Frequently Asked Questions
Windshield Q & A
If you have questions about a chip or crack in your windshield, or about broken auto glass in general, we will happily answer your questions. Just ask and we will provide you with the information you need to get your vehicle back on the road.
Windshield replacement is confusing
We know that it can be confusing and frustrating when something goes wrong with your car, but we are here to help. So please don’t hesitate to ask us anything you need to know. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can. Thanks for choosing Francis & Sons Auto Glass!
Below are common windshield insurance questions that might help you clarify some of the confusion related to your car insurance and windshield.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ Related To Windshield Insurance Questions
Read About AZ Windshield Insurance Law
Section 1
Does My Insurance Fully Cover My Glass Replacement
If you elected to purchase Comprehensive Coverage which is optional, then your insurance fully covers your glass repair and replacement and you don’t pay any deductible. However, if you excluded comprehensive coverage when you purchased your policy then the chances are you have a deductible (normally $500).
Some states require no deductible even if you do not have comprehensive coverage, other states require have lower deductibles (such as the state of Massachusetts) with a maximum of $100 so the maximum you pay is $100.
Click here to lo learn more about Arizona’s Zero Deductible Full Glass Coverage Law.
Contact us if you still unclear about your insurance coverage.
What Is The Process To Get Insurance Approval?
It takes just one 3-way phone call between us, you and the insurance company. No paperwork or long forms to fill out.
I Have Comprehensive Coverage Insurance, How Do You Get Me Approved?
Simple. We get your insurance and car info, then we file you claim by making one 3-way call between you, us and the insurance company. It takes literally few minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Windshield Replacement?
Usually once the 3-way call is concluded, we will get a referral number (approval number) and we will take it from there. Occasionally it takes longer especially if their system is down but no more than one day at the most.
What Questions Insurance Companies Ask Before I Get Approved?
Insurance company will first verify your personal information to make sure that you are the owner of the car and will ask you few simple questions such when and where the damage occurred, size of Damage (crack or chip) and extent of the damage.
As a rule of thumb, if the chip is larger than the size of a quarter or the crack is longer than a dollar bill 96 inches), or the the damage, regardless of size, is in the driver’s line of vision, then your are eligible for insurance covered glass replacement.
I Have Deductible, How Much Windshield Replacement Is Going to Cost Me?
Depending on the make, year and model of your car, it could cost anywhere upwards of $250. If your windshield costs more than your insurance deductible, then it would make sense to file a claim.
I Do Not Have Full Coverage Insurance and I Need New Windshield.
No worries, we will work with you to get your glass replaced with the least possible out of pocket expense.
Will My Rate Go Up If I Claim Windshield Replacement?
Generally, if you have comprehensive coverage or glass coverage add on coverage, your rate should not go up. But again, it all depends on the insurance company and their policies. Always ask your insurance agent about glass coverage before you purchase your policy.
My Insurance Denied My Glass Replacement Claim, Why?
Your insurance company can legally deny your glass replacement claim only if your policy has lapsed or if you have exclusions or your glass is not covered under your policy because you elected not to add “glass coverage, which is an add-on, when you purchased your auto insurance policy.
If you feel that your glass claim denial is unjustified, you can always file an appeal. We suggest that you contact your insurance agent.
What Paperwork I Need to Fill Out for My Claim
9 out of 10 times there is no paperwork involved. It normally takes one 3-way call to get your glass replacement approved. The 3-way call call is between you (the owner of the car), the auto glass company and your Insurance.
I Have a Fleet Or Commercial Coverage. Can I Get My Windshield Replaced
If you fleet or commercial policy has glass coverage, then you can get glass replacement with no out of pocket expense.
I Lost or Don't Have My Insurance Card, What Do I Do?
Contact your insurance agent, they should be able to email you a new card immediately or, in some cases, text you an image of your insurance card.
My Car Is Newer Model with ADAS Safety Features, Would My Insurance Cover Windshield Recalibration
Yes. Your comprehensive coverage will cover glass replacement as well as any ADAS recalibration your car may require after the replacement.
Can I Upgrade My Insurance Coverage Right Before Windshield Replacement?
Only your insurance agent can answer this question.
What questions insurance rep asks
Insurance representative will usually ask the following questions when calling to get approval:
1- They will verify your information, name, policy number and vehicle info.
2- Date of incident.
3- Size of crack or damage. Usually if damage is less than 6 inches (dollar bill), then crack is repairable.
