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How to repair rock chips in your windshield | PEMCO

May 25, 2022 by PEMCO Insurance

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Road trip season officially starts Memorial Day weekend, so now is a great time to fix any chips or cracks in your windshield. Our claims experts weighed in with advice on what to do when your windshield suffers rock damage:

How soon should I repair a chip after it happens?

Don’t wait to repair your windshield. A marred windshield is more than just ugly. It’s distracting  consciously or unconsciously, our eyes tend to drift toward those irritating imperfections, temporarily taking focus off the road. Plus, waiting to fix a rock chip allows moisture to creep in and increases the risk your chip will stretch into an irreparable crack, especially the next time you wash your car. 

Repairing rather than replacing is almost always a better choice, since it preserves the windshield’s original factory seal. It costs less, too, and keeps an unrecyclable cracked windshield out of the landfill.  

How do I get repairs started?

Contact Safelite Solutions to get your repair started. PEMCO has teamed with Safelite Solutions for a seamless process to get you and your vehicle back on the road. If you have comprehensive coverage and have a glass-only damage claim, simply call Safelite Solutions at 877-646-8966 or report your claim and schedule repairs directly online.

You can repair or replace your glass at any shop you choose. Safelite Solutions will work with you and your shop of choice. PEMCO does not require you to repair or replace your vehicle’s glass at a particular shop. 

Do I pay for my chip repair up front? 

No. If you decide to use your comprehensive coverage, the glass shop will submit the bill to PEMCO for you and handle the paperwork. PEMCO pays to repair windshield chips at no cost to you, regardless of your deductible. Get the work done and just drive away. If your windshield is so damaged that full replacement is needed, your deductible requirement kicks in.

What do I do if I’ve already replaced my windshield?

If you’ve already had your glass repaired or replaced and are seeking reimbursement, please email PEMCOCSDClaims@pemco.com. Include the following information: your policy number, shop invoice, date of the repair, vehicle repaired, glass company and the amount. We’ll review your invoice and reimburse you according to your coverage. If changes are needed, we’ll contact you to explain.

Is there ever a time when I shouldn’t submit a claim? 

An important consideration: Even with coverage available, some customers opt to handle glass issues on their own. With any insurer – us included – even a minor claim has the potential to affect premium, especially if it’s combined with unforeseen claims or traffic infractions down the line. Filing a claim also would impact your claim-free discount, if you have one.

Want to know more about how PEMCO’s claims process works? Check out Your first line of defense for claims and accident assistance.

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