Auto Insurance And Windshield Woes: What's Covered?

Whether your car insurance covers a new windshield when it's broken depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage can pay for a cracked or broken windshield, minus your deductible. Collision coverage may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if it was damaged during a car crash.

In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are required to offer windshield replacement without a deductible, so drivers in these states don't have to pay to have their cracked windshields repaired or replaced.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance can help pay to replace a damaged windshield, minus your deductible. The cost of replacing a windshield can vary depending on the vehicle, with basic windshields costing around $300 to $600 and windshields for high-tech cars with advanced driver assistance systems costing upwards of $1,000.

In some cases, comprehensive insurance may waive the deductible for glass repair but not for glass replacement. However, in "zero-deductible" states like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, auto insurance companies are not allowed to apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims.

When filing a claim for windshield damage, it is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with details about the damage. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to file a claim online, over the phone, or through a third-party provider.

Collision coverage

If you are involved in an accident that was the fault of another driver, their liability insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield.

It is important to note that the cost of repairing a windshield is generally lower than the cost of replacing it. So, if the crack in your windshield is less than six inches long, repairing it may be all that is required, and this may be covered by your insurance without you having to pay a deductible.

Full glass coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers damage from problems like theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects (like a tree branch), and collisions with animals. It typically costs around $339 per year, with a $500 deductible.

If you have a cracked, broken, or pitted windshield, it's a good idea to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A windshield keeps wind, water, and road debris out of your face, but it also keeps you safe in car accidents. It also keeps objects from entering your vehicle and helps support the roof in a rollover. Additionally, your windshield plays a critical role in airbag deployment.

Deductibles

The amount you will have to pay to replace a windshield without car insurance ranges from $100 to $400. However, the cost of windshield replacement with car insurance depends on the type of coverage you have and the deductible you've chosen.

If you have a zero-deductible policy, you won't have to pay a comprehensive deductible for glass repair or replacement. In other words, you pay nothing if you file a claim for damaged glass. Zero-deductible insurance can raise monthly rates by $5 to $30. Many insurers require that you carry both comprehensive and collision coverage before purchasing full glass insurance.

If you live in a zero-deductible state, such as Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, you won't have a deductible for windshield repair or replacement, so insurance will likely cover the costs.

If you're not in a zero-deductible state, check your car insurance policy's deductible. It may be wise to get an estimate to see how much the repair would cost you. If there isn't much of a difference between your deductible and the repairs, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself.

Insurance companies often waive deductibles for minor windshield repairs, and some states even require insurers to waive the deductible for both windshield replacements and repairs. For example, in Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, you can buy full glass coverage, which is an add-on to comprehensive insurance that waives the deductible for glass repair or replacement.

If you have to pay a glass deductible, you should only file a claim if the cost of repairs or a full replacement is more than what you're expected to pay out of pocket. Replacements can cost up to $400, so by filing a claim and only paying your deductible, you will usually save money.

If your windshield can be repaired instead of replaced, you may not have to pay anything, depending on your insurance company.

Repair vs replacement

Whether you should repair or replace your windshield depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your insurance coverage, and your deductible. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Repair vs. Replacement

• Safety: The most important factor is safety. A damaged windshield can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle and pose a safety risk to the driver and passengers. If the damage affects the driver's visibility or reduces the strength of the windshield, replacement is recommended. Repairing a cracked windshield may not restore its original strength, and there is a risk of the crack spreading further.
• Damage Assessment: Evaluate the size, depth, and location of the damage. If the crack is longer than 12-14 inches or the chip is larger than 1 inch, replacement is typically recommended. Damage near the edge of the windshield or in the driver's line of sight also often requires replacement. Minor cracks and chips that only affect the outer layer of glass can usually be repaired.
• Cost: Repairing a damaged windshield is generally less expensive than replacing it. The cost of repair depends on factors such as the size and location of the damage and can range from $60 to $150. The cost of replacement varies depending on the vehicle's make and model and can range from $200 to $2,000 or more.
• Insurance Coverage: If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurance companies are required to waive the deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any applicable deductibles.
• Time: Repairing a minor crack or chip can often be done quickly, usually within 30 minutes. Replacement, on the other hand, can take longer, typically around 3 hours if the correct windshield is in stock.
• Visibility: A properly repaired windshield should restore both durability and visibility. However, a replacement windshield ensures the highest level of visibility, especially if the original glass is severely pitted or chipped.
• Technology: If your vehicle has advanced driver assistance systems or other technological components embedded in the windshield, replacement may be necessary to ensure proper functioning.

In summary, if the damage is minor and does not affect the driver's visibility or the structural integrity of the vehicle, repair is often a good option. However, for more extensive damage, replacement is usually the safest and most effective solution. It is always recommended to consult a glass repair specialist or your insurance provider for a definitive answer.

Frequently asked questions