Believe it or not, a windshield crack is more detrimental to cars today than ever before. It is no longer just cosmetically unappealing, but a legitimate threat to your safety and potentially even a reason to get pulled over by the cops. One of the best ways to find out how big of a deal windshield cracks really are is to look at how your insurance company handles it. Many car insurance companies have realized that it is much cheaper, in the long run, to simply fix the cracked windshield, which is why they will waive your deductible and pay for the entire process.
Why a Windshield Crack is Dangerous
1. Shatter While Driving
If there is even a small chip in your windshield, it will eventually turn into a full-fledged windshield crack. This puts both the driver and passengers in serious danger. This is because a large windshield crack disrupts the stability of the windshield. If a structurally unsound windshield is hit with a rock on the highway, there is a higher chance that the windshield will shatter.
2. Makes Collisions More Dangerous
Windshields are designed to be “shatter-proof”. However, once there is a significant windshield crack, the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised. This is critical because windshields are now a more important part of the overall safety of vehicles than ever before. If the windshield shatters upon impact, there is one less barrier between you and the pavement.
3. Fines
In many areas of the country, you could get a fine or a ticket for having a windshield crack. This is because the crack impairs your ability to see the road and can often be considered as “distracted driving”. This can quickly add up to penalties that are much more expensive than simply getting the crack fixed. Additionally, if there is a large crack in your windshield and you get into an accident, you are at a much higher risk of being labeled “at fault” for the accident because you couldn’t see the whole road.