When your windshield is hit by a rock, cracks are inevitable. What can you do when this happens? Most often the problem occurs when you're driving on a busy highway, and most of the time it is not the driver's fault.

You could be driving your car with a construction truck ahead of you carrying uncovered rocks. One may slip, and before you can take any action to evade the hazard, your windshield gets cracked. If you are lucky, the rock may not cause any damage to the windshield, but if you are unlucky, you will end up with a huge crack in your windshield. It can also break the whole windshield.

When this happens, you need to take certain steps. You should inspect the crack and decide whether you need an auto windshield repair or if you need to replace it completely.

Below are the steps you should take after this happens, especially if you will have to replace the windshield.

1. Find out if your auto insurance covers you if your windshield is hit by a rock

Windshield damage can occur whether you are an experienced driver or not. This is something that can happen at any time without your knowledge. Many insurance companies cover such incidents. If yours does, then you need to go to step #2.

2. Record all the details of the damage

You will need to file a report or lodge a complaint related to the damage. For this reason, you will have to record all of the details of the incident so that you can present to an insurance representative. So, as soon as the rock chip happens, record the following details:

  • The location of the incident         

  • The date    

  • The time the incident happened    

  • The speed at which you were driving the vehicle

  • If there is any witness at the place of the incident    

  • The visibility conditions of the road

  • Record your license plate if you've been driving the car yourself. If you have a different driver than the one insured, get their driver's license number.

If you happen to have a clip from a dash camera, create some copies for your insurance cover and the experts. Be sure to store the original clip in a safe place. Once you are done with this step, you need to make reports about the damage so that you can have it repaired or replaced. The important thing is to get your windshield fixed for your own safety and comfort. 

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