December 13, 2024

Windshield replacement for lease vehicles is a crucial aspect of maintaining the condition of a leased car. Proper care and prompt repairs are essential to ensure the vehicle remains in good shape throughout the lease term, avoiding unnecessary penalties or extra charges. The windshield, being a key safety feature, plays an important role in visibility and protection. Damage such as cracks or chips can compromise its structural integrity and impact the overall driving experience. Addressing any windshield issues quickly prevents additional costs, helps maintain the vehicle’s value, and ensures compliance with lease agreement terms. What to Do If Your Windshield Is Broken on a Leased Car? At Texas Reliable Auto Glass, we understand how stressful it can be when your leased car’s windshield gets damaged. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you address the situation quickly and efficiently. Immediate Steps to Take Assess the Damage: Crack Size & Severity: Examine the crack or chip to determine how large and deep it is. Small chips or cracks that are under 3 inches may be repairable. Larger cracks or ones that obstruct visibility will likely require a full replacement. Visibility Issues: If the damage affects the driver’s line of sight, it’s essential to address it immediately, as this can be a safety hazard. Contact Your Leasing Company or Dealership: Report the Damage: Notify the leasing company or dealership right away. Many leases have specific procedures for handling damages to the vehicle, including glass. Ask for Guidance: They may have preferred service providers or instructions on how to proceed with repairs or replacements. Check Your Lease Agreement for Coverage Details: Insurance Coverage: Some leasing agreements include glass coverage or may offer an optional insurance add-on that covers windshield repairs or replacements. Review your lease terms to understand what’s covered. Out-of-Pocket Costs: If coverage is limited, you may be responsible for the cost of the repair or replacement. It’s good to understand any deductible or fees that might apply. Temporary Solutions While waiting for the windshield to be repaired or replaced, you might need to take some immediate actions to prevent further damage: Secure the Windshield Temporarily: Tape Over Cracks: If the damage is a crack, you can use clear packing tape over the crack to prevent debris from getting inside and to hold it in place. Be sure to avoid using duct tape, as it can leave a sticky residue. Cover with a Plastic Sheet: If the windshield is shattered, cover it with a plastic sheet or tarp to protect yourself and others from glass fragments. Secure the cover with tape or rope. Drive with Caution: If the damage is minor and you need to drive to get repairs, go slow and avoid potholes or extreme temperatures that could worsen the damage. Consider Safety: Avoid Driving if Necessary: If the crack or damage compromises the structural integrity of the windshield or impedes visibility, it’s safest to not drive the car until it’s repaired. When to Consider Full Replacement vs RepairRepair: Minor chips and cracks (typically smaller than 3 inches) can often be repaired by injecting resin into the damaged area. This will restore the windshield’s strength and clarity without the need for a full replacement. When to Repair: If the crack is small, does not obstruct the driver’s view, and is not near the edges of the windshield. Replacement: If the crack is large, or if it extends across the windshield, a full replacement may be necessary. Additionally, if the crack is in the driver’s direct line of sight or affects the structural integrity, a replacement is recommended. When to Replace: If the damage is more than 3 inches, if there are multiple cracks, or if the crack obstructs the driver’s visibility. At Texas Reliable Auto Glass, we offer expert services to help repair or replace your windshield quickly, so you can get back on the road. Always check with your leasing company first to ensure you’re following the correct procedures, and reach out to us if you need a trusted, professional repair service. Subaru Windshield Replacement for Lease Vehicles When it comes to windshield replacement for Subaru vehicles on lease, there are specific considerations both in terms of lease agreements and the unique characteristics of Subaru vehicles. Below is a breakdown of key aspects to keep in mind: Specific Considerations for Subaru Leased Cars Lease Agreement Terms: Lease agreements with Subaru (or through Subaru’s leasing partners) typically specify the condition in which the vehicle must be returned. If the windshield is damaged, it could be classified as part of the vehicle’s “excessive wear and tear” unless it falls under certain exceptions like covered insurance or a comprehensive warranty. Some lease contracts require the lessee to maintain the vehicle in good condition, including replacing the windshield if it’s cracked, chipped, or compromised. Insurance Coverage: In many cases, lease agreements strongly recommend or even require lessees to carry full coverage insurance, including comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance typically covers windshield replacement costs for damages caused by incidents such as flying rocks or natural events (e.g., hail). If you don’t have this coverage, you may be responsible for the costs of windshield replacement. Authorized Repairs: Some leasing companies or Subaru’s finance division may have approved repair centers for windshield replacement or repair. It’s crucial to use these authorized centers to ensure the repair or replacement complies with the lease terms. If you opt for a non-authorized repair shop, you may be at risk of not having the repair covered by your insurance or violating the lease agreement. End-of-Lease Inspection: When returning a leased Subaru, an inspection is typically done to assess the condition of the car. If the windshield shows significant damage, it could lead to additional charges, unless the damage is covered by insurance or falls within the lease’s terms for acceptable wear and tear. Subaru’s Lease Terms Related to Windshield Damage Repair vs Replacement: Many Subaru leases focus on maintaining the vehicle’s value, and small chips or cracks in the windshield may be