Ask Pete

[#1]

Sooner or later (if it hasn't happened already), you'll get a ding in your windshield from a rock or similar item while cruising down the road. In many cases, the windshield will have to be replaced, but in some cases, if the ding meets the criteria, it is possible that it can be repaired.

Repairing a windshield can usually be done at a fraction of the time and expense of a replacement, so as you might expect, insurance companies are looking more and more at this as a solution over replacement.

The criteria for determining whether to repair or replace are pretty straightforward. If the ding is smaller than a quarter and not in the line of sight for the driver, or if a crack is smaller than six inches, chances are good it can be repaired. The best way to know for sure if your windshield can be repaired or if it should be replaced is by consulting a windshield professional-or check out the criteria at http://www.windshieldrepair.org/types.php .