Auto Glass: Insurance repair of windshield glass, national glass association, auto glass company

Question
I need to fix a dent in my windshield on a new Honda Fit which is in my line of view.  My insurance covers it all and provides me with scheduling if I want them to.  Since I only had this car a few months, I want to make sure it is done right.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Kim,

According to the National Glass Association, windshield damage in the driver's line of sight should not be repaired.  Therefore, I am assuming that "fix" means that you are replacing your windshield (vs. repairing).

First and foremost, do not let your insurance company choose your auto glass company.  Find a company on your own by doing a little research.  Remember, it's your car, it's your safety...quality is paramount.

What to look for when choosing an auto glass company:
1.  Installs glass from an original equipment manufacturer (e.g. Pilkington, PPG, Mopar, Carlite).
2.  Uses Dow Automotive urethane (the brand used in almost all vehicles manufactured in North America).
3.  Offers a written lifetime warranty.
4.  National Glass Association certified technicians.

Finally, ask safety-related questions and choose a company that makes you feel at ease.  I'll give you some examples - Do you track expiration dates of your products?  Will you give me a safe drive-away time?  Do your technicians wear gloves when handling glass?  Answering these questions should be easy for a safety-oriented auto glass company.

Thanks for your rating,
Kevin