Jane Dotson
Whether your auto insurance covers glass repair depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage caused by falling debris or hitting an animal. On the other hand, if your windshield is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage will usually apply, and you may need to pay a deductible first. Some companies also offer auto glass coverage, which can include a smaller or no deductible at all. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any applicable deductibles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does auto insurance cover glass repair? | Yes, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer could pay to repair or replace the windshield with minimal or no cost to you. |
| What is the cost of repairing a broken windshield? | Repairing a windshield is less expensive than replacing one. The cost to repair a windshield generally depends on how much of the glass needs fixing. |
| What is full glass coverage? | Full glass coverage is an optional policy that’s usually inexpensive to add on and makes glass repair more affordable. |
| What is the cost of replacing a windshield? | The cost of a windshield replacement depends on the car's make and model, and the type of glass used. |
| Does auto insurance cover rock chips? | Yes, your comprehensive coverage should cover rock chips. |
| Does auto insurance cover glass damage caused by an accident? | If the accident was caused by another driver, their liability insurance will pay for the damage. If you are at fault, you will have to use your own collision insurance or pay out of pocket. |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage, you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance starts paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim and is separate from your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy. For example, if your comprehensive deductible is $500 and your windshield replacement would cost $700, you would pay $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining cost.
Some insurance companies offer separate windshield deductibles or a $0 windshield deductible, meaning you won't have to pay to replace a windshield in a covered loss. You can also purchase full glass coverage as an add-on to your comprehensive coverage, which would mean you won't have to pay a deductible for the repair or replacement of damaged auto glass.
It's important to note that comprehensive coverage does not typically cover pre-existing damage, such as a cracked windshield on a used car. Additionally, if the cost to replace your windshield is lower than your comprehensive deductible, your insurance may not cover it. Therefore, it's essential to review your auto insurance policy to understand your specific coverage.
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Collision coverage
When it comes to collision coverage and glass repair, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, collision coverage typically applies when there is physical damage to your vehicle as a result of a collision. This could include a car crash or an accident involving a stationary object, such as a utility pole. If your windshield is cracked or broken due to an accident involving another vehicle, collision coverage will likely cover the repairs.
It is important to note that collision coverage may not cover all types of glass repairs. For example, if your windshield is damaged due to falling debris, hitting an animal, or other unexpected events, comprehensive coverage may apply instead. Comprehensive coverage is often referred to as "Other Than Collision" coverage and includes damage caused by events other than a collision. This could include damage from falling objects, windstorms, hail, vandalism, or theft.
In some cases, your insurance company may offer full glass coverage as an add-on to your collision or comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage is specifically designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing glass, and it may have a lower deductible or no deductible at all. Full glass coverage can be a cost-effective option if you live in an area where glass damage is common, such as an area with frequent hailstorms or high winds.
It is always a good idea to review your insurance policy and understand the specifics of your collision coverage. The deductible, coverage limits, and exclusions will vary depending on your insurance provider and your specific policy. Additionally, the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of glass used.
In summary, collision coverage can provide valuable protection in the event of a car accident, including damage to your windshield and other glass components. However, it is important to understand the limitations of your coverage and explore additional options, such as comprehensive coverage or full glass coverage, to ensure you have the protection you need.
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Full glass coverage
In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are required to provide automatic full glass coverage for those who purchase comprehensive coverage. These "zero-deductible" states do not allow carriers to sell full glass coverage with a deductible. In other states, full glass coverage may be offered as an optional add-on, or it may be included in the comprehensive portion of your policy without a separate deductible.
The benefits of having full glass coverage include the waiver of your deductible when repairing, rather than replacing, your windshield. Additionally, repairing a windshield is faster and more convenient than replacing it, usually taking only about 30 minutes, and it leaves the original factory-installed seal intact. The repair will also only leave a slight blemish that will become less noticeable over time.
It's important to note that full glass coverage may not be automatically included in your auto insurance policy, so be sure to review your policy documents or contact your insurance agent to determine if you have this coverage and if any additional riders or endorsements are needed.
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Deductibles
When it comes to auto glass repair or replacement, the deductible amount you pay depends on several factors, including the type of coverage you have, the extent of the damage, and the laws in your state.
If you have comprehensive coverage, it typically includes auto glass repair or replacement for incidents like falling objects, vandalism, or collisions with animals. Comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible, which you will need to pay before the insurance company covers the remaining cost. However, some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims, or you may have a policy with a lower deductible specifically for glass claims.
Collision coverage, on the other hand, generally applies when your windshield is damaged in a car accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object. Like comprehensive coverage, collision coverage typically includes a deductible that you will need to pay before the insurance company covers the remaining cost of repairs or replacement.
It's important to note that some insurance companies may not require you to pay a deductible for minor repairs, such as small chips or cracks that can be fixed without replacing the entire windshield. In these cases, the insurance company may cover the full cost of the repair.
Additionally, some states have "zero-deductible" laws that waive the deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina have laws that state a deductible does not apply to motor vehicle glass repairs or replacements under comprehensive coverage.
When filing a claim for auto glass repair or replacement, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage, deductible amount, and any applicable state laws that may impact your out-of-pocket costs.
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Repair vs replacement
Whether you should repair or replace your car windshield depends on a few factors. The most important consideration is the impact of the damage on the driver's visibility and safety. If the crack or chip is within the driver's line of vision, repair is often not recommended.
The size, depth, and location of the damage are also key factors. Chips or cracks that are larger than a certain size (typically between 6 and 12 inches for cracks and 1 and 3 inches for chips) will likely require a full replacement. If the damage only affects the outer layer of glass and is not near the edge or corner of the windshield, it may be possible to repair it. However, if the inner layer of glass is broken or the damage is near a corner, replacement is usually recommended.
Another factor to consider is the extent of the damage. If there are multiple chips or cracks in different areas of the windshield, replacement is often the best option to restore the structural integrity of the glass.
Repairing a windshield is typically cheaper and faster than replacing it, and it can help prevent cracks from spreading. However, replacement may be necessary to ensure the highest level of visibility and safety.
It's important to consult a skilled auto glass technician to determine the best course of action, as they can properly assess the damage and recommend the appropriate solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Auto insurance typically covers glass repair if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually covers the cost to repair or replace a windshield that is damaged because you’ve hit an animal or debris has fallen on your car.
Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers repair costs for perils such as fire, flooding, theft, and vandalism.
Whether or not you have to pay a deductible depends on the insurance company and the state you live in. In "zero-deductible" states, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, you do not have to pay a deductible for a replacement. In other states, you may have to pay a deductible for glass replacement but not for glass repair.
To file a claim for windshield damage, first assess the extent of the damage. If the crack is larger than six inches, you will likely need to replace the entire windshield. If the crack is smaller, a vehicle glass professional may be able to repair it without removing the entire windshield. Next, take photos and measurements of the damage, then file a claim with your insurance company online or over the phone. Finally, choose a glass and windshield specialist from the options provided by your insurance company.
Without windshield coverage, the cost to replace a basic windshield is typically between $300 and $600. For high-tech cars, the cost can exceed $1,000.
