Windshield Woes: Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage For Broken Glass

Whether your auto insurance covers a new windshield when it's broken depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Collision coverage will also typically cover a cracked windshield if it was damaged during a crash. If you live in a zero-deductible state, you won't have to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement. Some insurance companies also sell full glass coverage or offer a zero deductible option for glass replacement.

Comprehensive coverage

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage is usually coupled with collision insurance, and it's recommended to have both to adequately protect your vehicle. While comprehensive coverage handles damage caused by events outside of your control, collision insurance covers damage resulting from accidents, whether with another vehicle or a stationary object.

When it comes to windshield damage, comprehensive coverage will generally cover the cost of repairs or replacement if the damage is caused by something other than a collision. This includes scenarios such as:

• A tree branch falling on your windshield
• A baseball breaking your windshield
• A pebble damaging your windshield while driving
• Acts of vandalism
• An animal crashing into your windshield

In some states, insurance companies are legally required to offer windshield replacement without a deductible, so comprehensive coverage may cover the full cost of repairs or replacement in these cases. However, it's always a good idea to review your policy carefully to understand what events are covered and whether there are any exclusions or limitations.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the cost of repairing a small chip or crack in your windshield is often less than the cost of replacing the entire windshield. As such, it may be more cost-effective to repair minor damage rather than filing a comprehensive insurance claim, especially if the repair cost is lower than your deductible.

Collision coverage

It's important to note that collision coverage typically applies only to damage caused by a collision. If your windshield is damaged by falling debris, hail, vandalism, or an animal strike, comprehensive coverage would be the relevant insurance type to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

In some states, such as Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are required to offer windshield replacement without a deductible, so drivers in these states may not have to pay anything out of pocket for repairs or replacement. However, this may not apply to side or rear windows.

It's always a good idea to review your insurance policy and understand what is covered and what your deductibles are before filing a claim.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

The amount you pay out of pocket for a new windshield depends on several factors, including your insurance provider, the state you live in, and the type of coverage you have.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy may cover auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. However, you will likely have to pay a deductible, which is the amount subtracted from your insurance check for a claim. The deductible amount typically ranges from $250 to $1,000. In some cases, your insurance company may waive the deductible for windshield repairs but not for replacements.

Some states, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, have "zero-deductible" laws, meaning auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. In these states, you won't have to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement.

Other states, such as Arizona, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, have reduced deductibles or mandatory glass coverage options. In these states, insurance companies may offer $0 deductibles for glass repair and replacement, or they may be required to sell full glass coverage, which waives the deductible for glass repairs or replacements.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer a "zero-deductible" option for glass replacement, separate from your comprehensive deductible. This option will cost you extra but could save you money in the long run if you have a high deductible.

When deciding whether to file an insurance claim for a damaged windshield, consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible. If the difference between the repair cost and your deductible is small, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself.

You should also consider the potential impact on your insurance premiums. While a single glass claim may not significantly affect your rates, multiple claims over a short period could lead to higher premiums at renewal time.

Filing a claim

If you have a broken windshield, 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.

• Review your insurance coverage: Check your policy to verify that you're covered for repairs. Most comprehensive coverage plans cover auto glass repairs, including full windshield replacement. However, you may have to pay a deductible if you don't have a zero-deductible policy.
• Contact your insurance agent: After the incident, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. They will provide you with directions on how to file your claim and submit all the necessary documentation related to the accident. Most insurance companies allow you to file a claim by phone, mobile app, online, or in person.
• Ask your agent about claim requirements and timelines: When speaking with your agent, ask about any time limitations for filing your claim and submitting bills. Also, inquire about when you can expect the insurance company to contact you and whether you need to obtain estimates for the damages.
• Choose a repair shop: Your insurance company may provide a list of preferred repair shops, or they may allow you to choose your own. If you select a shop not recommended by your insurer, confirm that the price charged for the service will be covered by your insurance.
• Submit the receipt: After the repair is completed, submit the receipt, along with your name, policy number, phone number, and the date of the damage, to your insurance company.

Repair or replacement

Whether you should repair or replace your windshield depends on the extent of the damage. If the crack is smaller than six inches, repairing the windshield may be all that's needed. However, if the damage is more extensive, the windshield could be unsafe, and a replacement may be the best option.

If the crack is directly within the driver's field of view, the windshield must be replaced, regardless of the size of the crack. If the crack is smaller than the size of a dollar bill outside of the driver's main line of sight, it may be possible to fix it without replacing the entire windshield.

In some states, your car will not pass its state inspection if it has windshield damage. For example, in Texas, a car will fail its inspection if the windshield damage blocks visibility or affects the windshield wipers. In other states, including California, it may be illegal to operate a car if the windshield damage impairs the driver's vision.

If you have a damaged windshield, it's a good idea to get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Even a small chip or crack could quickly spread. The damage could also affect the strength and integrity of the entire windshield.

Frequently asked questions