Nearly every driver will see his or her windshield cracked from an errant pebble on the highway or some other stress/impact damage. It's one of the fastest, most random, and most common ways to see your day ruined. Ideally, you can have the damage repaired, but often replacing the windshield is necessary. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world: Here's what you need to know about windshield replacement to get your car and your day back in order:

Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
As soon as you notice a crack in your windshield, you should the vehicle to an auto repair or glass company that handles these repairs. (It's important to note that not all auto mechanics deal with windshield repair/replacement.) As most people know, windshield cracks can be repaired if they're caught early. There's no ironclad rules, and some repairs deliver only temporary fixes, but here are some signs that your windshield may or may not be repairable.

Your windshield can probably be repaired if...

• A single crack is less than 24" long, is less than a month old, and the windshield is relatively clean.
• A bulls-eye or half moon has formed that is equal to or less than the size of a quarter.
• A star-like shape has formed that is smaller than the size of a credit card.

That said, there are few guarantees. If the cracks were formed from time and stress rather than an impact, if the cracks form in the inner layer of the windshield, if the cracks have been infiltrated with dirt or other visible impurities, repairs may be impossible or ill-advised.

Windshield Replacement Costs
Without knowing the make and model of the car, it's impossible to know how much windshield replacement is going to cost. More basic, streamlined windshields can often be replaced for $250-$500, while windshields for more sporty or sophisticated vehicles can cost up to $1,000 or more. Like anything else, there are ways for auto mechanics/glass companies to cut corners with substandard glass, so make sure you're getting what you paid for. If you're on a tight budget and have the necessary gumption, you might even call local junkyards to see if they have the same model with a usable windshield. But it's often wise to make sure you have someone who's willing to install a used windshield before you proceed.

Car Insurance and Windshield Replacement
When a rock or other piece of loose impediment nicks the windshield, many people assume their car insurance will cover the costs. Without comprehensive coverage, this is unlikely, but even those drivers with comprehensive coverage often find it isn't possible or warranted to involve their car insurance company. First, many people carry a deductible that is higher than the cost of replacing a windshield. Even if it's close, most drivers would do well to forego making a claim. Whether it leads to future penalties or lost discounts, nearly all drivers will take a hit on their car insurance policy when it's up for renewal by making a claim. Moreover, despite the relatively low costs of windshield repair and replacement, car insurance companies know that damaged windshields are all too common and beset safe and unsafe drivers alike. As such, some car insurance companies will exclude coverage of windshield replacement, especially for customers with low deductibles who are more likely to file a claim.

Finding Windshield Replacement Services
Whether you need windshield repair or replacement services, you can find the right person for the job with an online referral service, like ServiceMagic. Our database of prescreened contractors and customer ratings and reviews makes finding the best auto glass professional an efficient and painless process. From the comfort of your own home, you can often find multiple estimates while contacting only the most reliable and experienced contractors in your area.