Back Window Damage: What Your Auto Insurance Covers

Whether your car insurance covers a broken back window depends on the type of coverage you have. Basic insurance policies do not usually cover broken windows unless the damage is caused by an auto accident. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage usually cover broken windows, but it's important to evaluate your policy to ensure that it does. Comprehensive coverage covers damages not related to a car accident, like theft or vandalism, while collision coverage covers damages caused by another driver or an inanimate object.

Comprehensive coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage and need to make a claim for a broken window, you will typically need to pay a deductible before the insurance company covers the rest of the cost. The deductible is the amount you agree to pay before your insurance company pays for the remaining damage. Comprehensive coverage policies usually have deductibles, but some companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims.

In summary, comprehensive coverage typically covers broken windows, including the back window, in situations unrelated to car accidents. However, it is important to review your policy carefully and understand your deductible to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.

Collision coverage

If you own your vehicle outright and choose not to carry collision coverage, you will have to pay for any repairs or replacements out of pocket if you are found at fault in an accident. If the other driver is at fault, their liability coverage will typically cover the cost.

When deciding whether to opt for collision coverage, consider the value of your vehicle and your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement out of pocket. If your vehicle is brand new or still worth a considerable amount, collision coverage can help with the cost of expensive repairs or a replacement. If you couldn't afford to pay for repairs without insurance, collision coverage provides peace of mind.

In the event of an accident, collision coverage can pay to repair or replace your vehicle. This includes single-vehicle accidents, like hitting a guardrail or telephone pole, collisions with other vehicles, and collisions while your vehicle is parked (including hit-and-runs).

It's important to note that collision coverage does not apply to collisions with animals, which are covered under comprehensive coverage. It also doesn't cover injuries or damage you cause to another driver and their vehicle—your liability coverage applies instead. Additionally, damage to your vehicle caused by events outside of your control, such as a tree falling on it, is covered under comprehensive coverage.

Liability coverage

While liability coverage will not cover your own broken windows, it is important to note that if the other driver is at fault in an accident, their property damage liability coverage will pay for the repairs to your windows.

If you want your own insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing broken windows, you will need to add comprehensive and/or collision coverage to your policy. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or weather events. Collision coverage, on the other hand, pays for damages to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or an inanimate object. Both types of coverage typically include a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the claim.

Deductibles

The deductible is the amount of money that you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company will step in and pay the rest of the claim. Liability insurance does not usually have a deductible, but comprehensive and collision coverage does. Some policies do have no-deductible options for some types of damages, including broken windows.

It is important to understand your deductible amount and whether your insurance company will cover the rest of the claim after you have paid your deductible. The deductible amount can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy. In some cases, the deductible may be a set amount, while in others, it may be a percentage of the total claim amount.

It is also worth noting that some insurance companies offer a glass buyback deductible, which can reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket for glass repairs or replacements. This can be especially useful if you have a high deductible or if the cost of repairing or replacing the glass is lower than your deductible.

When filing a claim for a broken window, it is important to consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible. If the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim, as it could result in an increase in your insurance rates. However, if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible, filing a claim may be a good option to help cover the costs.

Additionally, some states have laws that waive deductibles for windshield repair or replacement. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are known as zero-deductible states, where the deductible is waived to encourage drivers to get broken glass repaired for safety reasons.

Repair or replace

Whether you should repair or replace a broken car window depends on the extent of the damage. Chips and cracks larger than a certain size, usually around 6 inches, will require a full rear windshield replacement. If the damage is limited to a small chip, a repair may be possible. However, due to the nature of rear glass manufacturing, it is often challenging to repair back glass to meet safety standards, and replacement is typically recommended.

If you decide to repair a broken car window, the process involves carefully inspecting and removing the damaged glass, vacuuming any debris and glass from the vehicle, and inserting a new window. The technician will also test the functionality of any defrost or technological capabilities affected by the repair. The entire process can typically be completed within an hour, and some companies offer mobile services that come to your location for added convenience.

On the other hand, if you choose to replace a broken car window, the process is similar. The technician will carefully remove the damaged glass, vacuum any debris, and insert a new window. They will also apply Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC)-approved adhesive to ensure the new window is securely in place. It is recommended to observe the drive-away time specified by the technician to allow the adhesive to cure properly for safe driving. Like the repair process, replacement can also be completed within an hour, and mobile services are often available.

It is important to note that broken car windows can compromise your safety and expose your valuables and car interior to the elements and theft. Therefore, it is advisable to address the issue promptly by contacting a reputable auto glass service provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions