Should I Use Insurance to Replace My Windshield? A Comprehensive Guide

A close-up shot of a vehicle insurance policy document laid out on a desk. On top of the document is a small blue toy car and a car key fob, symbolizing the real vehicle and the importance of insurance.

Dealing with a damaged windshield can be very stressful. You might be wondering if it's a good idea to use your insurance to replace it. We want to help you make the right choice, so let's talk about windshield damage, when to repair or replace it, and whether using your insurance is a good idea.

Windshield Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

A close-up front view of a white Mercedes-Benz SUV, showcasing the vehicle's windshield and grille. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting a wintry scene with bare trees and a hint of snow. Superimposed on the image, in bold, white capital letters, is the text "WINDSHIELD INSURANCE," emphasizing the focus on insurance coverage for the vehicle's windshield.

5 Important Reasons to Repair Windshield Chips

A focused young technician is seen inside a car, diligently working on a windshield repair. He uses a specialized red tool, which is attached to the windshield, indicating a professional and precise approach to fixing a chip or crack.

A windshield isn’t just a piece of glass. It’s an important component of your vehicle, and if it’s chipped or cracked, your safety could be compromised.

The Ultimate Guide to Windshield Replacement in Minnesota

a professional technician installing a new windshield on a car in White Bear Lake, MN. In the background, there is a service van with the branding "Auto Glass Express" visible, indicating a mobile glass repair and replacement service. The left side of the image is overlaid with a red translucent filter, and bold, white capital letters state "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT," highlighting the focus on comprehensive information about the windshield replacement process. The scene is set outdoors under a partly cloudy sky, adding to the professional and practical feel of the image.

How to Choose the Right Auto Glass Company

A skilled technician is carefully installing a new windshield on a car parked in a residential driveway in the Twin Cities.. He is wearing protective gloves and sunglasses, ensuring safety and precision in his work.

A windshield not only protects occupants from environmental elements but also acts as a protective layer, keeping occupants safe from injury in the event of an accident. Moreover, the windshield also provides structural integrity to your car. If your windshield is chipped or cracked, it should be fixed right away.

The Ultimate Guide to Windshield Repair in Minnesota

A professional technician is in the process of replacing a car windshield in St. Paul, MN, holding the new glass pane with a specialized tool. The scene is set outdoors, next to a van labeled "Auto Glass Express," indicating a mobile windshield repair service. The left side of the image features a green translucent overlay with bold white text that reads "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WINDSHIELD REPAIR."

We covered it all in this comprehensive guide on windshield repair. From what to do from the instant windshield damage occurs, through the cost of windshield repair, all the way to how weather impacts when you should repair your windshield. Check it out and you'll have nearly every question you've ever had about windshield repair, answered.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Winter Windshield Care

A car is parked on a snow-covered road beside a massive stack of neatly arranged, freshly cut logs. A person stands next to the open car door, likely preparing to get back in or taking a moment to enjoy the winter scenery.

Minnesota winters are harsh. Characterized by below-freezing temps, heavy snowfalls, black ice, and the threat of frostbite, it isn’t a season for the faint of heart. 

Winter hits everything hard in Minnesota, including vehicles. Along with swapping out your tires for winter tires, keeping your fuel tank full, and checking your tire pressure, you should also be making sure that your windshield is in good condition. 

How to Remove Scratches from Your Windshield: DIY & Professional Solutions

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A scratched windshield isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous. The distraction and impaired visibility caused by scratch marks put you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. The good news? Not every scratched windshield requires a full replacement. Depending on the severity, you might be able to restore clarity yourself or with professional help.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to remove scratches from a windshield, covering everything from simple at-home remedies to advanced repair options.

Common Types of Windshield Scratches

Before you dive into repairs, it helps to understand the type of damage:

  • Light surface scratches: Visible, but your fingernail does not catch on them. Often cosmetic and treatable with DIY methods.
  • Moderate scratches: Slightly deeper, possibly caused by wiper blades or debris. These can be addressed with special repair products.
  • Deep scratches or gouges: If your nail catches easily or the scratch affects visibility, it’s time to consult a professional.

 

DIY Methods to Repair a Scratched Windshield

If your scratched windshield falls under the "light" or "moderate" category, these home remedies can help.

Acrylic Scratch Remover

The easiest fix is to use an acrylic scratch remover. These liquids fill shallow scratches, drying clear to mask the damage.

How to use:

  1. Clean the windshield thoroughly.
  2. Apply the acrylic solution directly into the scratch.
  3. Allow it to dry fully for a seamless finish.

 

Cerium Oxide

For more stubborn scratches or wiper burns, cerium oxide is your go-to solution. This compound bonds to the glass and polishes away imperfections.

You’ll need:

  • A cerium oxide powder (available in repair kits)
  • Water to create a paste
  • A polishing wheel attached to a standard drill

Steps:

  1. Mix cerium oxide with water until it reaches a glue-like consistency.
  2. Apply the paste to the scratched area.
  3. Use the drill with the polishing wheel to gently buff the surface.
  4. Keep the paste moist and work in circular motions until the scratch fades.

 

Whitening Toothpaste (with Baking Soda)

An old-school trick that sometimes works for minor scratches!

How to use:

  1. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the scratched area.
  2. Rub with a soft cloth in circular motions.
  3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and inspect the result.
  4. Repeat as needed.

 

When to Call a Professional for Windshield Scratch Repair

If the scratch is deep, extensive, or obstructs your line of sight, don’t risk it. A compromised windshield is a safety hazard. While most scratches won’t cause immediate cracking, ignoring them can worsen the damage over time.

At Auto Glass Express, our technicians will inspect the scratch and offer the best solution. If we can repair it safely, we will. If not, we’ll walk you through affordable replacement options. Either way, you’ll be back on the road quickly and safely.

 

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  3. What is the Average Windshield Replacement Cost?
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