Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Windshield Calibration?

Posted on June 2, 2023September 13, 2023 by Lucky Dog Auto

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Windshield Calibration?

In the past, replacing a windshield was a quick and simple job for technicians. However, with the rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the process has become more complex. Now, specialized computer equipment is needed to properly calibrate your vehicle’s ADAS system after your vehicle’s windshield has been replaced. This greatly increases the amount of time the replacement takes—and it increases the cost.

Read on to learn more about ADAS and whether the cost of windshield calibration is covered by insurance.

What is ADAS?

Your vehicle’s ADAS includes collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and other safety features—some of which are integrated into your windshield. Modern windshields are equipped with cameras; some of the latest models also have radar sensors in the front grille and ultrasonic components in the bumpers.

Replacing a windshield can cause the ADAS components to become misaligned, which is why they need to be recalibrated during the process. Failing to recalibrate a camera after replacing a windshield can mean the difference between staying safely in your lane or veering into oncoming traffic.

How Much Does Windshield Calibration Cost—And Is It Covered by Insurance?

The cost of windshield calibration can vary depending on several factors (including the model of the vehicle and the specific calibrations that are needed) but it can be expensive, potentially exceeding $599 or more.

Although most insurers cover the cost of windshield calibration for drivers whose policies cover broken glass, it’s always best to confirm this with your insurance provider. It’s important to note that while windshield calibration may not be covered by insurance, the cost of actually replacing the windshield will be covered. Ultimately, whether windshield calibration is covered for your vehicle will depend on the terms of your policy.

Get a Free Estimate for Your Windshield Replacement

Given the complexities involved in replacing a windshield on a modern vehicle, it’s essential to work with an auto glass service provider that offers ADAS calibration. At Lucky Dog Auto Glass, we understand how essential a properly functioning ADAS system is to your safety on the road and have the expertise and specialized equipment needed to get the job done right. Don’t let the cost of windshield calibration deter you from ensuring the safety of you and your passengers—contact us today at (253) 569-9403 for a free estimate!

Will a Chipped or Cracked Windshield Affect My Car’s Resale Value?

Posted on May 4, 2023May 5, 2023 by Lucky Dog Auto

Will a Chipped or Cracked Windshield Affect My

Car’s Resale Value?

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The time has come: you’re ready to sell your vehicle. Now it’s time to decide what (if anything) needs to be repaired before you put it on the market. As you’re giving your car the once over, you notice some chips in your windshield—are they worth fixing? Over the lifetime of most vehicles, some small chips and cracks are inevitable. However, replacing it could help you get a better price for your vehicle. Before you make a decision, here are some things to consider.

Why You Should Consider Repairing Your Windshield

There are several reasons why you might want to have your windshield repaired before you sell your car. First, cracks and chips in the windshield will lower your car’s resale value. Whoever purchases your car will need to take on the cost of repairs—so they’ll likely want to subtract that cost from your asking price. This can make negotiations tricky in a private sale, and it will likely be harder to sell your vehicle. If you choose to go through a dealership, the cost of repairs will lower their trade-in or cash offer.

Insurance might be another way to replace your windshield. Depending on your policy, insurance may cover all or some of the cost of repairs or replacement. If your policy covers your windshield, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of if you’d like to get the best price for your vehicle.

On the whole, repairing your windshield is often a good idea, especially if the damage is noticeable. Your car will be easier to sell, and you’ll likely recoup the repair costs in the sale price.

Why You Might Not Want to Repair Your Windshield

Although there are many cases where repairing your windshield is obviously the best choice, it all comes down to your unique circumstances. For example, if money is tight and insurance or warranties aren’t available to help you cover the costs, you may need to take a loss on the sale price.

If the damage is extremely minor, it may not be worth fixing. However, it’s still your responsibility to disclose any damage you’re aware of to the buyer. A private buyer may not care about a minor chip or crack, but there’s always a chance they’ll want the sale price reduced. However, minor damage shouldn’t be enough to make it difficult to sell your car.

You should also take the value of your vehicle into account. For example, if you’re selling a 2-year-old supercar with low mileage, most buyers would likely find any damage unacceptable. If you’re selling a worn clunker marketed as a vehicle that needs work for $500 or less, windshield damage may not be an issue. More than likely, your car falls in between these two extremes.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh all the factors to decide whether it’s worth repairing your windshield—but in most cases, you’re best off getting it fixed, even if you need a full replacement. A flawless windshield will help you get the most money for your car unless the vehicle is in such poor condition that damage to the windshield doesn’t matter.

