Auto Insurance And Windshield Replacement: Understanding Your Coverage

Whether or not auto insurance companies replace windshields depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. Some insurance companies may even waive the deductible for windshield repairs. On the other hand, if you only have minimum coverage, windshield replacement may not be included in your policy. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any applicable deductibles or waivers.

Comprehensive coverage

In some cases, your insurance company may waive the deductible for windshield repairs, but not for replacements. Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are "zero-deductible" states, meaning that insurers cannot charge a deductible for repairing or replacing a windshield if you have comprehensive coverage. In Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, insurance companies may offer a $0 deductible for glass repairs or replacement.

If you have comprehensive coverage, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible after your windshield is damaged, as chips or cracks can spread over time. When filing a claim, you will need to provide details and photos of the damage, and your insurance company may ask you to use a repair shop from their list of approved providers.

Collision coverage

If your windshield is damaged in a car accident that was not your fault, you can choose to file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Their property damage liability insurance should pay for any damage to your vehicle, including windshield repairs or replacement.

It is important to note that collision coverage typically does not cover windshield damage caused by events unrelated to a collision. For instance, if your windshield is damaged by falling debris, hitting an animal, or vandalism, comprehensive coverage would apply instead.

When deciding whether to file a claim for windshield damage under collision coverage, consider the cost of repairs versus your deductible. If the repair cost is higher than your deductible, it may be worth filing a claim. However, if you have a high deductible, such as $1,000 or more, it is unlikely that the cost of windshield repairs will exceed that amount, and filing a claim may not be worthwhile.

Full glass coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage, your deductible may be waived for repairs, but you will likely have to pay it for replacements. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from problems like theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, and collisions with animals.

It is important to note that glass repair shops may patch small cracks for free, so you may not need to make an insurance claim at all. Additionally, some states have "zero-deductible" laws that prohibit auto insurance companies from applying a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. These states include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

Deductibles

When it comes to deductibles and windshield replacement, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of car insurance coverage: minimum coverage and full coverage. Minimum coverage is the base amount of insurance that is legally required to operate a vehicle in your state. On the other hand, full coverage includes additional protections, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, which are often optional.

Now, let's discuss deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. In the context of windshield replacement, the type of coverage you have will determine whether or not you need to pay a deductible.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may cover the cost of windshield replacement, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage typically includes damage from events unrelated to a collision, such as theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, or collisions with animals. However, it's important to note that some insurance companies may waive the deductible for glass repair but not glass replacement.

On the other hand, if you have collision coverage, it will typically cover windshield damage caused by a car accident, minus your deductible. Collision coverage pays for losses and repairs resulting from a crash.

It's worth mentioning that some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, are considered "zero-deductible" states, where auto insurance companies are not allowed to apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a "zero deductible" option for glass replacement, which is separate from your comprehensive deductible. This option will cost you extra, but it can be beneficial if you have a high deductible.

Before filing a claim for windshield replacement, it's recommended to get an estimate of the repair cost and compare it to your deductible. If the difference is not significant, you may want to consider paying for the repairs yourself to avoid filing a claim.

In summary, whether or not you have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement depends on the type of coverage you have, the state you live in, and the specific policies of your insurance company. It's always a good idea to review your insurance policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand your deductibles and coverage limits.

Repair vs replacement

When deciding whether to repair or replace a windshield, the most important criteria are the impact on visibility and the ability to drive the car safely. The size, depth, and location of a chip or crack are also weighed when determining the best solution.

Repairing a Windshield

If the crack is shorter than 12 inches or the chip is smaller than 1 inch, repairing the windshield is a good option. Repairs are also a good option if only the outer layer of the glass is damaged. Car glass technicians can fix most minor cracks and chips in about 30 minutes, and the cost is relatively low. Repairs are also quicker than replacements, which can take up to 3 hours.

Replacing a Windshield

If the crack is longer than 14 inches or the chip is larger than 3 inches, a replacement is recommended. Replacement is also advised if the inner layer of glass is broken or if the damage is near or reaches a corner or edge of the windshield. While more expensive and time-consuming, a replacement is the best way to restore the integrity of the car in case of extensive damage.

Other Considerations

If you have comprehensive car insurance, windshield damage is typically covered. However, check with your insurance company, as some may require you to use a repair shop from their list. Also, some states have "zero-deductible" laws that waive deductibles for windshield repairs or replacements.

Frequently asked questions