Jeffrey Wade
If you have a cracked windshield, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to see if you're covered for the damage. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your car insurance will likely cover small repairs and might also cover windshield replacement. Many insurance providers include glass repair or replacement with certain types of coverage. You will likely need to have optional comprehensive coverage for glass damage repair to be covered. Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that helps cover damage to your vehicle that is not caused by collisions. If your windshield is just chipped, it should be relatively easy to repair, but if it's a full-blown crack, you'll likely need to get it replaced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to call insurance for a cracked windshield | Call insurance for a cracked windshield as soon as possible, especially if it is in the driver's field of view. If the crack is minor and outside the driver's view, it may not warrant a replacement. |
| Insurance coverage | Depending on your insurance coverage, your policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked windshield. Comprehensive coverage typically includes glass repair or replacement. |
| Deductible | If the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may be worth filing a claim. In some states, insurers cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair. |
| Cost of repair | The cost of repairing a cracked windshield can vary depending on location, vehicle make and model, crack size, and the type of replacement glass. |
| Safety | Driving with a cracked windshield can be hazardous and may be illegal in some states or provinces. |
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive insurance coverage
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage and a cracked windshield, your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of replacement. However, this depends on the cause of the crack. Comprehensive coverage typically applies when damage is caused by non-collision events, such as falling debris, hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents. If the crack was caused by a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object, collision coverage would typically apply instead.
It's important to note that comprehensive coverage usually has a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance covers the remainder. The deductible amount varies depending on your policy and state laws. Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, are considered "zero-deductible states" and do not allow insurers to apply deductibles for windshield replacement claims if you have comprehensive coverage. In these cases, your insurance company will cover the entire cost of the replacement.
Additionally, some insurance companies may offer a full glass coverage add-on or waive deductibles for car glass repair, resulting in lower out-of-pocket expenses for you. It's always a good idea to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific details of your comprehensive coverage and any applicable deductibles or waivers.
When dealing with a cracked windshield, it is generally recommended to file a comprehensive claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. This is because cracks can spread over time, causing more extensive damage and potentially increasing repair costs. By filing a claim promptly, you can help mitigate the risk of further damage and ensure that your insurance coverage is applied appropriately.
In summary, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage, it is likely that your cracked windshield will be covered, but the specifics of your coverage, deductible, and applicable state laws will determine the final cost and process of repairing or replacing your windshield.
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When to pay out of pocket
Whether or not you should pay out of pocket for a cracked windshield depends on several factors. Firstly, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. If the crack is minor and outside the driver's main line of sight, a simple repair may be possible without replacing the entire windshield. In such cases, paying out of pocket may be more cost-effective than filing an insurance claim, especially if the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible.
Secondly, consider your insurance coverage. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the windshield, provided you are not at fault for the damage. Many comprehensive policies waive or offer low deductibles for car glass repairs. However, if you have a high deductible and the repair cost is significantly higher than your deductible, it may be more economical to pay out of pocket. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer specific benefits, such as an annual option for glass/windshield repair with no impact on your claim.
Thirdly, the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked windshield can vary depending on factors such as your location, vehicle make and model, and whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer or an aftermarket supplier. It is recommended to get estimates from multiple auto repair shops to ensure you get the best price. If the cost of repair or replacement is significantly higher than your insurance deductible, you may opt to pay out of pocket to avoid notifying your insurance company.
Lastly, consider the legal requirements in your state. In some states, it is mandated that insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair, so you may be able to get the repair done without any out-of-pocket expense. On the other hand, if your state requires vehicle safety inspections and your windshield damage exceeds the permitted limits, you may need to replace the windshield to pass the inspection. In such cases, filing an insurance claim may be more beneficial than paying out of pocket.
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Filing a claim
If your windshield is cracked, you should file a claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. If the damage occurs while you're driving, pull over as soon as possible and report your claim immediately. If your windshield is chipped or cracked, you should file a comprehensive claim before proceeding with repairs.
