Will
my windshield replacement really be performed with no out-of-pocket
costs to me?
Absolutely. The state of South Carolina
is considered a "Zero Deductible State." That means that
if you
live in SC, your insurance company is required by law to allow you
to purchase a windshield replacement
using insurance with no deductible-as long as you have comprehensive
insurance on your vehicle. Some
other "Zero Deductible States" only fully cover windshields,
but SC covers all glass replacement. We have
a trained sales staff that will gladly contact your auto insurance
glass administrator to approve your
replacement at no additional cost to you. We can even handle the most
complex of insurance claims seven
days a week.
How soon can my replacement or repair be scheduled?
It usually takes 1-2 days from the time of your request to
schedule and complete your replacement or
repair. Keep in mind that McLeod Auto Glass offers free mobile service
to wherever you are, so in some
cases this can be performed on the same day as your request!
Can my windshield be repaired or do I need to replace it?
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
the size of a silver dollar, including any 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 recommend
replacement. McLeod Auto Glass provides both services for your convenience.
This
is my third broken windshield...
Will my insurance rates go up if I get it replaced?
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.
Does
my windshield really protect me?
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's important to know
who's replacing your windshield-your life could depend on it.
What
is OEM glass?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacture. OEM glass
is produced from original equipment-style
tooling and meets the manufacturer specifications for safety and
quality. Only OEM glass can ensure
proper fit and finish which greatly reduces the possibility of air
or water leaks. Most importantly, only OEM
glass is designed specifically to meet the safety standards necessary
for your protection in an accident.
You should always use OEM glass to ensure your safety. If you are
making an insurance claim to pay for
your windshield replacement, you are most likely entitled to OEM
glass. You've paid for it in your policy.
How
long will it take to replace my windshield?
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. As with most things worth having, quality
takes time. If an installer claims he can
install your windshield in 30 minutes or less, it's a sure bet it
won't be done right and certainly not safe.
What
should I look for when my windshield is replaced?
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're
half way 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. He should also use suction cups or at
least disposable gloves while installing
the windshield to insure 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.
What
kind of warranty should I expect?
You should expect to get a warranty that covers defects in
materials and workmanship. It should be for at
least three years. Many shops offer a limited lifetime warranty
for as long as you own your car. If you have
a problem after their 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.
How
soon can I wash my vehicle after glass replacement?
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before washing your
vehicle. There are 2 reasons for this. First,
the high pressure from automatic car washes can damage the seal
and outer moldings before the urethane
has a chance to cure sufficiently. Secondly, it's important to leave
at least one of the windows open at least
an inch to reduce the pressurization in the vehicle when the doors
are shut. This prevents the pressure inside
the cabin from blowing a hole in the urethane seal, causing an air
or water leak. Water on the windshield is
not the concern. In fact, if it should rain, don't fear. The moisture
actually helps the curing process of the
urethane sealant.
I
called around and got cash prices on my windshield...
Why is there such a big difference in price?
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 was 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
realize the safety implications and they make their decision solely
on price. Don't be fooled by the quick
buck hucksters. The old adage applies: "If it sounds too good
to be true, it probably is."
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