Do you have a windshield that's been damaged by gravel or other loose debris? Have you been putting off having your windshield fixed? When you lead a busy life, having to do something unexpected like replacing a windshield can seem like a waste of time. But although it may initially seem like you have better things to do, there are a number of reasons why you should have it replaced as soon as possible. A few of the more important reasons are:

Avoid tickets: A windshield with a crack in it can easily result in an expensive ticket. In some jurisdictions, the damage need only intrude slightly into the driver's side before a ticket can be written. Although a police officer may or may not pull you over solely for the damaged windshield if the crack is relatively minor, you could still get a ticket for it if you are pulled over for any other reason. The more damage there is to your windshield, the more likely it is that you will eventually get a ticket. Taking your vehicle in for a windshield replacement as soon as possible is the best way to avoid the possibility of getting such a ticket.

Prevent accidents: One of the reasons why many municipalities are so heavy-handed when it comes to writing tickets for cracked windshields is because a damaged windshield can cause accidents. The crack or pit in the glass can reflect light in unexpected ways, potentially causing blindness at an inopportune moment. Even if the damage happens to be in a legally "safe" area of the windshield, it could still cause glare that could be dangerous. Having a windshield replacement installed is the only thing you can do to completely eliminate this possibility. 

Little to no out of pocket cost: One of the biggest reasons why people don't take their vehicle in for a windshield replacement is the cost. After all, such a large piece of glass has the potential to cost more than you may be able to afford comfortably. This is where insurance companies come in. Many insurance policies not only cover the full cost of replacing the windshield, they also won't penalize you for doing so. They do this because, as has already been mentioned, driving around with a cracked windshield can be a hazard and a liability. By letting you get it fixed and not forcing you to pay for it, they're saving money in the long run. As a result, you should check your insurance policy to see what it says regarding having your windshield replaced.