If you decide to have your windshield repaired, contact Lucky Dog Auto Glass. Locally owned and operated in Kent, WA, we offer complete auto glass repair, including windshield repairs, replacement, and ADAS calibration. We even help with insurance claims! Contact us today at (253) 569-9403 to get a free estimate or schedule an appointment.

Windshields: OEM vs Aftermarket Glass—What You Need to Know

Posted on August 29, 2022August 29, 2022 by Lucky Dog Auto

There’s more to your automobile’s windshield than meets the eye. This fact is significant when it comes to repairing or replacing the glass. Specifically, you have glass options to choose from, and picking the right one could matter.

For example, there is OEM glass and aftermarket glass. Let’s take a look at each.

Facts about OEM Glass

If you choose to go with OEM glass, here’s what you should know: Your windshield will be replaced with an identical windshield made by the car manufacturer.

When it’s time for an automobile to go into production, automakers request bids from glass manufacturers. The manufacturer with the lowest bid is given the job and then tasked with making the windshield, as well as licensed to stamp the glass with the automaker’s name and logo. This tells consumers that they have original equipment manufactured auto glass. Additionally, the manufacturers of the glass are the only ones who make glass to the exact specifications of the auto company.

However, almost every auto glass maker produces aftermarket windshields—whether or not they have provided the OEM glass.

Facts about Aftermarket Glass

There are two different kinds of aftermarket glass: OEE, or original equipment equivalent, and a more generic type of windshield suitable for several styles of cars. OEE windshields are made by both the OEM and other reputable glass manufacturers, such as those who lost the original bid from the automakers.

OEE windshields are produced by glass makers who reverse engineer the windshields they lost bids on, which costs them millions of dollars in both research and development. The same raw materials, designers, and engineers used to make OEM windshields are involved in OEM glass.

Understanding the Difference

Simply put, there isn’t much difference between OEM and OEE windshields, as all auto glass is subject to government regulations and standards. In many cases, the only way to know which type of glass is used is to search for the imprint of the automaker’s name and logo.

Your particular type of vehicle will dictate your replacement windshield. For example, if your car is high-tech, offering auto-dimming headlights, forward collision warning, and heating elements, then you will most likely want an OEM replacement.

Some insurance companies will pay for OEM replacement, while others will not.

Contact Luck Dog Auto Glass for All Glass Needs!

Could you benefit from a new windshield? Lucky Dog Auto Glass in Kent WA is here for you! You can always depend on our skilled, professional, and friendly team to take care of your glass needs. Contact us today by calling (253) 569-9403. We look forward to hearing from you!

Car Colors: Most and Least Popular

Posted on June 23, 2022June 23, 2022 by Lucky Dog Auto

Man Choosing Color Of His Car With Color Sampler.

When buying a new car, how important is car color? Does this factor into your decision at all? Perhaps you’re curious to know what car colors are popular these days, and which ones aren’t so high in demand? You came to the right place—we’ve got the facts!

PPG released its annual automotive color popularity report, revealing that white is (still) the most popular automobile color chosen by new-car buyers today. In fact, white is chosen by 35 percent of shoppers—more than any other color combined!

After white, buyers tend to choose drabber colors—or less flashy colors—including grey, silver, and black. As such, the next time you’re on a busy road or highway, take a look around. Chances are high that you’ll see fewer blue, green, gold, and red colors. You can even take a quick inventory of a busy parking lot to observe the most and least popular car colors.

Additionally, PPG’s report showed other interesting information, like two-toned colored cars are making a comeback. Blue is also a consistent choice throughout North America. Yet, today, the color tint tends to lean more towards a slate color, which is really just gray. Green is trying to make a slight comeback, too.

Outside of North America, especially in South America, Asia, and Europe, there are even less colorful automobiles.

Of course, car color is extremely subjective. Purchasing a car is a big, expensive investment, and you should choose the color you want—not what is or isn’t popular. That being said, you may have to wait in order to get your favorite car color. Finding it on the lot is often difficult.

Contact Lucky Dog Auto Glass Today!

Regardless of car color, if you could benefit from any sort of auto glass repair or replacement, Lucky Dog Auto Glass is here for you! You can rely on our skilled and professional team to take care of your glass needs—big or small. Contact us today at (253) 569-9403 to schedule a free estimate. We look forward to working with you.

Be Safe for The Holidays: Tips for Rainy Weather Driving Safety

Posted on December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 by Lucky Dog Auto

Are you planning on traveling this holiday season? Unfortunately, the weather may not cooperate with your agenda. Specifically, rain can make driving difficult—even dangerous—as you set out to meet up with family and friends.

