As the weather gets warmer, many of us will be spending more time outside – and out on the road. Even if you are an excellent driver, glass damage can happen. Driving over dirt or gravel roads, or even just debris on the highway, can make your windshield susceptible to scratches and cracks.  

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually two different types of glass in your vehicle: tempered glass and full safety glass.  Compared to regular glass, tempered glass is much stronger, and in the event of breakage, it is designed to disintegrate into tiny pieces, ensuring that no large, dangerous shards of glass can harm the passengers or driver. Tempered glass, used for the side and rear windows, is created by heating glass to a high temperature, then rapidly cooling it. 

Windshields, however, are made of full safety glass, or laminated glass, which is designed to offer the highest levels of safety in the event of a crash. Full safety glass often includes wires or sensors embedded within the glass that is used for various functions, such as defrosting or detecting rain. This provides more protection and functionality than tempered glass, but it is also more expensive to manufacture and install. 

Glass-related claims are surprisingly common – we receive an average of ten each week. Luckily, for Rockingham Insurance customers, we offer Full Safety Glass Coverage as a part of your comprehensive auto insurance. This means that we will cover the cost of repairing the full safety glass on your vehicle with no deductible.

So if you fall victim to a pesky rock smashing your windshield, here are the steps you will need to take:

1. File your claim online or by giving us a call at (800) 662-5246. We will then transfer your claim to our Safelite Vendor.  
   1. Note: It is not required that you use a Safelite Repair shop. If you use another shop or glass company, Safelite will reach out to the shop that you have chosen. 
2. Next, the glass shop will determine if the glass needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired. This depends on the size and type of the crack, and where it is located.   
3. If the glass shop determines that the glass is repairable, they will make the repair, and you will not need to pay a deductible. Instead, Safelite will invoice us for the repair.
   1.  If, for some reason, the repair does not hold, you can take your vehicle back to the glass shop, where they will replace the glass. The repair will be credited, and you will only need to pay your comprehensive deductible.  
4. If the glass needs to be replaced, the shop will perform the replacement, and you will be charged for your comprehensive deductible.

At Rockingham Insurance, we want you to drive safely, without the worry of damaged glass slowing you down. To clarify whether your auto policy includes full safety glass coverage, reach out to your trusted Rockingham Insurance agent today.