insurance covers up to the policy’s limits. For example, you have a $500 deductible on your comprehensive plan. If your claim costs $200 and you have yet to pay towards your deductible that year, you’re going to be paying out of pocket in full. Once that deductible is met, per your plan’s specifications, you won’t be paying out of pocket.
PRO TIP: A general rule of thumb that I like to follow is that I’ll be paying toward my deductible the first time I make a claim each new year.
For Drivers Without Insurance Coverage
Windshield replacement costs differ per location, the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of glass that’s installed. Without coverage, you’ll need to be cautious of bargain deals, they’re usually performed by unaccredited installation technicians with low-quality glass, per AAA. To ensure that a job is done right, keep an eye out for a business that employs the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) Certified technicians or Independent Glass Association (IGA) chains.
Locating Quality Auto Glass Repair in Arizona
Establishing a relationship with a trusted shop/technician is key to maintaining a healthy car, and that translates directly to windshields and their maintenance requirements. Check this link for information on businesses that have met AAA’s high standards for safety and quality.
For Drivers Without Coverage
Windshield replacement costs differ per location, the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of glass installed. Without coverage, you’ll need to be cautious of bargain deals, they’re usually performed by unaccredited installation technicians with low-quality glass, per AAA. To ensure that a job is done right, keep an eye out for a business that employs the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) Certified technicians or Independent Glass Association (IGA) chains.
Locating Quality Auto Repair
Establishing a relationship with a trusted shop/technician is key to maintaining a well-maintained car, which translates directly to windshields and their maintenance requirements. Check this link for information on businesses that have met AAA’s high standards for safety and quality.
How are Auto Glass Companies Responding to COVID-19?
Businesses are offering curbside drop-off and pick-up, or complimentary valet pick-up and drop-off in Phoenix through AAA affiliated businesses. They are also offering contactless mobile services.
Windshield Replacement via Insurance
Call your insurance agent or use your insurance company’s online portal!
If you decide to call your agent, be sure to clarify the exact type of coverage that you have. Check to see if windshield replacement coverage is part of your comprehensive plan, and check for reduced deductible prices. Ask if you’ve opted in for complete glass coverage. If you use your insurance company’s online portal, you may skip step 2!
You’re more than welcome to use your insurance company website to file a windshield replacement claim. There will be an opportunity for you to review FAQs or call to clarify any information on the website for all insurance companies!
We recommend you understand what type of coverage you have before you do this in an attempt not to miss out on an opportunity to save money.
2. Schedule an appointment with your agent.
Through an insurance company you’re working with, you’ll have the opportunity to learn which businesses they recommend, these are usually highly certified professionals with extensive experience.
Your insurance will typically recommend a qualified installation technician. However, you’re not required to accept the referral.
3. inspect the vehicle with the installer.
It is customary that the installer will show you their work and offer care instructions for your new windshield, take this time to understand what you’re looking at and how to detect any issues that may arise later.
Make sure the glass is in line with the body and check for proper centering.
Uniform spacing between the glass and car body.
Molding should not have any bumps or gaps.
While you’re driving, you should not be able to hear any “whistling” or indications of air leaks.
Observing anything questionable should be followed with a call to the installer so that they may correct the mistakes.
Windshield Replacement without Insurance
Do Your Research
If you’re going to be choosing a business on your own, it is for your safety and the safety of others on the road that you choose an installation technician that will perform the correct procedures on your specific vehicle.
This link takes you to the AAA Owned Auto Repair Centers. This is the database for all the certified technicians through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in the Phoenix Metro area and Tucson. You can branch out from here to find the perfect windshield replacement company for you.
2. Make an appointment.
Take the time on the phone with the representative from the business you choose, for example: Safelite. If this is the first time you’re getting your windshield repaired, I recommend asking the following questions:
How experienced are the technicians?
Why is experience significant? Well-versed installation technicians have proper training in multiple facets of windshield replacement. This should be one of your first questions to a business that is unknown to you.
What is the quality of the windshields?
Why is quality outstanding Auto Glass Important? An original manufacture-fitted windshield (OEM) will be resistant to chips and cracks. You can never be too careful to ask if your windshield is the safest possible windshield available.
3. Inspect the vehicle with the installer.
It is customary that the installer will show you their work, take this time to understand what you’re looking at.
Make sure the glass is in line with the body and check for proper centering.
Uniform spacing between the glass and car body.
Molding should not have any bumps or gaps.
While you’re driving, you should not be able to hear any “whistling” or indications of air leaks.
Observing anything questionable should be followed with a call to the installer so that they may correct the mistakes.
Windshields in Arizona are not only integral to your safety. They’re the windows that we look through when exploring our incredibly beautiful state. Keeping your windshield clear of cracks and chips keeps your eyes focused on the road ahead, leaves you without fines, and takes the inconvenience of needing a repair. Pesky as the tiny chips in our windshields maybe, eventually spinning themselves into webs that require replacing, they’re proof of the distance traveled to experience the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.
Some Other Auto Glass Related Links:
For a little bit of fun, take a look at the Slow Mo Guys video to see how extreme temperature affects glass.
In Arizona, this video about windshield maintenance for hot temperatures could also serve as incredibly useful!
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