A smashed car window is demoralizing. Besides the broken glass all over the seats, you may also be worried that valuable possessions have been stolen.

What should you do first to get your car repaired as soon as you can?

Call the Police

A smashed car window doesn’t always involve vandals or thieves. A falling tree or branch could be the culprit. An accident involving another vehicle might be the cause.

More commonly, if you’re only dealing with a broken window and no other vehicle damage, it’s probably because someone tried to break into your car or just randomly decided to break a window for no reason.

When this is the case, call the police right away. They will come to the scene, and you will have a report on file regarding the incident. You may need it for insurance purposes later, and you’ll help keep the community safer by getting the police involved in finding the vandal or thief.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

The next phone call you should make is to your insurance company. This damage should be covered under your comprehensive policy. If anything was stolen out of your vehicle, auto insurance will not help.

However, if you have a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy that covers theft, you may be able to get reimbursed after paying your deductible.

For any type of insurance claim, you’re going to need pictures of the damage, so be sure to take photos from different angles to document the incident. Also, you might want to look into the cost of window replacement before filing a claim. The price might be lower than your deductible, and you’ll have one less insurance claim on your record.

Protect the Car’s Interior

If precipitation is in the forecast, you should definitely find a sheet of plastic or other type of weather-resistant material to cover the opening in the meantime. Insurance companies will not cover collateral damage resulting from a smashed car window if you neglect your responsibility to limit damage as much as possible.

Find an Auto Glass Repair Shop

Next, it’s time to find a professional who knows how to quickly repair a broken vehicle window with high-quality materials, ensuring it operates just as smoothly as before. With a mobile auto glass repair company, you don’t even have to drive the vehicle. Just call for service and get auto glass window replacement at your home, school or work — wherever the incident occurred.

Glasshopper Auto Glass is there for you when you’re stuck with a smashed car window and need professional repair on the spot — call anytime you discover your car’s glass is broken.

A cracked windshield is frustrating. Sadly, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it, especially if you drive frequently. When a stray rock flies up and hits your windshield, your heart sinks, especially if you’re short on cash or time to have it repaired.

But if you count the actual costs of delaying the repair, you’ll see it’s not economical or safe to wait — you need to take care of that cracked windshield immediately.

Think About the Costs Involved

Depending on the size of the initial chip, the sooner you get it repaired, the less expensive it likely will be. If you wait too long, a chip can quickly morph into a crack. Once the damage grows, your cracked windshield is no longer repairable. You will need a replacement.

Also, think about the legal ramifications of driving around with a cracked windshield. In many regions of the country, this is a traffic offense for which you can be pulled over and ticketed. Then you’ll have to factor the cost of a citation into the total bill.

Think About Your Safety

Modern windshields aren’t constructed the same as they were just a few decades ago. Today, two tempered glass sheets are fit together with a substance called poly-vinyl butyral in between. This ensures any oncoming glass damage only affects the outer layer, not the inner layer. Windshields no longer shatter upon impact, so a cracked windshield is not a safety concern in this way.

However, while you don’t have to worry about flying glass shards, a cracked windshield does threaten the integrity of your vehicle’s structure. If you are involved in a collision, a weak windshield can cause your roof to collapse, trapping you inside and exacerbating damage and injuries.

Also, the windshield is a key part of what helps your airbag protect you the way it should when it deploys. If there is a crack in the glass causing a weak area, it might give way and compromise your safety.

Finally, it is also a danger because any crack within the driver’s line of sight can distract from the roadway.

Think About the Possible Inconvenience

In many states, a functional, undamaged windshield is required in order to pass inspections. Think about the time you will waste if you try to get away without repairing the damage. You’ll only have to return to complete the inspection process.

Get Fast Repair or Replacement Service

When there are so many fast, efficient and high-quality repair options, why not schedule an appointment today? You can have Glasshopper Auto Glass come to your home or office and fix your windshield while you are busy working or doing other important tasks. You’ll be able to quickly get back on the road with confidence, knowing your cracked windshield is no longer an issue.

Auto glass damage is a nuisance, it’s costly and it’s a safety hazard.

