Historically speaking, replacing windshields has been the most common reason for an auto insurance claim. When going at a speed of 65 miles per hour, debris on the road or construction trucks might inflict an unexpectedly high amount of damage.
Even a little rock might cause your windshield to fracture. The question is "does insurance cover windshield damage? The response is going to be conditional upon the kind of auto insurance policy you have.
If your policy covers the cost of repairing or replacing broken glass, you might save hundreds of dollars. If you do not have coverage for your windshield, the cost to replace a cracked windshield might range anywhere from $400 for a base car to $1,500 for a premium model.
In order to repair or replace your windshield, you will need to have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy.
Does damage to the windshield get covered by auto insurance?
There are two primary categories of auto insurance: minimal coverage and full coverage. The most basic kind of automobile insurance is known as minimum coverage. It refers to the minimum level of coverage that is required by law in your state in order to lawfully drive a motor vehicle.
Having said that, states do not mandate the purchase of extra coverages like collision and comprehensive coverage.
If a rock struck your windshield while you were traveling on the highway and caused it to crack, comprehensive coverage would not be available to assist in covering the costs of repairing the windshield.
Full coverage extends beyond the minimum coverages mandated by the state and includes the addition of comprehensive and collision insurance to your vehicle insurance policy.
These add-ons assist cover the expenses of repairing your car. This is in the event that it gets damaged by hazards such as fire, floods, theft, vandalism, or an accident that was your fault.
Do insurance policies provide coverage for windshields?
In most cases, they will be covered under the comprehensive coverage section of your insurance policy. However, there may be additional choices available to you based on the kind of insurance policy you have, the state in which you reside, and the circumstances surrounding the shattered glass in your home.
The following is an explanation of how each kind of coverage could respond in the event that the glass in your car is damaged.
Insurance for collisions
A collision insurance policy will cover your vehicle's losses and repairs that were the result of a collision.
In case of an accident, if your windshield gets any damage, such as a rear-end collision with another vehicle or driving into a pole, your collision insurance will probably pay the cost of the repairs, less the deductible that you selected for this policy.
Insurance that covers everything
Comprehensive insurance extends coverage to include situations that do not directly link to a collision. Imagine that a tree limb crashes down on your car. A rock shatters the windshield, or a strong hailstorm causes the glass to break. Crazy?
In the case of any of the aforementioned scenarios, comprehensive insurance could pay to repair the broken glass. However, it does so after deducting your policy's deductible.
Full glass coverage
In several areas, insurance firms provide an add-on to comprehensive insurance. It is known as complete glass coverage, which may be purchased in conjunction with comprehensive insurance.
It is limited only to the repair or replacement of glass and often comes with the option of having no deductible at all.
Will I be responsible for paying the deductible?
The majority of car insurers are willing to forgo the comprehensive insurance deductible in the event of a repair.
You will, however, have to pay a deductible for a replacement if you do not reside in one of the three states that provide "zero deductibles." These are Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina.
In these states, the laws of those states prohibit insurance companies from selling comprehensive glass coverage that includes a deductible.
What should I do if I do not have full coverage insurance?
Even if you do not have comprehensive insurance, there is still a chance for windshield replacement.
If you were in an accident that damaged your windshield and the other driver was at fault for the accident, then the driver who caused the accident would be responsible for paying for your expenses out of their liability insurance policy if it was determined that the accident was their fault.
However, a comprehensive collision policy will cover the vast majority of other casualties. If you do not have either of those coverages, you will be responsible for paying the costs on your own.
Instructions for filing a claim for damage to the windshield
In order to submit a claim for a new windshield, you need first to determine the level of damage. If a crack in the glass is at least six inches long, you should replace the windshield in its entirety. This is according to a solid rule of thumb.
Repairing smaller chips or cracks in the windshield does not need removing the whole windshield. It may be done by a specialist who specializes in auto glass.
Your insurance provider or glass professional will inform you if it is more cost-effective to repair or replace a windshield. Take their advice if you are unsure which course of action to take.
In the event that your windshield has damage, time is of important. Even a little chip or fracture has the potential to rapidly expand. In addition, the damage to the glass may compromise the overall robustness and structural integrity of the windshield.
In order to submit a claim for a windshield:
● Take pictures and measurements of the damage in order to evaluate whether or not a repair will be sufficient
● You may file a claim either over the phone, online or in-person at your local insurance agent's office
● Your claims adjuster may need photographs or a description of the extent of the damage
● Your insurance provider should offer you the opportunity to choose a glass and windshield expert from the available possibilities.
There is a possibility that you may need to bring your car to a facility. However, several businesses provide mobile windshield services that can come to you.
Take Away
Full coverage auto insurance is costlier than minimum coverage. However, it provides optional comprehensive and collision coverage. You might need to help pay for the damage to your vehicle. On the other hand, minimum coverage just provides liability coverage.