Car insurance can cover windshield replacement, but the coverage details vary based on your policy and the circumstances of the damage. The source and size of the damage will determine the applicable coverage and deductible if any. Generally, car insurance providers cover windshield repair and replacement under comprehensive coverage. However, if the damage occurs due to an accident, your collision coverage might cover it.
Furthermore, both covers have a deductible that needs to be met before the insurer contributes. Certain insurers may also offer car glass coverage, which might have a lower deductible compared to your standard comprehensive or collision deductible for eligible claims. Additionally, car glass coverage can include windshield chips or cracks and comprehensive windshield replacements, and it may even extend to other windows on your vehicle.
What To Do If You Have A Broken Windshield
If your windshield shatters, it’s important to make a claim immediately before any repairs begin. If you sustain any damage while driving, quickly pull over and report your claim without delay. Additionally, in the case of when your windshield cracked or chipped, start by filing a claim immediately before preceding any repair actions. Lastly, it’s essential to note that delaying the filing of a glass claim after damage is not advisable and it should precede any repair work.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement
Generally, comprehensive coverage is required for your car insurance policy to cover windshield replacement if cracked or broken, as well as other types of glass damage. However, in accidents involving another vehicle, collision coverage frequently applies. Moreover, your cracked windshield can be covered by insurance, whether yours or someone else’s, in four basic situations.
Firstly, if the damage resulted from natural disasters such as hail or a fallen tree, you have comprehensive coverage. Additionally, if you are deemed responsible for an accident, your collision coverage will step in to cover the expense. Thirdly, if you’re involved in an accident caused by another driver’s fault, your car insurance may cover windshield replacement or damage.
Lastly, if someone else breaks your windshield, and they have homeowners or renters insurance, their policy might cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Should I Cover Car Insurance For Windshield Replacement
Whether you intend to cover car insurance for windshield replacement or not, is a personal decision. It might be of benefit if the repair or replacement expense exceeds your deductible. Generally, glass claims have minimal influence on your premium or claims history.
Moreover, it can be different depending on factors like state regulations, insurance provider policies, and previous claims. If you have a minimal deductible, it’s beneficial to make a glass claim, especially if your vehicles possess an upgraded driver assistance system (ADAS) camera mandating recalibration. While a standard windshield replacement costs between $300 and $600, replacement with ADAS recalibration can soar to $1,500 or more.
Types Of Car Insurance That Covers Windshield Replacement
The kind of car insurance coverage that covers windshield damage can differ depending on the cause of the damage. Let’s review some of the types of coverage that assist:
Comprehensive Coverage
Windshield replacement claims regularly cover comprehensive coverage of your car insurance policy. This type of insurance extends coverage to damages from incidents such as theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects (tree branches), and animals colliding. Although comprehensive insurance is optional, it’s often mandatory if you have a car loan. Additionally, the cost of this coverage has an average rate of $339 annually with a deductible of $500.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance is not obligatory coverage, which provides coverage for a cracked windshield if it is damaged as a result of a collision. In addition, collision insurance costs around $788 per year, with a common deductible of $500.
Full Glass Coverage
Certain insurance providers offer full glass coverage or provide a zero deductible option specifically for glass replacement. Moreover, this alternative is different from your comprehensive deductible. While it has an additional cost, it could be beneficial in the long term, especially if you have a high deductible, such as $1,000 or more.
Do I Have To Pay Deductible For A Windshield Claim
Numerous car insurance typically waive the comprehensive coverage deductible for glass repair but not for its replacement. However, if you reside in a state such as Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina with a zero deductible, you shouldn’t be required to pay a deductible for a replacement.
State regulations prohibit insurance providers from offering full glass coverage with a deductible in these states. Moreover, a glass repair shop might fix the crack at no cost, eliminating the need for an insurance claim depending on the extent of the damage.
What Causes Damage to a Car’s Windshield
Numerous factors can lead to damage to a car’s windshield. Various objects may come into contact with your windshield, potentially causing a chip or crack. Here are some common situations:
Road Debris
It’s advisable to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving to prevent gravel and other road debris from hitting your windshield.
Hail
A bad thunderstorm resulting in hail with falling speeds between 25 to 40 miles per hour, can hit your windshield. This can result in chips, cracks, and even breakage.
Bad Installation
A windshield manufactured with bad materials is more susceptible to chipping or cracking. Improper installation may lead to vibration within the frame at higher speeds, potentially causing damage.
Accidents
Pressure from external sources can result in the fracturing of your windshield. Additionally, accidents of various kinds, such as an unexpected baseball thrown by a neighborhood child, can pose a risk to your windshield.
Temperature
Unexpected changes and harsh temperatures can induce strain on glass surfaces, leading to potential damage. Moreover, sunlight can heat the outer edges of the glass, causing them to expand more rapidly than the center increasing the chance of cracks forming.
How To File A Claim for Windshield Replacement
To file a windshield damage claim, it’s essential to inform your insurance provider immediately. Typically, you can reach out to them either by phone or through their online platform. Moreover, your insurance company can inquire about the circumstances surrounding the damage and possibly request visual documentation such as photos.
They might recommend a specific repair shop from their network, although some insurers may offer more flexibility in this regard. The cost of windshield replacement can amount to hundreds of dollars. However, if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage, your expenses to cover windshield replacement claims will reduce, minus the deductible.