To help ensure you’re safe on the road, the team at Lucky Dog Auto Glass has put together a list of tips for rainy weather driving. Take a look!

#1 Always check your vehicle before leaving

Before you head out this holiday season, check your vehicle’s equipment. This includes headlights, tires, taillights, and windshield wipers. While you want these parts to work efficiently at all times, it’s even more important that they’re up to par during rainy weather.

#2 Don’t forget to use your windshield wipers

It seems like common sense, right? Use your windshield wipers in the rain. However, when it’s only lightly raining, many drivers forget to activate their wipers. With most automobiles, you can adjust the speed of your wiper blades—so, it doesn’t matter if there’s a sprinkle or heavy downpour, you can find a setting that works for your needs.

Additionally, there are products available for your windshield that can help avoid the collection of rainwater.

#3 Keep a safe, steady distance between cars

As you likely already know, stopping your vehicle in the rain can be difficult. Therefore, it’s best to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you in case there is sudden braking.

#4 When necessary, slow down

Try to never be in a hurry when it’s raining. In fact, in severe conditions, you should even consider driving slower than the posted speed limit. Again, wet roads are very dangerous; slowing down and stopping may take more time than usual and be more challenging. Of course, you can’t be held responsible for other drivers’ actions. Yet, if you’re driving slowly, then you may have more time to react accordingly.

#5 Avoid braking too much

Try to avoid braking too much. When you do need to brake, don’t slam on your brakes, as this could cause you to fishtail and hydroplane. Instead, try to slow your vehicle down gradually by taking your foot off the brake.

Further, don’t use cruise control. This will allow you to keep the focus on using both the gas and brake, which is necessary when driving during a rainstorm.

#6 If at all possible, wait to travel until the weather clears

It may not always be a possibility, but if you can, wait to travel until the weather clears or at least clams down. It’s important to feel comfortable behind the wheel, as nervous drivers are more prone to overcorrect their vehicles. Don’t put yourself or others in danger if driving in wet conditions isn’t fully necessary.

Contact Lucky Dog Auto Glass Now!

If you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, contact Lucky Dog Auto Glass to take a look at it before you head out on the road this holiday season. Not only do we offer free estimates, but our skilled and professional team will make sure your windshield is safe and secure for unpredictable weather conditions. Call us now at (253) 569-9403.

Which Should You Choose: OEM or Aftermarket Auto Glass

Posted on November 6, 2020February 11, 2021 by Lucky Dog Auto

Chipped, cracked, shattered—auto glass issues don’t just sound awful. They look bad and can even cause safety issues. You need to get it replaced ASAP, but how do you know what to believe about auto glass replacement quality?

Most people will say that you should only replace your auto glass with an OEM product, meaning replacement glass is designed and approved by your carmaker to fit and work right. Others will tell you that aftermarket glass—which is an unauthorized copy of the original—can be less expensive, but just as good as OEM glass.

It turns out to be more complicated than it looks at first glance.

Our Go-To Glass is OEM

Most of the glass we install in cars is OEM glass. Why? Because it was built to fit your car or truck. There is no concern about whether the product is produced to the high standards the car manufacturer demands. We’ve had great success installing OEM glass in thousands of cars.

So, end of story, right?

The truth is that manufacturers bid out contracts for their glass, and there are only a limited number of glassmakers out there. Though these glassmakers are licensed to stamp the manufacturer’s name and logo on that piece of glass, they also make aftermarket glass. In fact, they might make the aftermarket glass that could replace yours.

OEM manufacturers also know that consumers fixate on OEM parts, so they slow production on OEM window glass and only distribute through “approved” partners. This elevates prices. Vehicle manufacturers also make it difficult for aftermarket companies to produce specialized glass with rain sensors and antennas, which also drives up cost and their profit margins.

Is your Conception of Aftermarket Glass Half-full?

First off, not all replacement glass is equal.

Some replacement glass is cheap and just not as good. It may barely meet government standards and fail to meet manufacturer standards. These are the products that give aftermarket glass a terrible reputation. We avoid it, and you should, too.

Other replacement glass, though, exceeds both what the manufacturer and government demand. It may even be as good as OEM glass and costs less too.

Here is where experience and trust come in. If the right OEM part isn’t available, or maybe you want something less expensive, we can find you the best aftermarket option.

Dealing with Insurers

Unless your car is less than two years old, most insurers push aftermarket glass because it costs them less. You can pay for an OEM endorsement on your policy, which ensures OEM replacement parts—but, otherwise, if you choose OEM glass, you may have to pay the difference in cost between that and the “approved” glass.

