Auto Glass Replacement FAQ

What about my insurance?

We keep it simple! We do all the paperwork and bill your insurance company for you!

How is it possible that my insurance rates won't go up if I turn in a glass claim?

If you have comprehensive insurance, you are insured against the possibility of things beyond your control, such as a rock thrown up from the road, vandalism, etc. Typically, this type of incident does not impact your insurance rate. Always confirm with your insurance agent to be certain.

What will the repairs cost me out of my pocket?

If you are filing an insurance claim, your only expense will be the portion your deductible remaining after our coupon is applied. We will bill your insurance company for you, at our agreed upon rates, for the balance due.

What is my insurance deductible and how does it work?

Your deductible is the amount of the bill that you will be responsible for. Deductibles vary from policy to policy but as an example...if your deductible is $250.00, then the insurance company will take care of the expenses above that dollar figure. You only pay the deductible once per incident. If you choose repair instead of replacement, many insurance companies waive the deductible. We will inspect your windshield and tell you if it can be repaired. We offer money saving coupons that can be applied towards your deductible. Please visit our Auto Glass Coupon page for details.

Do I have to ask someone from my insurance company to inspect my windshield before I talk with your glass shop?

No. We make it as easy as possible for you...one call does it all! Contact our professional staff and when possible, we will conference call your insurance company to help you set up the claim. After the initial contact, we will take care of all of the details for you. It doesn't get any easier than that.

I have a broken back window. Can you help?

Of course we can. Although windshield replacement is the most commonly occurring vehicular glass breakage... our staff of professionals are well versed in replacing all types of glass in automobiles. From windshields to vent glasses to back sliders...nobody does it better.

Will replacing my windshield affect the quality of my car?

With the professionals at Downeast Glass, you have no worries. We treat your vehicle as if it were our own. We are committed to installing the best products available utilizing state of the art procedures and supplies. When the job is complete, your vehicle will be restored to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) standards.

What are the safety issues surrounding windshield replacement?

Your vehicles windshield is as important to your safety as the cars airbag or seatbelt.

At Downeast Glass you can rest easy knowing that we are using the very best materials and following the strictist quality standards.

Fifteen years ago windshields used to be sealed to your vehicle with a rubber gasket or butyl tape. With the advent of airbags... these types of installations have become obsolete.

When an airbag deploys, it uses the windshield as a backboard, directing the airbag into the occupant. This explosion exerts a tremendous amount of force on the windshield. If the windshield is not adhered properly to the body of the vehicle the airbag will be rendered useless and further safety implications arise.

Not only does the windshield enable proper airbag deployment, the windshield supports the roof in the case of a rollover. For increased fuel economy, todays lightweight automobiles have been designed with less metal, resulting in a heavy dependance upon the glass for structural integrity. If the windshield becomes detached in a crash, not only will the airbags be ineffective but the roof may collapse.

Your windshield not only keeps bugs and small debris out of your vehicle but it is designed to keep large debris out as well.

At Downeast Glass, we use only the very best adhesive systems... you can rest assured that your safety is our primary concern.

Please visit the following link to review the Federal Motor vehicle Safety Standards as they apply to Auto Glass Replacement.

How long will my vehicle be unavailable to me?

The windshield replacement process takes about 60 minutes, depending upon the vehicle. Once the windshield is adhered in place, the adhesives must cure to a safe level of adhesion before the vehicle can be driven. We use state-of-the-art, "fast-cure adhesives" to minimize your wait time and ensure vehicle occupant safety. These adhesives take from 30 to 60 minutes to cure depending on the vehicle. So...all things considered, your vehicle will be out of commission for at least 1 hour and for 2 hours at the very most.

By the way if a repair facility were to use any adhesive other than a "fast-cure" product..the safe drive time could be as long as one week!!

Do you have my part in stock?

We have the largest inventory of auto glass in eastern Maine and most likely have your part in stock. If not, it can be obtained in a very short time.

What about my inspection sticker?

While we cannot promise success, we will attempt to transfer your sticker. Inspection stickers have been designed to self destruct when you remove them. This is to keep people from transferring them illegally to another vehicle.