When a rock flies up and hits your windshield, chipping it or even cracking it down the middle, you can’t help but feel frustrated.

Is it possible to prevent future damage or even get reimbursed for a replacement windshield?

Flying Gravel on the Highway

If you live near a gravel pit, chances are you have seen trucks hauling gravel merge onto the highway beside you. Even when the trucks are empty, a stray rock left behind can fly out when the truck hits a bump in the road, and in many cases, your windshield will take the brunt of the hit.

Cracked Windshields Threaten Your Safety

Depending on the location, a chip or crack can make it hard to see out the windshield. Also, chips and cracks weaken your vehicle’s entire structure. The roof has a greater chance of collapsing if it doesn’t have the full support of the windshield glass.

Auto glass damage threatens your safety in another way as well. If you are in an accident, your airbags are designed to partially hit the windshield and then cushion you from injury. If the glass gives way because it’s cracked, your upper body is less protected in a collision.

Can You Get Reimbursed?

You probably saw your windshield crack, and you may know for sure that it was caused by gravel from a transport truck, but it’s extremely difficult to prove.

The company can claim the rock that caused the damage was probably kicked up from the ground. And many gravel companies post signs on the backs of their trucks that say “keep back 100 feet” and “driver not responsible for objects thrown from road” to further absolve themselves of any liability.

While the company probably fields many angry calls from motorists like you who are dealing with auto glass damage due to flying gravel, the only time they may reimburse you for windshield repair costs is if they are caught breaking the law.

In many states, including Utah, it is illegal for trucks to have a heaping pile of gravel in tow that is higher than the truck’s side walls. Many drivers get citations for this.

If you know your auto glass damage was caused by an overfilled gravel truck, try to take a picture and write down the license plate number. Only then do you have a shot at receiving any reimbursement for damages.

Invest in High-Quality Windshield Repair

When you need immediate windshield repair, trust the team at Glasshopper Auto Glass. Whether you travel to a shop or have a professional come to your home or office, you know you will receive high-quality auto glass repair or replacement that will keep you safe.

If a vehicle in your commercial fleet needs windshield repair, it’s best not to wait. A chip in auto glass can grow suddenly. A blast of cold or hot air or a stray pebble could cause the entire panel to splinter.

Who do you call when the auto glass in one of the vehicles in your commercial fleet begins to show signs of age?

Wide Range of Expertise Required

First, it’s vital to make sure the auto glass repair company you hire knows exactly what they’re doing. Larger commercial vehicle windshields are designed differently than those of small-sized sedans.

You need a team that has experience with many different makes and models of both cars and trucks in order to ensure they will replace the glass correctly, protecting against future damage.

In addition, you may have a complex routine for filing insurance paperwork on a commercial policy. Choose an auto glass repair company that knows how to work with commercial vehicle insurance companies ― you don’t want any snags slowing down reimbursement and processing.

Timely Repairs Are Essential

When your personal vehicle’s windshield is cracked, you can hitch a ride to work with a friend or family member, but when one of your company’s vehicles is out of commission, your business and your livelihood are affected as well.

Waiting for an auto glass company to fit you into their busy schedule just won’t work for you when the windshield repair you need involves one of your commercial fleet vehicles. You need the vehicle back on the road right away.

Will Cost-Effective Repairs Make a Difference?

Maintaining a fleet of commercial vehicles is expensive, so saving money is always welcome. You’re looking for cost savings wherever you can find them, and mobile commercial fleet windshield repair is a service you can count on for affordability.

When repairing a windshield, you don’t always want to hire the company with the lowest prices. You have to weigh other factors as well, such as whether they are using original manufacturer parts. If they will drive to your location, that’s one less trip you have to make, saving both transportation costs and time.

That’s why trusting a local windshield repair team that focuses on promptness and quality results in a major payoff. You’ll get instant service along with a final product you know won’t show signs of bad workmanship within a day or two — it’s meant to last and it’s covered by a warranty.

That is cost-effectiveness at its best. Over the long term, these savings will add up for your company.