The first step in filing a claim is to notify your insurance provider. This can be done by filing a claim online or by talking to your insurance agent. It is always best to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. If the damage was caused by an act of vandalism, you will need to notify the police and get a copy of the report. If it wasn't vandalism, you can skip this step and go straight to getting your car inspected. Some insurers may require you to go to their chosen auto shop for this. Every insurer is different, so make sure you work with glass companies and auto shops approved by your insurance provider.
Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover the cost of fixing or replacing a cracked windshield. Many insurance providers include glass repair or replacement with certain types of coverage. You will likely need optional comprehensive coverage for glass damage repair to be covered. Comprehensive auto coverage is an optional coverage that helps cover damage to your vehicle that is not caused by collisions. In addition to glass repairs, comprehensive coverage usually helps repair damage from theft, vandalism, or weather-related events.
If your windshield is just chipped, it should be relatively easy to repair. If it's a full-blown crack, you'll likely need to get it replaced. If you have comprehensive coverage, you'll just need to pay your deductible. If the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible, it is worth filing a claim. For example, if your windshield replacement costs $400 and your deductible is $250, you'll only pay $250, and your insurer will cover the remaining $150. This varies between car insurance companies.
In some states, it is legally mandated that insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair, so check your local laws. Even if your insurance company does apply a deductible, no-deductible options are likely still available for glass repair. Generally, replacing a cracked windshield should not raise insurance premiums significantly. However, if you have additional claims, your insurance rates could increase.
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Repair or replace
If your windshield is cracked, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a small rock chip can spread into a larger crack, compromising your safety and that of other passengers. Windshields are a critical component of your car's structural integrity, and cracks can obstruct your view and weaken the glass, increasing the risk of shattering.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to repair the crack rather than replace the entire windshield. If the crack is smaller than the size of a dollar bill and outside the driver's main line of sight, it may be possible to repair it without replacing the whole windshield. However, if the crack is longer than 6 inches or within the driver's field of view, replacement is necessary.
Before deciding on repair or replacement, it's essential to check your insurance coverage. Many insurance providers include glass repair or replacement with certain types of coverage, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional and helps cover damage to your vehicle not caused by collisions, such as vandalism, theft, or weather-related events. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of repair or replacement, provided you're not at fault for the event that caused the crack.
If you don't have comprehensive coverage, you may still be covered for small repairs under specified perils or all perils coverage. In some states, insurance companies are legally mandated to waive deductibles for windshield repairs, so check your local laws. If you have a deductible, consider whether the repair cost is significantly higher than your deductible; if it's only slightly more, it may be better to pay out of pocket to avoid potential increases in your insurance premium.
When deciding on repair or replacement, get estimates from several auto repair shops to ensure you get the best price. If you choose to file an insurance claim, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their specific instructions for inspections and approved repair shops.
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No-deductible states
If you have a cracked windshield, it is generally worth filing a claim if the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible. However, this varies between insurance companies, so it is always best to talk to your insurer for more details.
Some US states, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, are referred to as "zero-deductible" or "no-deductible" states. In these states, insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for a covered windshield replacement claim if the customer carries comprehensive coverage and meets all coverage requirements. This means that no deductible is charged when a customer files a claim to replace their windshield, and the insurance company covers the cost.
It is important to note that you still need to pay for comprehensive coverage as part of your premium in these states. Additionally, Florida only waives the deductible for front windshields, while Kentucky and South Carolina cover all glass replacements without a deductible.
Other states, such as Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, offer separate glass coverage with a lower or zero deductible for windshield claims. These states typically require you to carry comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to qualify for glass coverage.
If you do not live in a no-deductible state, you can still ask your insurance carrier if they can waive the deductible for your windshield claim. Some insurance companies offer policies with no deductible for glass coverage, regardless of where you live.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you have comprehensive coverage, they will likely cover the cost of repairs or replacement. If you don't have comprehensive coverage, you may still be covered depending on your insurance company and the circumstances of the damage.
If you don't report a cracked windshield to your insurance company, you may have to pay for the repairs or replacement out of pocket. In some cases, driving with a cracked windshield may be illegal, and it can also be a safety hazard.
If you have a deductible, you may have to pay a portion of the repair or replacement cost. In some states, insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair, so be sure to check your local laws. If the repair cost is only slightly more than your deductible, it may be better to pay out of pocket to avoid notifying your insurance company.
