Orlando Harmon
Whether you need to call your insurance provider for a new windshield depends on several factors. Firstly, the type of insurance you have is important. Comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage resulting from events other than collisions, such as natural causes or vandalism. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damage caused by accidents or collisions with objects. Secondly, the extent of the damage matters. Minor chips or cracks may not require a complete replacement and can often be repaired at a moderate cost, which may be less expensive than submitting an insurance claim. However, if the damage is substantial and a full replacement is necessary, using your insurance may be more cost-effective. Additionally, some states have laws that require insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement, while others offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. Therefore, it is essential to review your insurance policy and understand the coverage, deductibles, and any restrictions on windshield-related claims before deciding whether to involve your insurance provider for a new windshield.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should I call my insurance company for a new windshield? | It depends on your insurance policy. Contact your insurance company to see if a claim on comprehensive for your windshield will increase your rates. |
| What if the damage is not due to an accident? | If the windshield damage is not related to an accident with another vehicle, it is usually covered under the comprehensive portion of your insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs and/or replacement from damage caused by road hazards. |
| What if the damage is due to an accident? | If the damage is the result of an accident with another vehicle, then your collision coverage would apply. Collision insurance pays for vehicle losses and repairs caused during a crash. |
| What if I have the state's minimum insurance? | Minimum coverage generally includes liability insurance, which covers the other car and its occupants in an accident that you cause. If the other driver causes the accident, their policy should help pay for your repairs, including windshield damage. |
| What if I have comprehensive coverage? | Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages, but you may have to pay a deductible. In some cases, deductibles are waived for windshield repairs, but you will likely be responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible if you need to fully replace the windshield. |
| What if I have collision coverage? | Collision insurance covers windshield damage caused by an accident, but you may be required to pay a deductible before the insurance coverage begins. |
| What if I live in a "zero deductible state"? | If you live in a "zero deductible state" or have purchased optional no-deductible windshield replacement insurance, you may not need to pay a deductible for windshield replacement. |
| How do I file a claim? | You can file a claim with your insurance company by phone, online, or through a mobile app. Provide all necessary information, such as the date and time of the incident, the degree of damage, and any other pertinent information. If required, submit photographic evidence. |
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive insurance and deductibles
If your windshield is damaged, you may be able to claim the cost of repairs or replacement on your insurance. Most comprehensive auto policies cover auto glass damage, including the cost of windshield replacement. However, this depends on your deductible and policy coverage.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. This includes damage caused by weather conditions, such as wind damage from hurricanes, floods, hail, and falling objects. It also covers theft and vandalism. If your windshield is damaged by something other than a collision, comprehensive insurance will likely cover it.
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay upfront when you make an insurance claim. For example, if it costs $800 to replace your windshield and your comprehensive deductible is $100, you will pay $100 towards the cost of the new windshield. The insurance company will cover the remaining cost. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be. This is because you are taking on more financial risk. Some states require insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement, while others allow drivers to choose a lower deductible for glass repair.
It is important to determine if your policy covers windshield damage and whether it makes financial sense to use your policy coverage to repair or replace your windshield. Contact your insurance company to understand their actuarial standards for what actually raises premiums. In some cases, a claim of a certain dollar amount will trigger a premium increase.
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Collision insurance and deductibles
Collision insurance covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. It may also cover the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. Collision insurance does not have a limit, and the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a collision claim is typically your vehicle's actual cash value.
A collision deductible is the amount you've agreed to pay before your insurance company starts paying for damages. It represents the financial risk you're willing to take on in the event of an accident. For instance, if you're involved in an accident that causes $1,000 in damage to your vehicle and you have a $250 collision deductible, you'll pay the first $250 directly to the body shop, and your insurance will pay the remaining $750.
The right deductible amount depends on your financial situation, driving habits, and the type of car owner you are. If you can afford to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident and are looking to save money on insurance, a higher deductible might be suitable. On the other hand, if you're a newer driver or have had accidents in the past, a lower deductible may be preferable, as it lowers your out-of-pocket repair costs.
Some states, like Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, allow drivers to choose a lower deductible for glass repair. Certain insurance companies may even waive the deductible for windshield repair or replacement, regardless of your location. It's important to contact your local auto policy agent to understand your policy's coverage and whether it includes windshield replacement.
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State-specific laws
In the United States, there are variations in state-specific laws regarding windshield insurance claims and replacements. The specific laws and regulations governing windshield damage and repairs differ from state to state. Here are some examples:
Zero-Deductible States
Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are known as "zero-deductible states" for windshield replacements. In these states, if you have comprehensive coverage, insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to a windshield replacement claim. This means that if your windshield is damaged, you won't have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim. These states also require insurers to offer full glass coverage as an add-on to your policy.
