You’re driving down the road when, suddenly, the car in front of you kicks up a rock that lands right in the middle of the windshield. Now, instead of a crystal clear view, you’re left staring at a large crack that seems to spread with every bump in the road. While it’s important to schedule a windshield repair appointment as soon as possible, you need to bring the car safely to the repair shop first. Here’s what you should do if your windshield cracks while you’re on the road.

3 Important Steps to Take Before Bringing Your Car for a Windshield Repair Appointment

1. Determine If It’s Safe to Drive With the Crack

After the crack happens, you’ll need to decide if it’s best to pull over or drive the car to the shop. If the crack interferes with your line of vision or is so large that you can’t see clearly, pull off to the side of the road and call a tow truck. However if the crack is small or does not obstruct your view, keep driving.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most auto insurance policies cover repairs for cracked windshields. Before scheduling an appointment at the shop, call your insurance provider and let them know the situation. They may even be able to make a recommendation on a local windshield repair service they trust. Calling them before scheduling an appointment reduces the processing time for filing a claim and lowers your out-of-pocket expenses for the repair.

3. Schedule the Appointment

Once the car is in the shop, an experienced technician will inspect the crack to determine if it can be repaired or if a full windshield replacement is needed. If the crack is larger than a dollar bill, you’ll likely need to replace the windshield. Try to have the glass replaced as soon as possible; driving with a cracked windshield for any period can be incredibly dangerous.

Looking for an experienced team to help with a cracked windshield? Contact the auto glass experts at Badger Glass in Anchorage, AK. Their dedicated team can handle everything from full windshield replacements to minor repairs. Learn more about their services online and call (907) 522-3927 to schedule a windshield repair appointment today.