What better company to trust for commercial fleet windshield repair than one that manages its own mobile commercial fleet? Glasshopper Auto Glass knows firsthand how important it is to keep your vehicles in safe working order. Call us whenever your vehicles need windshield repair.

Windshield repair should not be done in a mall parking lot. Has a stranger approached you in a public place and tried to convince you your windshield needed repair immediately?

These scam artists use scare tactics and make you doubt the security of your entire vehicle, maybe calling attention to a small chip you never even noticed before.

While it’s true that a damaged windshield is dangerous, it’s even more dangerous to have your windshield repaired by one of these so-called “experts” who randomly approach unsuspecting drivers and have no known credentials.

You could end up with a poorly repaired windshield, and you may have unknowingly helped scam your own insurance company in the process.

How Does Windshield Repair Fraud Work?

Most commonly, if you are being targeted in a windshield repair scam, you are approached by random strangers. In more sinister cases, these people may have even caused the damage to your car’s windshield before approaching you.

They convince you to use their services and file a claim with your insurance company. Since most insurance companies do not require you to pay a deductible for auto glass repair, you are not charged a cent for this service.

But the charges billed to your insurance company are usually much higher than the cost to actually repair the glass. And once the scam-runners have your information, they can charge multiple claims to your name and policy.

Who Loses Out in the Deal?

While you don’t pay anything up front, you will pay in the long run. Fraudulent or multiple claims will jack up your insurance bill. Additionally, the product you receive from those who pose as auto glass technicians is of a questionable quality at best.

They may make existing cracks worse and cause you to have to have to file additional claims in the near future.

How to Make Sure Your Windshield Is Repaired Correctly

Only repair a windshield that actually needs it — don’t let an unqualified “expert” try to convince you of weaknesses in your windshield. Always say no when approached by strangers for any services involving your car, but especially your auto glass.

Visit a reputable shop in person to get an assessment of your windshield’s condition if you are worried.

Only work with a repair company that offers a written warranty and has a longstanding reputation of quality service in the community. If you are claiming the repair on your auto insurance, call your insurer to verify that the correct charges were filed. Ask for an itemized bill from the company to make sure.

Another way to completely ensure your vehicle receives superior windshield repair service is to visit Glasshopper Auto Glass and see firsthand why customers don’t go anywhere else when they need fast, efficient auto glass repairs and replacements.

Damage to your vehicle’s mirror is one of many frustrations that can arise for car owners. Whether you were sideswiped in the grocery store parking lot or ventured too close to a wall, a broken mirror must be replaced promptly to keep you safe while operating your vehicle.

Be prepared to handle mirror damage ― read about how to respond and tactics you can use to prevent this problem from happening.

Common Ways Auto Mirrors Break

One of the most common ways car mirrors are damaged is by driver error. Pulling into tight parking spaces or garages can result in smashed glass or a broken side mirror component. City driving and parking is also dangerous for side mirrors, as other drivers who are attempting to parallel park may get too close to your vehicle and break off your mirror. Your side mirrors could fall victim to vandalism as well, or they could simply be a part of the total damage resulting from a car accident.

Car mirrors can also be smashed if you forget to fold them inward when entering a car wash. You could scratch or dent the glass while attempting to clean them, as some mirror glass may not be resilient or may be weakened over time.

Strategies to Prevent Auto Mirror Damage

Try to always be aware of your mirrors when assessing a potential parking space or driving in reverse. Drivers may be too focused on their rearview mirror to notice that the driver’s or passenger’s side mirrors are about to collide with a structure or another vehicle.

Always park in the safest area possible, whether in the city or the suburbs. Leave plenty of space between you and other cars and tuck your mirrors in when you leave your car parked on the street for long periods of time.

Only clean the auto mirror glass with soft, clean rags and appropriate cleaning solutions to make sure you do not harm the mirror with an unfit, abrasive cleaner.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Repair?

If the damage happened because of a car accident, whoever is at fault must pay the deductible, and the insurance company will finance the repair. Of course, if only your mirror was broken, you may want to simply fix the issue yourself if it costs less than the total for the deductible.