I Have Full Coverage, Will You Give Me Cash Back?
Cash backs are against our company policy. We perceive these kinds of practices as deceitful with negative impact on you, the consumer, the insurance company and us the glass company. Legit glass companies do not offer cash backs or free dinners.
Is it true that in Arizona that windshield repair or replacement is free?
True only if you have elected to purchase the add-on glass coverage that you should have been offered by law at the time when you purchased your auto insurance coverage.
If you have a full auto coverage but no add-on glass coverage, in that case you won’t Qualify for a free glass repair or replacement.
I don't have glass coverage policy, what is the cost of windshield replacement?
Cost of windshield replacement depends on type, year and model of your car. Also, weather you have any type of ADAS system installed in your car that requires calibration such as emergency breaking or lane departure waring etc. Read more about windshield ADAS safety systems.
Windshield replacement could start from $250 upwards depending on the factors stated above.
will windshield repair increase insurance premium
Windshield repair should not increase your insurance premium as long as you have elected to purchase the add-on glass coverage at the time when you purchased your auto insurance policy.
Would my insurance cover an OEM or a dealer's windshield
It is up to your insurance company to source original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or Dealer’s glass. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is 2 years old or less, isurnace companies usually approve OEM and Dealer’s glass. Otherwise, we will source the best OEM equivalent and approved glass.
FAQ Related To Windshield Repair Questions
Section 1
Can windshield cracks & chips be repaired
How windshield cracks & chips are repaired
Windshield Patch
Usually, windshield patches are sold as part of DIY repair kits. Professionals don’t frequently utilize this kind of repair technique because it isn’t the most efficient. If your windshield has a chip or minor crack, you can place the film or patch over the affected area after trimming it to size. The patch is then buffed out and given time to cure. It becomes harder as a result, strengthening the impacted area. A patch does not reinforce the glass and does not penetrate the fracture or chip. Simply holding the region together helps to stop further breaking.
Windshield Resin
The most popular windshield glass repair technique used by experts to fix chips or cracks in your car’s windshield is windshield resin. The chip or crack receives an injection of resin. The region is then heated by a heat source, which causes the resin to harden. The resin slightly swells as it does this, helping to cover up any chips or cracks. By strengthening the afflicted area and preventing the fracture or chip from spreading, this can help.
What windshield chips can be repaired
Which windshield cracks can be repaired
Why windshield crack or chip spread?
Will windshield chip spread
FAQ Related To Windshield Replacement Questions
Section 1
What are steps windshield technician takes in replacing a windshield?
- Vehicle Inspection
- Windshield Removal
- Pinchweld Prep
- Apply Primer & Adhesive
- Windshield Replacement
- Finishing Up
Continue reading for complete and in-depth overview of the steps involved in replacing windshields ➦
What are the types of windshields?
There are two types of windshields:
Laminated windshield glass
Because it is so tough, laminated glass is perfect for the front windshield. A layer of plastic holds two layers of glass together. The windshield should remain unbroken in the event of an accident and keep the driver from getting out.
Tempered windshield glass
Glass is heated to a high temperature and then quickly cooled to create tempered glass. It is safer and stronger than conventional glass since it breaks into tiny, rounded pieces. This avoids glass-shattered harm but necessitates a complete vehicle glass replacement.
What are there different qualities of windshield glass? OEM vs. Dealers vs. Aftermarket glass
There are three different types of windshield glass, but they are all made of laminated glass and offer protection.
OEM glass
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) components are produced directement by the automaker. This indicates that the auto glass is guaranteed to fit and is made precisely for the make and model of your car. Additionally, these parts are created to deliver the highest levels of performance and safety.
Dealer glass
Dealer glass is produced in accordance with the same standards as OEM glass. The windshield is produced and offered by the dealer alone, which is the only distinction.
Aftermarket glass
This kind of windshield glass resembles generic OEM glass. It is less expensive, but you have no idea where or how it was created. It still needs to adhere to Certified Automotive Parts Association requirements (CAPA).
What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System. These systems are electronic systems designed to add safety and convenience to drivers. There are a slew of ADAS systems nowadays especially in newer cars. An example of an ADAS system would be Heads Up Display, Lane Departure Assist, Breaking Assist etc.
For more details about ADAS Systems, please visit our dedicated page to this issue ➦
Windshield replace vs. repair
If your crack is longer than 6 inches, there is no way to repair a crack that long and windshield must be replaced. The same is true if your windshield chip is larger is diameter than a quarter.