Oklahoma Hail Season & Your Windshield: Repair, Replace and Insurance

Hail and Auto Glass

Northeast Oklahoma sees its share of severe storms, and hail does not discriminate between a new truck and an old commuter car. Small hail can leave a windshield peppered with tiny chips. Larger stones can crack the windshield outright, shatter sunroofs, and break side and rear windows — which are made of tempered glass and break into small pieces instead of cracking.

After a big storm, glass shops and body shops get busy fast. Knowing what to do in the first day or two makes the whole process smoother.

Right After the Storm

• Stay safe first. Wait until the storm has fully passed before going outside to inspect the vehicle.
• Take photos. Get wide shots of the whole vehicle and close-ups of each damaged window, with the date visible if possible.
• Cover open windows. If a side or back window is broken, cover the opening with plastic sheeting and tape to keep rain out.
• Clean up carefully. Tempered glass pieces get everywhere. Wear gloves and vacuum seats and floorboards before driving.
• Check visibility. If cracks are in the driver's line of sight, avoid driving until it is replaced.

Repair or Replace?

A windshield with a few small, isolated chips can often be repaired. A windshield with many impact points, long cracks, or damage in the driver's view usually needs replacing. Broken side windows, back glass and sunroofs are always replaced, since tempered glass cannot be repaired.

Not sure which you have? Read our guide on telling a repairable chip from a crack, or simply text us a photo.

How Glass Coverage Usually Works

Hail and storm damage to auto glass generally falls under the comprehensive part of an auto policy, not collision. Liability-only policies typically do not cover your own glass.

• Chip repair: Many insurers cover chip repair with no deductible, because a repair is far cheaper for them than a replacement.
• Replacement: Usually covered after your comprehensive deductible, unless your policy includes a full-glass or reduced glass deductible option.
• Calibration: If your vehicle needs its windshield camera recalibrated after replacement, that is normally handled as part of the same claim.

Policies vary a lot between insurers, so the best move is to check your declarations page or call your agent. If your deductible is higher than the cost of the job, it may make sense to pay out of pocket — we're happy to give you a cash price so you can compare.

Filing a Glass Claim

1. Call your insurer's claims line or use their app, and tell them it is a glass-only claim from storm or hail damage.
2. Have your policy number, vehicle VIN and the date of the storm ready.
3. You can generally choose the glass shop you want to use. Tell them you'd like to use Clear View Auto Glass.
4. We'll confirm coverage, order the right glass for your vehicle, and schedule mobile service at your home or work.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step auto glass insurance guide or our insurance claims help page.

Avoiding Storm Chasers

After major hail, out-of-town crews sometimes show up going door to door. Before you let anyone work on your car, make sure they have a local address and phone number, real reviews, and a written warranty — and never sign over your insurance claim to someone you just met in a parking lot.

We're a local shop based at 9121 N 145th E Ave in Owasso, and we'll still be here if you ever need us to look at the work again.