When a rock hits your windshield, the last thing you need is a headache from the insurance company. While Washington State laws give you important rights, navigating the paperwork can be tricky.
With over 30 years in this industry, and a background in project management, I’ve streamlined the process. Here is my simple, three-step guide to filing an auto glass insurance claim and getting your windshield fixed fast in the Bonney Lake, WA area.
Step 1: Know Your Washington State Rights and Coverage
Before you even make the first phone call, it’s crucial to understand two key things: your coverage and your choice of repair shop. This knowledge is your best defense against hassles.
Does My Insurance Cover Auto Glass in WA?
In Washington State, windshield damage is generally covered under your Comprehensive Auto Insurance.
- Chip Repair (Small Damage): Many carriers will waive your deductible completely for a minor windshield chip repair. They prefer a small repair over a costly replacement. This is usually $0 out-of-pocket for you!
- Full Windshield Replacement: A replacement will typically require you to pay your Comprehensive deductible (e.g., $100, $250, or $500). Be sure to check your policy for your specific deductible amount.
Your Right to Choose (RCW 48.30.340)
This is the most important legal takeaway for any WA driver: You have the legal right to choose any auto glass repair facility for your loss.
Insurance companies are legally required to inform you of this right if they recommend one of their preferred shops. At Five Star Auto Glass, we work with ALL major insurance carriers, and we manage the claim process from start to finish, regardless of which company you use. Your safety and satisfaction are our only priorities—not their network’s bottom line.
Step 2: Call Us First – We Initiate the Claim for You
As an Operations Lead, my goal is to handle the logistics so you can get back to your life. The fastest and easiest route is to let us, your chosen shop, handle the initial claim submission.
How Five Star Auto Glass Project-Manages Your Claim:
- Call Five Star (425-555-0199): When you call us, have your insurance card and the date of the damage handy.
- Damage Assessment: We’ll quickly assess the damage. Is it a small chip (repair) or a large crack (replacement)? This determines whether a deductible will apply.
- The Conference Call: In most cases, we will initiate a quick conference call with your insurance provider’s third-party glass administrator (like Safelite Solutions). We stay on the line to provide them with the quote, answer their technical questions, and ensure they process the claim correctly, using the highest quality glass and adhesive.
- Hassle-Free Booking: Once the claim is approved, we skip the confusion. You simply choose a time for our ADAS Certified team to perform the work, either in our shop or via our convenient mobile service in Bonney Lake.
Cathy’s Tip: Never feel pressured to use the first glass company your insurance mentions. Tell them clearly: “I am using Five Star Auto Glass.” It’s your car, your claim, and your choice.
Step 3: Schedule Expert Service & Get ADAS Recalibration
Filing the claim is only half the battle; ensuring the job is done safely is the other. My co-founder, Bart Parker, is an Auto Glass Master and SIKA Certified, ensuring the technical work is flawless.
As a certified professional in operations and safety, I ensure that every replacement includes the necessary post-installation steps, especially for vehicles equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Why Quality Installation is a Safety Protocol
- ADAS Recalibration: Many modern vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield that control safety features like Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking. After a replacement, these systems must be recalibrated to function correctly. This is a non-negotiable safety procedure.
- Certified Technicians: My entire team, including myself and Bart, is ADAS Certified. We don’t just replace the glass; we restore your vehicle’s factory safety standards.
- The SIKA Difference: We use SIKA certified adhesives—the best in the industry—ensuring your new windshield has a strong, safe bond that meets all safety standards, including proper vehicle structural support.
When you work with Five Star Auto Glass, you’re not just getting a piece of glass replaced; you’re getting a project-managed, certified, and efficient service that prioritizes your safety in Bonney Lake, WA.
Don’t wait! A small chip can turn into a full crack overnight, especially with temperature shifts on the Puget Sound.
Ready to get started?
Let me and my team take the lead on your insurance claim. We’ll handle the paperwork so you can enjoy your stress-free drive.
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