Auto Insurance: Understanding Windshield Repair Coverage

Whether your auto insurance covers windshield repair 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 don't have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance won't pay to repair your windshield.

Comprehensive coverage

Even if you live in a state that requires a deductible, some insurers may waive the deductible for glass repairs. For example, Progressive offers a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims in some states.

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover damage to your windshield caused by a collision. If your windshield is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage would typically apply instead.

Collision coverage

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, collision coverage can be a driver's best friend. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield, minus the deductible, if the accident was caused by the policyholder. This coverage is especially useful when the windshield has sustained extensive damage and needs to be replaced entirely.

It's worth noting that collision coverage usually comes into play when the damage is a result of an accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object, such as a utility pole. This coverage ensures that drivers are not left financially burdened by the often-expensive repairs that windshields may require.

The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the make and model of the car, and the type of glass used. Collision coverage helps alleviate the financial strain of these repairs, making it a valuable component of auto insurance.

Additionally, collision coverage can provide peace of mind for drivers involved in accidents. By having this coverage, drivers can rest assured that their insurance company will assist with the cost of repairs, reducing the stress and hassle associated with car accidents.

It's important to remember that collision coverage may not cover all types of windshield damage. For instance, if the damage is caused by falling debris, hitting an animal, or other unexpected events, comprehensive coverage would typically apply instead.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage typically applies when the windshield is damaged by falling objects, vandalism, severe weather, theft, or a collision with an animal. Collision coverage, on the other hand, comes into play when the windshield is damaged in a car accident. It's worth noting that some states have "zero-deductible" laws, where auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina have such laws in place. In these states, if you carry comprehensive insurance, you won't have to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer full glass coverage or a "zero deductible" option for glass replacement, which is separate from your comprehensive deductible. This option can be beneficial if you have a high deductible. However, it will cost you extra on top of your regular insurance premiums.

When deciding whether to file an insurance claim, it's important to consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible. If the difference between the repair cost and your deductible is small, you may opt to pay for the repairs yourself. On the other hand, if the cost of repairs or a full replacement is significantly higher than your deductible, it is usually more cost-effective to file a claim.

It's also worth noting that some insurance companies waive deductibles for minor windshield repairs, especially if you have full glass coverage. This coverage is often inexpensive to add to your policy and can make repairing small chips or cracks more affordable.

The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield without insurance can range from $250 to $1,500, depending on the make, model, and features of your vehicle. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or safety cameras positioned behind the windshield can significantly increase the cost of replacement due to the need for recalibration.

Filing a claim

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

Through Your Insurer

If you choose to file a claim directly with your insurance company, you will need 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
• The diameter, length, and position of any cracks in the windshield

Through a Third-Party

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

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

Important Notes

• It is important to file a claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. If the damage occurs while you are driving, pull over as soon as possible and report your claim.
• Comprehensive coverage typically covers windshield damage caused by falling debris, animal collisions, fires, vandalism, and storm damage.
• Collision coverage usually applies if your windshield is damaged in a car accident, especially if the other driver is at fault.
• If you have full glass coverage, you may pay a low deductible or no deductible at all for the repair.

Repair or replacement

Whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced depends on the extent of the damage. If the crack is smaller than six inches, repairing the windshield may be sufficient. However, if the damage is more extensive, the windshield could be unsafe, and a full replacement may be necessary.

If the damage is just a small chip or crack, a glass repair shop may patch the crack for free, so you wouldn't need to make an insurance claim. However, if the crack is over six inches long, it is considered unrepairable, and a full windshield replacement is required.

In some cases, car insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer may pay for the repair or replacement with minimal or no cost to you. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage to your windshield caused by events outside of your control, such as falling debris or hitting an animal. On the other hand, collision coverage applies if your windshield is damaged in a car accident, whether it involves another vehicle or a stationary object.

It's important to note that you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. However, some insurers may waive the deductible for glass repairs, and some states have laws requiring insurers to provide automatic full glass coverage without a deductible.

Frequently asked questions