You can, though, choose who you want to work with to replace your windshield. Insurers will push you toward their partners. You can take your chances there, or you can opt for a local company that is your advocate and will make sure you optimize your policy, get the best glass possible, and pay as little out of pocket as possible.

Who’s the lucky dog, now?

For a free estimate and straight talk, call the pros at Lucky Dog Auto Glass at 253-569-9403 today!

What’s the Difference Between an OEM Windshield and an Aftermarket Windshield?

Posted on June 15, 2020February 11, 2021 by Lucky Dog Auto

If you need a windshield replacement, you’ll have to make an important decision: an OEM windshield, OEE windshield, or aftermarket? This can be a difficult decision, but here’s a quick run-down on the difference between them.

An OEM windshield is essentially identical to the windshield that was installed in your car when it was manufactured. They’re made by the same company that manufactured your original windshield, so it’s a perfect match for the original. The color will be the same, as will the fit, the thickness, and the shape. It will even have the same logos. Even more importantly, all the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features that connected to your original windshield will work perfectly.

So, why wouldn’t you choose an OEM windshield? The price of the OEM glass can be 40 – 60% higher than a comparable aftermarket windshield. Some insurance companies won’t pay for OEM glass because of the higher costs. Other insurance companies may only pay for OEM glass if the vehicle is a new model – for example, a year or two old.

Other Options

There are also OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) windshields. These are manufactured by the same companies that make OEM windshields. They’re made to the same standards as an OEM but they don’t come with the manufacturer’s logo – or the price.

Aftermarket windshields are made by companies that have no affiliation with the auto manufacturers. Believe it or not, copyright laws affect even windshield manufacturers, so aftermarket glass companies are prohibited from creating replicas of OEM windshields. They also don’t consult with the original windshield company or automaker.

Aftermarket windshields will have the same shape and fit, but there can be many differences compared to your original windshield. The tint or UV protection may be different, or the windshield may not be as thick. The original windshield ADAS features may not work properly – or at all. While aftermarket windshields are the least expensive option, they often sacrifice the quality you would find in an OEM or OEE windshield.

The type of replacement windshield that you choose will depend on your personal preferences as well as your budget. Our team at Lucky Dog Auto Glass is happy to offer recommendations and help you choose one that works best for you. Contact us at 253-569-9403 for a free estimate or send us a message through our online form.

Contact us today at 253-569-9403 to schedule your appointment.

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What You Should Know Before Hiring An Auto Glass Company

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Lucky Dog Auto

You were driving down the highway when a rock flew up and smacked your windshield. Oh, no! Immediately a large crack appears, and you just know that it will fan out across the glass. Cracks are dangerous because they impede your vision while driving, can spider to become bigger, and reduce the structural integrity of your windshield. You can also be liable for a fix-it ticket if you are pulled over by law enforcement. That’s why it’s important to get the glass replaced as soon as possible. If it’s a small chip or crack that can be repaired, it’s just as important to take your vehicle to a professional for auto glass repair before the damage gets too extensive and can’t be fixed.

When it’s time to hire an auto glass company, here are some things to keep in mind.

Research the company

Have you looked into the auto glass company online? Look at their website to get a feel for their business and get basic information, but also check out reviews on Google, Facebook, Angie’s List, or Yelp? These websites will give you information from real customers on how they were treated and the quality of the installation.

Verify insurance

Will the auto glass company accept your insurance? What do you need to do to make sure your windshield is covered? Be sure to verify coverage before getting your glass fixed or repaired, or you might be stuck with a bill you didn’t expect.

Take it to the repair shop

The best place to have your windshield replaced is at the repair shop. Although that’s not always possible for everyone because of logistics, professional technicians prefer to do repairs inside their shop, and you should too! Instead of worrying about rain, sun, wind, or other environmental factors, the tech can focus on your windshield. They have all the tools and comfort of working within a professional facility instead of in a parking lot somewhere.

Don’t rush it

It can be tempting to go with an auto glass repair company that says they can replace your windshield in under an hour. However, experts would caution you against a hasty replacement. The urethane that bonds the windshield to your car frame takes at an hour to dry before the vehicle is safe to drive. If you move the vehicle too soon, it can be disruptive to the stability of your windshield.

If you need auto glass repair in Kent, WA or the surrounding areas, be sure to call Lucky Dog Auto Glass for professional service!

Contact us today at 253-569-9403 to schedule your appointment.

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Tag: Auto Glass