No matter where you find yourself when your windshield shatters into tiny pieces of glass, there are steps you can take to stay safe and protect yourself from any potential injuries.
1. Pull Over to a Safe Place Immediately
If your windshield cracks while you’re driving, stay calm and look for a safe place to pull over. If there isn’t one nearby, continue driving—but keep an eye out for places to pull over in the future (such as after passing a bus stop or gas station).
2. Look For Repair Services
If you’re on the road and the chip is too small for a repair kit to fix, there are still options. Some auto glass shops offer mobile chip repair, which means they come to you instead of making you drive into the shop. The cost of this service can vary, but it can be less expensive than having your windshield replaced completely. Fortunately, there are now several ways you can have your windshield repaired quickly and easily:
Have it fixed in person – You can have an auto glass technician come right to your location and perform the work on-site for you. This option is great for those who don’t want to miss out on any time behind the wheel of their vehicle by having someone else do the repairs for them. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, ask if there are any locations nearby where they offer same-day service and book an appointment ahead of time so that there aren’t any delays once it’s time for repairs.
Get quotes over the phone – Many reputable auto glass shops offer free estimates over the phone before sending technicians out into their neighborhoods; however, be sure not only does this option work best for people with busy schedules but also consider whether or not these companies will charge higher prices just because they didn’t meet face-to-face first! Also keep in mind that some technicians may require personal contact information before offering estimates (but again—this depends largely upon which specific company one uses).
3. Be Prepared in Case of Future Cracks and Chips
If you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, don’t panic. First, check your insurance policy to see if the damage is covered under your comprehensive coverage. If it’s not, make sure you understand the deductible amount and whether or not that applies to windshield repair costs.
You may also wish to ask for referrals from friends who have recently had their cars serviced at reputable shops/companies before choosing a place for yourself. Finally, take note of how long it takes them (and how much hassle) from start to finish—and compare that experience with other places too!