What Clear View Auto Glass does

Clear View Auto Glass is a windshield and auto glass repair and replacement company. They work with insurance companies to handle glass damage claims, meaning your insurer may send you to them or you can choose them as your repair shop. The company handles the paperwork between you and your insurance, measures and orders the correct glass for your vehicle, and installs it at their location or sometimes at yours.

The main reason people use Clear View is that they don't have to pay out of pocket if their insurance covers the damage. Clear View bills the insurance company directly, and you typically pay only your deductible—or nothing at all if your policy has zero-deductible glass coverage. This arrangement exists because insurance companies have agreements with repair shops like Clear View to keep costs predictable.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear View Auto Glass handles both the repair work and the insurance paperwork, so you don't have to file a claim yourself or coordinate between your insurer and the shop.
  • Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance deductible, which is typically $250 to $500 for glass damage, though some policies cover glass with no deductible.
  • You will need your insurance information and vehicle details when you contact Clear View to start the process.
  • The repair or replacement usually takes a few hours to a full day, depending on whether the glass can be repaired or must be replaced.
  • Clear View has multiple locations, so you can find one near you, though availability and service hours vary by location.

How to contact Clear View and start the process

You can reach Clear View by phone or through their website to schedule an appointment. When you call or visit online, have your insurance card ready and know your vehicle's year, make, and model. The staff will ask where the damage is (windshield, side window, rear window) and whether it's a small chip or a large crack, because this determines whether the glass can be repaired or must be replaced.

You don't have to go through your insurance company first. You can contact Clear View directly, and they will handle contacting your insurer on your behalf. This is one of the main reasons people choose a shop with direct insurance billing—it saves you a phone call and the back-and-forth of submitting paperwork yourself.

What happens during your appointment

When you arrive at Clear View, a technician will inspect the damage in detail. Small chips and cracks can sometimes be repaired with resin, which takes 30 minutes to an hour. Larger damage or damage in the driver's line of sight usually requires a full replacement, which takes longer because the old glass must be removed, the frame cleaned, and new glass installed and sealed.

If your glass needs to be replaced, Clear View will order the correct glass for your vehicle model. Depending on the glass type and your vehicle, this can take a few hours to a day. Some locations offer mobile service, meaning a technician can come to your home or workplace to do the repair or replacement, though this is not available at all locations.

Understanding your costs and insurance coverage

Your cost depends entirely on your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage (which covers weather, theft, and collisions not involving another vehicle), glass damage is usually covered. Your deductible—the amount you pay before insurance kicks in—is typically $250 to $500, though some policies have a separate, lower deductible for glass-only claims, and some have no deductible for glass at all.

If you don't have insurance or your policy doesn't cover glass, Clear View can still repair or replace your glass, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket. Repair costs are usually $50 to $150 for a small chip, while replacement costs vary widely depending on your vehicle—anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more for specialty glass.

Before your appointment, call your insurance company or check your policy documents to confirm your deductible and whether glass is covered. This way you'll know exactly what to expect to pay.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you have your insurance policy details handy (policy number, agent contact information), that speeds up the process, though Clear View can look up your information if you give them your name and date of birth. Have your vehicle keys ready so the technician can access your car.

If you're having a windshield replaced, avoid driving the car for at least an hour after the appointment while the adhesive cures. Clear View will tell you the exact wait time based on the type of glass and weather conditions. Don't wash your car or drive in heavy rain during this time.

If you need to file a claim yourself

In most cases, Clear View handles the insurance communication for you. However, if you're paying out of pocket or if your insurance requires you to file first, you'll need to contact your insurance company directly. They will give you a claim number, and you can then bring that number to Clear View when you schedule your appointment.

Some insurance companies have preferred repair shops, and Clear View may or may not be on that list. If Clear View isn't preferred, you can still use them, but your insurance may not cover as much of the cost. Ask your insurer whether Clear View is in their network before you schedule.

What to do if you have problems after your appointment

If the glass leaks, the seal fails, or you notice a problem within a few days of your appointment, contact Clear View when ready. Most shops warranty their work for a set period—typically 30 days to a year—and will fix or replace the glass at no cost if the problem is their fault. Have your receipt and appointment details ready when you call.

If you believe your insurance was overcharged or if there's a dispute about what was covered, contact your insurance company's claims department. They can review the invoice from Clear View and adjust your bill if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose Clear View if my insurance has a preferred repair shop?

Yes, you can choose any repair shop, but using a non-preferred shop may mean you pay more out of pocket. Your insurance will still cover part of the cost, but the deductible or your share may be higher. Call your insurer before scheduling to understand the difference in cost.

How long does a windshield replacement take?

A repair usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. A full replacement typically takes two to four hours, depending on your vehicle and whether the glass is in stock. Some specialty vehicles or glass types may take longer. Ask Clear View for a time estimate when you schedule.

What if I don't have insurance?

Clear View will still repair or replace your glass, but you'll pay the full cost yourself. Prices vary by vehicle and glass type. Call for a quote before your appointment so you know what to expect to pay.

Do I have to use Clear View, or can I go to any glass shop?

You can go to any repair shop. However, Clear View has agreements with most major insurance companies, so using them usually means less paperwork for you. If you prefer a different shop, your insurance will still cover the damage, but you may have to file the claim yourself.

Will my insurance rates go up after a glass claim?

Most insurance companies do not raise your rates for a glass-only claim, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. However, this varies by insurer and policy. Contact your insurance company to ask whether a glass claim will affect your rates.