If you carry comprehensive coverage, this will pay for repairs resulting from vandalism, theft or any other act of God over which you have no control. But again, the insured is liable for the deductible first, and depending on the extent of the damage, it may not be financially worth it to file a claim.

Talk to Glasshopper Auto Glass about fixing vehicle mirror damage and any other broken glass in your vehicle ― you will receive fast, affordable service unmatched by the competition.

Being out of windshield washer fluid can be like driving blind, so check your level of this important cleaner regularly to make sure you don’t run out at an inopportune time. You don’t want to be up on the highway going 65 miles per hour and have an 18-wheeler in front of you splattering dirty slush left and right when you realize your washer tank is dry.

You may hear differing opinions on what type of fluid is truly best for your vehicle. What product will work most effectively at keeping your windshield clear of slush, mud and any other debris that comes its way?

Can You Use Only Water?

Don’t fall victim to this common myth. It is not a good idea to use water as your windshield washer fluid. In the summer, a tank of standing water in your vehicle is a magnet for bacteria. When you spray the infected water on your windshield, the bacteria can be transported through your air filtration system and contribute to illness.

In the winter, using water as your windshield washer fluid is a definite misstep. It will quickly freeze in the washer lines, breaking seals and requiring repairs.

Use Antifreeze Mix in the Winter

Depending on where you live, you will want to select washer fluid with the appropriate proportion of antifreeze mixed in. If you select a product with too little antifreeze, it may freeze on contact with your windshield.

Check the label ― many products clearly state the range of temperatures in which the fluid will continue to work. Having a clean windshield can save you from getting in an accident and suffering bodily harm.

Make Refilling More Convenient

In the middle of winter, you may need all the extra space in your trunk you can find, between transporting and storing holiday gifts and outdoor gear. You may not have room for a giant bottle of windshield washer fluid.

You can save space in your trunk by foregoing the gallon-sized bottles in favor of a smaller bottle of concentrated solution. When you need to refill the reservoir, mix the concentrate with the prescribed amount of water. Make sure you use the right proportions, however, as too much water can thin out the mixture and make it less effective.

For additional information on keeping a windshield clean and secure, and for all your auto glass repair needs, turn to Glasshopper Auto Glass.

You need a secure windshield to help ensure your visibility, safety and the structural integrity of your vehicle. Your windshield may be more susceptible to damage during the cold winter months, so it’s important to recognize the risk factors and take every precaution before the temperature drops.

Beware of Sudden Temperature Changes

When you walk outside to warm up your car after a night of subzero temperatures, be cautious about warming up your windshield too quickly. If a frozen windshield is hit with hot air, it can crack due to the sudden temperature change. This is even more likely if the glass already has a small chip or crack.

Turn on the car’s heating system, but don’t point the vents directly at the windshield. Instead, direct the hot air toward the passengers or the floor so the glass has the chance to warm up gradually. Also, never pour hot water on your car’s frozen glass — it can cause severe damage.

Use Proper Ice Removal Tools

Don’t use a shovel or a knife to remove ice from your car’s glass surfaces. Only use ice scrapers designed for that particular purpose. Scrape horizontally along the glass — never stab into the ice buildup in a chopping motion, or you could chip the glass underneath.

Keep Washer Fluid Tank Full

Check your windshield washer fluids regularly during the winter months, since you use it more during this time. A clean windshield is easier to see out of, and it also is easier to spot any damage that must be repaired. Also, make sure your wiper blades are equipped to smoothly brush away snow and ice. Invest in a new pair of wipers designed for winter weather before the seasons change.

Get Cracks and Chips Repaired Immediately

Get chips repaired before they turn into cracks. Cracks will only grow during cold weather. According to the Motor Industry Research Association, auto glass chips were likely to spread 80 percent of the time once the temperature dropped to 14 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Even if the temperature remained at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, glass chips spread 60 percent of the time and progress to more serious cracks.

Don’t wait — call Glasshopper Auto Glass right now to schedule repair if you spot chips or cracks in your windshield. Offering on-site mobile service at your home, work or school, our team will immediately come to your aid when cold weather affects your windshield.

