A chip or crack in your windshield puts you at a decision point: repair it, replace it, or leave it alone and hope it doesn’t spread. In Louisiana — where roads are rough, summers are brutal, and comprehensive insurance is common — making the right call on that decision can save you time, money, and hassle.
When Repair Is the Right Answer
Repair is generally appropriate when the chip is smaller than a quarter, the crack is shorter than three inches, the damage is not in the driver’s direct line of sight, the damage is not at the edge of the glass, and the damage only affects the outer layer of the windshield.
If all of those conditions are met, repair is faster, less expensive, and — importantly — often covered at no cost under a Louisiana comprehensive insurance policy.
When Replacement Is Necessary
Replacement is the right call when the crack is longer than three inches, the chip is larger than a quarter, the damage is directly in the driver’s line of sight, the damage is at the edge of the glass, or the glass has already been repaired in that area once before.
A windshield isn’t just a piece of glass — it’s a structural component of the vehicle. In a rollover accident, the windshield accounts for a significant portion of the roof’s structural support. Driving on a compromised windshield is a safety issue, not just a cosmetic one.
Not Sure? Send us a photo – Call or text (504) 368-8826 or visit starglass.com/auto-glass-pricing/
Louisiana Insurance: What You Need to Know
Louisiana does not have a mandatory zero-deductible windshield replacement law. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible under your comprehensive coverage. That said, many Louisiana insurers will waive the deductible for a repair. Always call your insurer before scheduling to understand what your policy covers.
At Star Glass Inc., we work with all major insurance providers and can help coordinate your claim so the process is as smooth as possible.
The New Orleans Climate Factor
Heat is the enemy of existing windshield damage. A chip or crack that might remain stable in a moderate climate can spread quickly in a Louisiana summer, when temperatures inside a parked car can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’ve been watching a chip and thinking you’ll deal with it eventually, the start of summer is your deadline.
Ready to Get Started?
Star Glass Inc. serves Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and the greater New Orleans metro.
Reach us any way that works best for you:
Call or text: (504) 368-8826 Email: glass@starglass.com
Visit us: 1000 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053