Auto Glass Insurance: Are Sensor Repairs Covered?

Whether your auto insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing sensors depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, including any sensors that are damaged in the process. Comprehensive coverage typically includes theft, vandalism, and windshield damage from non-collision events such as rocks, debris, or severe weather conditions. Collision coverage will also usually cover windshield damage that results from a car accident. However, it's important to note that you may need to pay a deductible before insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacements. Additionally, some insurance companies offer full glass coverage as an add-on, which can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing sensors in your windshield.

Comprehensive coverage

With comprehensive coverage, if a repair is needed, your deductible is often waived. However, if a replacement is required, you may need to pay a deductible. The deductible amount varies depending on your specific policy and insurance provider. For example, if your policy has a $500 deductible and it costs $800 to replace your windshield, you would be responsible for paying the first $500.

It is worth noting that comprehensive coverage may not cover the cost of recalibrating sensors or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are integrated into your windshield. This additional cost could be significant, with sources citing costs of $1,000 or more for vehicles equipped with these features.

In summary, comprehensive coverage can provide valuable protection for your vehicle's glass components, but it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific policy to understand what is covered and what deductibles may apply.

Collision coverage

When deciding whether to purchase or renew collision coverage, it's important to consider the age and value of your vehicle. Collision coverage becomes less valuable over time because the payout will never exceed the car's current market value. As your car depreciates, you may reach a point where the cost of collision coverage and the deductible combined is higher than the car's value. At that point, it may no longer be worth keeping the coverage.

The cost of collision coverage varies depending on factors such as the make and model of your car, your driving record, and your location. It is typically sold alongside comprehensive coverage, and you may not be able to purchase one without the other. On average, full coverage insurance, which includes both collision and comprehensive coverage, costs around $1,718 per year. However, rates can vary significantly, so it's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers.

When filing a claim under collision coverage, you will typically need to pay a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but make sure you can afford to cover the deductible if you need to file a claim. Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, have laws that waive deductibles for certain types of glass repairs or replacements.

Full glass coverage

Comprehensive insurance, often referred to as "full" coverage, typically covers damages to your vehicle caused by incidents other than a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, and windshield damage from non-collision events such as rocks, debris, or severe weather conditions such as a hailstorm. If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it's likely that auto glass replacement and repair will be covered, subject to your deductible.

In some states, insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. Some insurance companies also offer zero-deductible benefits for windshield repairs, meaning they cover the cost of repair without any out-of-pocket expenses.

If you have a vehicle with expensive auto glass, such as a Tesla, Mercedes, exotic sports cars, or large trucks, you may want to consider adding auto glass coverage to your comprehensive insurance policy. This can be especially useful if you live in a state with severe weather or a lot of road debris, drive a vehicle off-road frequently, or have an older windshield.

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera recalibration may also be covered as part of your glass claim. Not all auto glass installers can perform the recalibration, so you may need to visit a dealership for repairs. Contact your insurance agent or company to see if this additional expense is covered by your policy.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses

The amount of money you will need to pay out of pocket for auto glass insurance depends on several factors, including the type of coverage you have, the state you live in, and the extent of the damage.

Deductibles

If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance policy will likely cover auto glass repair or replacement, minus your deductible. The deductible is an out-of-pocket expense that you will need to pay before your insurance company covers the rest of the repair or replacement cost. The average deductible can range from $250 to $1000, but it can go up to $2000 depending on the insurance company. You can choose the amount of your deductible when signing up for a new insurance policy.

Some insurance companies may waive the deductible for glass repair but not glass replacement. Additionally, if you live in a "zero-deductible" state, such as Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, you will not have to pay a deductible for a replacement. In other states, such as Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, insurers may offer a $0 deductible option or full glass coverage, which is an add-on to comprehensive insurance that waives the deductible for glass repair or replacement.

Out-of-pocket expenses

If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you may still be able to get your windshield replaced if the damage was caused by another driver. In this case, the at-fault driver or their insurance company would be responsible for the replacement cost. However, if you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for most other scenarios.

The cost of windshield replacement can vary depending on the vehicle, ranging from $300 to $600 for a basic windshield, and exceeding $1000 for high-tech cars with sensors that require specific recalibration.

It is important to note that even a small chip or crack in your windshield can quickly spread and affect the strength and integrity of the entire windshield. Therefore, it is recommended to repair or replace your windshield as soon as possible to ensure your safety and comply with state laws.

ADAS and recalibration

ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, are the latest technologies in the automobile industry. They are designed to enhance driver safety and include features such as lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking systems, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems. These systems use sensors to gather information about a vehicle's surroundings and can even temporarily take control of a vehicle's steering or braking to avoid collisions.

As with all sensors, ADAS sensors are only as accurate as the calibration they receive. ADAS calibration is the precise physical alignment, testing, and electronic aiming of sensors that collect data to inform a vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems. This process ensures that the sensors are telling the vehicle where to look and what to look for. It also shows the sensors their position in relation to the vehicle.

ADAS calibration is necessary to ensure that these systems function properly and maintain optimal safety standards. When a vehicle is involved in an accident, or certain repairs or replacements are made, the alignment or calibration of ADAS components may be affected. As a result, the system may not function properly, endangering the safety of the driver and passengers. Calibration of an ADAS system involves ensuring that cameras, sensors, and other components are properly aligned and adjusted according to manufacturer specifications. This calibration process usually requires specialized equipment and trained technicians to perform it.

There are two main types of ADAS calibration: static and dynamic. Static calibration takes place in a controlled environment while the car is stationary, and dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at certain speeds and conditions while connected to an ADAS scan tool. Both types of calibration require precise following of OEM recommendations.

The cost of ADAS calibration can vary depending on the type of ADAS system, the number of sensors that need to be calibrated, and the location of the calibration service. Typically, ADAS calibration can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The cost may be covered by the vehicle's warranty or insurance policy, so it is recommended to check with the manufacturer or insurance company.

Frequently asked questions