States with Separate Glass Coverage
Several states, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, allow drivers to purchase separate glass coverage in addition to their comprehensive coverage. This glass coverage has its own deductible, which can be waived or significantly reduced for windshield claims. This option provides additional protection for windshields, which are susceptible to damage from cracks and chips.
State-Specific Inspection Requirements
Inspection requirements for vehicle safety also vary significantly between states. For example, Virginia has strict standards, rejecting vehicles with pits, chips, or star cracks larger than 1.5 inches in diameter or length that exceed 3 inches above the bottom of the windshield. Other states may have different criteria for passing or failing an inspection, so it's important to be aware of the specific requirements in your state.
Mandatory Coverage and Liability
While state laws differ, it is generally recommended to have comprehensive coverage that includes windshield repairs or replacements. Minimum coverage policies that only meet the legal requirements of a state may not include windshield coverage. Additionally, if you are in an accident caused by another driver, the at-fault driver's liability coverage should help pay for any damage to your vehicle, including windshield repairs or replacements.
It's important to review your insurance policy and understand the specific laws and regulations in your state to ensure you are adequately covered for windshield damage and repairs. Contacting your insurance provider can provide you with more detailed information about your coverage options and state-specific laws.
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Filing a claim
If your windshield is damaged, you may be able to claim the cost of repairs or replacement on your insurance. The first step is to check your insurance policy to see what is covered. If you have comprehensive coverage, windshield damage is usually covered, including the cost of replacement. Collision coverage will also cover windshield damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. However, depending on your deductible and policy coverage, you may want to pay for repairs or replacement yourself. If the damage is minor, such as a small chip or crack, it may not be worth filing a claim as the cost of repairs is usually less than the deductible.
If you decide to file a claim, there are two primary methods: directly with your insurance company or through a vehicle glass repair shop. You can contact your insurance provider by phone, online, or through their app. Provide all the necessary information, such as the date and time of the incident, the degree of damage, and any other relevant details. If required, submit photographic evidence. Depending on your insurer, they may refer you to a preferred auto glass repair company or allow you to choose one yourself.
If your windshield was damaged in an accident that was not your fault, the damage will be paid for by the property damage liability coverage of the at-fault party. In this case, you should get the police report and the other driver's insurance information and call their insurance company to begin the claims process. If your windshield was damaged in an act of vandalism, you should file a police report as soon as possible and then start the claims process with your insurer.
It's important to note that insurance companies rate factors differently, so your claim for windshield damage could cost you more with one insurance company than another. Additionally, some states require insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement, while others allow drivers to choose a lower deductible for glass repair. Therefore, it's a good idea to check with your local auto policy agent to confirm what's covered under your policy and to understand their actuarial standards for what raises premiums.
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Repair vs. replacement
Whether you repair or replace your windshield depends on several factors, including the type of damage, its location, and the number of damaged areas. Small chips and cracks can often be repaired, but it's important to act quickly to prevent them from spreading and requiring a full windshield replacement. The location of the damage is also important, as some people may prefer to repair damage that is not in their line of sight and replace damage that is.
If there are more than two damaged areas on your windshield, or if the crack is larger than 6 inches, a replacement is usually necessary. The cost of replacement glass may not be too high, but if there are cameras or sensors attached, the labour costs can increase. Windshields made of tempered glass are also more likely to break into fragments and require replacement.
When deciding whether to involve your insurance company, it's important to consider your policy coverage and deductible. Most comprehensive auto policies cover auto glass damage, including windshield replacement, but this can vary depending on your state and insurance provider. Some states, like Massachusetts, require insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement, while others, like Michigan, do not. It's recommended to call your insurance company to understand their specific policies and determine if a claim will increase your rates.
If you choose to repair or replace your windshield without involving insurance, there are several auto glass companies that offer convenient and guaranteed services. Some companies, like Safelite AutoGlass, offer mobile repairs and warranties on all glass work. Others, like Glass Doctor, offer protection plans that cover unlimited repairs and one replacement for up to 12 months.
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Frequently asked questions
You should contact your insurance company to determine if your policy covers windshield replacement. If it does, you can then decide whether to make a claim or pay for it yourself.
You can contact your insurance company by phone, online, or through a mobile app.
You will need to provide the date and time of the incident, the degree of damage, and any other relevant information. You may also need to submit photographic evidence.
This depends on your insurance company and policy. In some states, insurers are required to waive the deductible for windshield replacement, but in others, you may have to pay a deductible. Check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies.
This depends on the extent of the damage and your insurance policy. If it is a minor chip or crack, paying out of pocket is usually less expensive than submitting an insurance claim. However, if the damage is substantial and a full replacement is needed, using your insurance is often more cost-effective.
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