Mobile windshield repair services are convenient and affordable. A local mobile windshield repair company can quickly fix your cracked or chipped windshield — and you never have to leave your current location. What makes it such a great idea? Read on to find out.

It’s a Time-Saver

When your car breaks down, you do not have the luxury of having repairs done on the side of the road. Most car troubles are extreme inconveniences to your schedule, but not all vehicle issues are the same. Mobile repairs for your vehicle glass cut down on the time you would otherwise spend driving to a shop, waiting for repairs to be done and driving home. Vehicle owners who feel like their time is already limited shouldn’t cut into it further for car repairs. Don’t lose time from work for windshield repair — or time with family, at the gym or simply relaxing.

You Will Save Money

Since you will not be driving to a mechanic for auto glass repair, you will not spend money on fuel, nor will you put miles on your car. Plus, your own time is valuable — time is money, after all. With mobile service, you will still get the same level of professionalism and skill you would find in any auto glass repair shop. The only difference? The technician comes to you.

Don’t Compromise Your Safety

Damage to your windshield increases safety risks in more ways than one. Since the crack or chip may be blocking your field of vision, you have less visibility and a higher likelihood of hitting another vehicle. Windshields do more than protect you from precipitation and oncoming objects — they also provide integral support to the vehicle’s roof. When the glass is cracked, the vehicle is more susceptible to crushing in the event of an accident.

You don’t have to put yourself at risk if you work with mobile repair technicians in your area. You can stay put and still have the problem resolved.

Immediate Results, Regardless of Location

Mobile windshield repair is flexible — that is a fact. But it may be even more flexible than you realize. You do not even have to be present to take advantage of the service. If you notice a chip in the glass while driving to work, call a team of professionals to visit your office during work hours and have the damage fixed before you risk of driving home. Wherever you are located, if the technician services your area, you are covered for all mobile auto glass repairs.

Contact Glasshopper Auto Glass today to find out more about mobile windshield repair and how you, your schedule and your finances could benefit.

An auto glass warranty assures car owners an integral part of their vehicle’s visibility and support system can be repaired for free in the event of damage. Is your vehicle covered under this type of warranty? Find out, and if not, look into whether purchasing this type of coverage would be a good choice for you and your vehicle.

New Car Warranty Coverage

If you purchased your vehicle new, the warranty included is designed to protect drivers up to a certain mileage threshold. However, new car warranties that include vehicle glass coverage normally only pay a claim when it can be proven the repair is needed due to a manufacturing defect. New car warranties will not pay for repair to a windshield that was hit with debris while you were driving. If the seal begins to leak or stress cracks appear and it can be proven no outside factors contributed to the damage, the manufacturer’s warranty may pay the cost of repair or replacement.

What Will Your Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies offer varying levels of glass repair coverage. For example, you may be able to receive free rock chip repair, but you may pay a higher annual premium for this service. Some comprehensive insurance policies may cover damage from theft, vandalism or collision with an animal, but they might only repair the windshield, not the side or back windows.

It is important to read the fine print on all insurance policy documents before agreeing to the price. Inquire if you are required to pay a deductible on windshield repair costs. In some cases, no deductibles warrant higher annual payments, but this will vary among carriers and locations. Also, ask if these types of claims stay on your permanent record, counting against you when the insurance premium is reassessed in later years.

Warranties after Auto Glass Replacement or Repair

Most professional repair shops offer a workmanship guarantee on all of their installations. If the windshield replacement shows signs of seal damage or leaking after the repair, the shop should rectify the problem at no cost to the vehicle owner. Additionally, product warranties and service plans may be available for purchase when auto glass is replaced. In most cases, purchasing a service plan add-on to a repair can save you time and money. The next time your auto glass suffers damage, you can immediately contact your provider for no-cost, fast service.

Call Glasshopper Auto Glass for timely, affordable repairs and receive high-quality, long-lasting results from your replacement windshield, sunroof, windows and all other glass parts. Ask the professional team about an available auto glass warranty, guarantee of service and how coverage can ensure your vehicle’s glass is cared for long-term.