Auto Insurance And Windshield Woes: What's Covered And What's Not?

Whether your auto insurance covers windshield repairs 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. Comprehensive coverage can pay for a cracked or broken windshield, minus your deductible. Collision coverage will typically cover windshield damage that results from a car accident, though you may need to pay a deductible first. If you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance won't pay to repair your windshield.

Comprehensive coverage

In some states, insurers are required to offer windshield replacement without a deductible. These "zero-deductible" states include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. In these states, you won't have to pay to have your cracked windshield repaired or replaced.

Collision coverage

In the unfortunate event of a collision, your insurance policy's collision coverage will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, ensuring you don't have to bear the full financial burden. This coverage is particularly valuable if the damage is extensive and requires a full windshield replacement, which can be costly.

It's important to note that collision coverage has a deductible, which is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance provider covers the remaining cost. The deductible amount varies depending on your specific policy and the insurance company. Therefore, it's always a good idea to review your policy details to understand your deductible and how collision coverage applies to windshield repairs or replacements.

When filing a claim for windshield damage under collision coverage, it's essential to act promptly. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident and before any repairs are made. They will guide you through the claims process, which may involve providing details about the accident, the damage, and choosing an approved repair or replacement service.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that collision coverage not only covers windshield damage but also extends to other repairs your vehicle may need after a collision. This can include damage to the body, engine, or other components. So, in the event of an accident, collision coverage can provide comprehensive financial protection for various types of vehicle repairs, making it a valuable component of your auto insurance policy.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

Whether you have to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement depends on the type of insurance you have, the state you live in, and the insurance company you're with.

Comprehensive Insurance

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. However, some insurance companies waive the deductible for windshield repairs, and some states require insurers to waive the deductible for repairs and replacements. Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are "zero-deductible" states, meaning insurers cannot charge a deductible for repairing or replacing a windshield. Arizona and Massachusetts are optional "zero-deductible" states, meaning some insurers may offer a $0 deductible for glass repair and replacement. 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 repairs.

Collision Insurance

If you have collision insurance, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if it was damaged in an accident, minus your deductible.

Full Glass Coverage

Some insurance companies offer full glass coverage, which is an add-on to comprehensive insurance that waives the deductible for glass repairs and replacements.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you don't have comprehensive or collision insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover windshield repairs or replacements, you will have to pay out of pocket. The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the make and model of your car and the severity of the damage.

Filing a claim

If your windshield is damaged, 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 you can and report your claim immediately.

The procedure for filing a claim for windshield damage depends on your insurance company. Some insurers allow you to file a claim online or over the phone, while others will refer you to a third-party provider like Safelite.

When you're ready to file a claim, be prepared to provide the following details:

• The date and time the damage occurred
• The vehicles involved
• How the damage occurred
• Your policy number and contact information

You will also need to provide details about the damage, including the diameter, length, and position of any cracks in the windshield. Your insurance company will use this information to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Then you can schedule an appointment with a local glass shop or mobile service.

Many insurers use third-party claim services that work directly with a network of glass shops and mobile glass service providers. This allows insured individuals to go directly to the glass shop of their choice to get the work done. The glass shop will then notify the insurance company and file the claim on their behalf.

If you need a windshield repair or replacement, check with your insurance provider to verify the third-party glass shops they work with. Your insurance provider may share a link that you can use to file a glass claim with that third-party service. Once the service provider confirms your coverage, they can schedule your service.

When contacting the glass shop, you may be asked to provide the following information:

• Your insurance company
• Your auto insurance policy number
• Your vehicle's year, make, and model
• The automobile's vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Information on how the glass damage occurred
• The city and state in which the damage occurred

If you must pay a deductible, you will pay it directly to the shop upon completion of the repair or replacement.

Repair or replacement

Whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced depends on the extent of the damage. Small chips or cracks can often be repaired, but larger ones may require a full replacement.

A simple test can determine whether a chip or crack can be repaired or if the whole windshield needs to be replaced. If a chip is about an inch or less in diameter (roughly the width of a quarter), it can usually be repaired. A crack can be repaired if it can be entirely covered by a dollar bill. Repairs for both chips and cracks involve injecting epoxy, which works like caulk, into the damaged area. However, if the crack is larger than a dollar bill or close to the edge of the windshield, the glass' structural integrity may be compromised and a full replacement is likely needed.

Even if the chip or crack is small, a full replacement may be necessary if it's in the driver's line of sight. Repaired glass is as strong as new, but it often retains a visible mark.

It's important to act quickly if your windshield is damaged. A chip or crack can spread or take on water, fogging up the windshield and obstructing the driver's vision. Changing temperatures can also cause minor cracks to worsen, which may result in the need for a full windshield replacement—at a much higher cost.

Frequently asked questions