If someone borrowed your car and cracked your windshield, there are a few actions you can take to ensure your car is repaired promptly.
First Step in Repairing Your Windshield
Your first step should be to determine if the damage is covered by insurance. If the borrower was driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may not be able to make a claim. However, if you’ve determined that the damage was due to normal wear and tear or an accident, you can file a claim with your insurance.
In most cases, almost all states require liability coverage, which will cover the damage to the car if the driver is not at fault while driving your vehicle. Your friend’s liability insurance should cover the damage to your vehicle. You will need to have them check with their insurance policy and contact the agent. If their insurance becomes maxed out, they can use your insurance policy as secondary coverage. For minor accidents, your insurance should not be required to cover the repairs.
In some cases, the borrower may be financially responsible for the cost of repairs if they were at fault. You’ll need to contact them directly to discuss their liability and any resulting payment plan. If necessary, you can take them to small claims court if they refuse to pay.
What if the Borrower Wasn’t at Fault?
If the damage to your vehicle was caused by a third party, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance provider. This will require you to provide proof of who was at fault and any other relevant evidence you can obtain from the accident.
Additional Steps to Take to Get Your Windshield Repaired
Finally, it’s important that you keep track of all expenses related to the damage. This includes any payments made by you or your insurance provider, as well as receipts for repairs, rental car costs, or other associated fees. You should also document any communications with the borrower regarding their responsibility for the damage.
No matter how your windshield ended up broken, taking these steps can help ensure that all appropriate parties are held accountable and that you don’t end up shouldering the cost of repairs. Good luck, and be sure to take the necessary precautions when lending your car in the future.
What if The Car Was Leased?
If you find yourself in a situation where your windshield has been cracked while leasing a vehicle, the first thing to do is contact the leasing company. They should be able to provide you with instructions for getting your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Depending on the terms of your lease agreement, they may even cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
It’s also important to take photos of the damage so that you have documentation in case you need to make an insurance claim or if there are any disputes over coverage. In some cases, it’s also a good idea to file a police report if you suspect that the windshield was vandalized or damaged intentionally. This can help protect you from any liability associated with the incident.
You want to make sure that you have the right car insurance policy that will help protect you in the event of damage or an accident. Comprehensive insurance plans will often have windshield coverage, and your lease agreement should instruct you on what type of car insurance to purchase.
Once you have contacted your leasing company and taken photos of the damage, make sure to find a reputable auto glass repair service to fix or replace your windshield. Waiting to have repairs done can cause the chip or crack to become bigger. As it gets bigger, it causes more extensive damage and may require more expensive repairs.
It’s important to do your research and choose a service that is properly certified and has extensive experience in handling these types of repairs. Be sure to ask any questions and get a written estimate before having any work done.
Finally, make sure to keep all of your records in case you need to reference them down the road. This includes receipts, invoices, police reports, etc. Being organized can help make the entire process much smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
The best course of action is to try to avoid windshield damage. This can be done by traveling at a safe distance behind semis, construction equipment, and gravel trucks to help prevent damage. Following these steps can help ensure that your windshield gets fixed quickly and efficiently while also protecting you from any potential legal issues.
What to Do When You Crack a Windshield on a Car You Don’t Own
If you’ve just cracked a windshield on a car you don’t own, it’s important to take the right steps as soon as possible. By taking the right steps, you can make this process easier for everyone involved to ensure repairs are made and all parties are satisified. Regardless of the car insurance you have, you will need to take the following steps to deal with a cracked windshield on a car that you do not own:
Contact the Car Owner
Once you’ve checked your own insurance, contact the owner of the car or the car rental company and let them know what happened. Explain that you are willing to pay for any damages and ask them how they would like to proceed. This could be anything from repairing the crack themselves at a shop, pursuing a claim with their own insurance company, or having you cover the costs.
If you signed a CDW when you rented the car, then you won’t need to take further steps. If you didn’t sign the CDW, then it is likely the rental company will offer to contact your insurance company and file the claim for the windshield on your behalf. If they don’t, then follow the next step outlined below.
Check Your Insurance Coverage Options
Depending on the type of car insurance you have, you may be covered for windshield repair or replacement. If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, then it may cover windshield damage caused by vandalism or an accident. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to find out what kind of coverage you have and if it covers this type of incident.
If your insurance company is covering the cost of repairs, talk to them about how to proceed with getting it fixed. It’s important that you make sure the windshield is repaired or replaced properly, following all safety guidelines outlined by the vehicle manufacturer and local laws.
Find a Windshield Repair Company
At Three Rivers Auto Glass, we provide both windshield repair and replacement services. We also have a wide selection of auto glass products, so you can find the perfect fit for your car. Our certified technicians are highly trained in repairing and replacing windshields and will ensure that you get a quality job done quickly and efficiently. So if you need repairs for a cracked windshield on a car you don’t own, contact us today!
Whether or not your insurance policy covers the cost of repairs, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to make sure your vehicle is running safely and properly. With these steps outlined above, you should be well on your way to making this process simple and stress-free.
Drive Safely
For future driving, we recommend that you exercise caution on the road, following other vehicles at a safe distance. By taking these steps after cracking a windshield on a car you don’t own, you can avoid further headaches down the line and get back on the road quickly and safely.
In Need of Windshield Repairs? Contact Three Rivers Auto Glass Today!
If your windshield has become damaged, our experienced team can repair or replace your windshield to get you back out on the road safely. Contact us today to learn more about our windshield repair services!
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