People are going to try to break into your car. Its, unfortunately, one of those things that happens far too often. But that doesn’t mean that it is the end of the world. Yes, it is an inconvenience, but here is how you can go about fixing a break-in to your car.
5 Steps To Getting A Windshield Replacement After A Break-In
Step 1) File a Police Report About Your Break-InÂ
If your car has been broken into, do not touch anything until you call the police. You will have to file a report and describe the details of what happened. In some cases, police will come down to your location and inspect the break-in. However, there are also going to be times when they won’t. It is here where taking photos comes in handy.
Take as many shots as possible of the broken windows from different angles – again without touching anything. It highlights the damage that has been done, which is further evidence that to provide your insurance company that you legitimately need windshield repairs.
Step 2) Contact Your Insurance Company About Your Windshield ReplacementÂ
With photos of the break-in and the file from the police, you can now reach out and contact your insurance company. Explain to them what occurred, and provide them with the police file information as well as the photos. It will indicate to them what occurred. Now, depending on your coverage, you will either be covered for the break-in or not.
You must understand what kind of coverage you have for your cracked windshields and replacements. If you have comprehensive insurance, you will be covered for the break-in, and you can claim the windshield replacement. The insurance company will pay you 100% of the fee, without any deductible.
If you do not have any comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay out of pocket. So it will be up to you to find a windshield replacement company that offers an excellent price for you. Some windshield repair companies in Calgary will have exclusive deals and offers, and you have to find them.
If you have to pay a deductible, you have to think if it is worth it. In some cases, it might not be. An example would be that a window replacement costs you $200, but your insurance deductible is $500, meaning you have to pay $300 more to get your windshield replaced. In that case, it is not worth it.
However, it should be noted that if the cost of the repair or replacement is lower than your deductible, the insurance company might not even cover you.
Step 3) Clean Up The Glass Before Any Windshield RepairsÂ
Grab your vacuum and take the time to clean up all the glass in your car. Double-check if there are any shards of glass remaining. When you take it to get it repaired, the auto-glass company will clean it anyway to make sure, but you should start the process yourself.
Step 4) Cover Up Your WindowsÂ
You cannot leave your car open for another break-in, so you have to cover up the broken window. Try to secure it as much as possible by either using a piece of cardboard to act as a temporary replacement. Here is how you can do it:
- Cut out a piece of cardboard the size of the side windows or windshield
- Get either duct or clear tape
- From inside the car, tape up the windshield by running tape alongside the sides of the cardboard, and then do it horizontally, so that it is tied down
You should also look to take out any personal items from the car, so if there is another attempt, you have nothing valuable in the car.
Step 5)Â Get It Replaced As Soon As PossibleÂ
You will want to have the window repaired as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t take too long to get it replaced as you are exposing your vehicle to another attempted break-in, plus the risk that dirt, rain and bugs make their way into your vehicle.
Start searching around for a windshield replacement in Calgary. Keep an eye out for positive reviews about the company (such as if they won any awards), and if they offer efficient and effective services. You should also consider when they are next available help you with your replacement. Once you have scheduled an appointment, drop off your vehicle and wait for it to come back brand new!
You shouldn’t have to pay so much to fix the car that you’ve already spent thousands of dollars on. That’s why we’ll give you the best deals and the best prices.
Reach us at [email protected] or at (587) 777-1755.
