Windshield Claims: The Hidden Cost Of Auto Insurance

Whether or not a windshield claim will cause your auto insurance rates to go up depends on a number of factors. The type of insurance coverage you have is important, as is the cost of the repair compared to your deductible. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover windshield damage caused by non-collision events. Collision coverage may also cover windshield damage, but only if it was damaged during a crash. Some states and insurers waive the deductible for windshield damage, but this is not always the case. Multiple claims over a short period of time are also likely to impact your rates.

Comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage caused by non-collision events

Comprehensive insurance is an optional type of coverage that protects against damage to your car beyond car accidents. This includes theft, vandalism, windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather (like hail and falling branches), and natural disasters. Lenders often require this type of coverage; unless you paid for your car in cash or have already paid off your loan, you probably have this coverage.

The cost of comprehensive insurance varies, but it averages $339 a year, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of comprehensive rates with a $500 deductible.

In some states, insurers may offer full glass coverage as an add-on to comprehensive insurance. This option covers the full cost of windshield repairs and replacements without a deductible. In Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, all policyholders get full glass coverage because it's illegal for insurers to charge deductibles on windshield claims.

Collision insurance covers damage caused by collisions

Whether or not your auto insurance rates will go up following a windshield claim depends on the type of insurance coverage you have and the cause of the damage. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover windshield damage caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or natural disasters. On the other hand, if you have collision coverage, your insurance may or may not cover windshield damage, but only if it occurred during a collision. Liability coverage typically does not cover windshield damage and replacement unless it was caused by the policyholder.

Now, let's focus on collision insurance and how it covers damage caused by collisions:

Collision insurance is an optional coverage that you can add to your basic automobile insurance policy. It reimburses the policyholder for damage sustained to their vehicle due to a collision or accident. This includes collisions with other vehicles, trees, poles, guardrails, and most other roadway hazards. It also covers damage from potholes and accidents involving stationary objects, such as lampposts or curbs. If you are not at fault in the collision, collision insurance will still cover the damage to your vehicle. Additionally, collision insurance can provide coverage in hit-and-run incidents, roll-overs, and accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

When purchasing collision insurance, you will usually need to select a deductible amount. The deductible is the amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the remaining costs of repairs or replacements. By choosing a higher deductible, such as $500 or more, you can often lower your insurance premiums. However, it is important to ensure that you can afford to pay the deductible amount in the event of a claim.

In terms of cost, collision insurance can be expensive, with an average annual premium of $788 according to Forbes Advisor's research with a $500 deductible. The cost of collision insurance will depend on various factors, including the make and model of your car, your driving record, and your location. It is worth noting that collision insurance is typically required by lenders if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. If you own your car outright, collision insurance is optional, but it can provide valuable peace of mind in the event of a collision.

When making a collision insurance claim, the process typically involves notifying your insurance company as soon as possible and providing details about the collision and the damage to your vehicle. They may request photos of the damage and ask you to select a repair shop from their network of approved providers or give you the flexibility to choose your own. Before starting any repairs, it is essential to discuss the projected repair costs with your insurer to ensure you understand what will be covered. Once the repairs are completed, you will need to pay your deductible amount directly to the repair shop, and the insurance company will cover the remaining costs.

In summary, collision insurance provides financial protection for your vehicle in the event of a collision by covering the costs of repairs or replacements, minus your deductible. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your collision insurance policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions or limitations that may apply. By understanding your coverage, you can make informed decisions about filing claims and ensure you are adequately protected in the event of a collision.

Full glass coverage covers the full cost of repairs/replacements

If you have full glass coverage, you won't have to worry about paying a deductible for your windshield repair or replacement. Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your existing auto insurance policy, but only if you already have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers damage to your vehicle that is unrelated to car accidents or collisions, such as theft, fire, or damage from natural events like hail or a fallen tree. Comprehensive coverage usually requires you to pay a deductible before coverage kicks in, but some states have "zero-deductible" laws that waive the deductible for windshield damage.

In Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, all policyholders get full glass coverage because it is illegal for insurers to charge deductibles on windshield claims. In the other 47 states, insurers may offer full glass coverage for an additional cost. This option will cost you extra, but it could save you money in the long run if you have a high deductible.

If you have full glass coverage, any chipped, cracked, or broken windshields or windows can be repaired or replaced without you paying a deductible. Most insurance companies will work directly with glass repair shops to ensure your vehicle gets fixed without any hassle for you as the consumer.

It's important to note that full glass coverage is not automatic and can be added or removed for each individual vehicle. When purchasing auto insurance online, it's easy to miss this coverage as consumers often assume it is automatically included. Therefore, it's recommended to consult an independent agent to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.

Whether to file a claim depends on repair costs, deductible amount, and premium increase

Whether to file a claim depends on three main factors: repair costs, deductible amount, and premium increase.

First, consider the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. If the repair costs are less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim, as the insurance company will not cover the repairs. In this case, you would be responsible for the full cost of the repairs.

Second, find out the amount of your deductible, which is the portion of the repair costs that you are responsible for paying. If your deductible is high, such as $500 or $1,000, and the repair costs are only slightly higher, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself to avoid filing a claim.

Third, consider how filing a claim may impact your insurance premium. While a single windshield claim may not significantly affect your rates, multiple claims in a short period could lead to an increase in your premium or even non-renewal of your policy. Additionally, if you have a history of multiple claims, switching insurance companies may result in higher premiums due to the increased risk associated with frequent claims.

It's important to weigh these factors when deciding whether to file a claim. If the repair costs are significantly higher than your deductible and you can afford the out-of-pocket expense, you may want to avoid filing a claim to prevent a potential increase in your premium. On the other hand, if the repair costs are much higher than your deductible, filing a claim may be the best option to cover the expenses.

Filing a claim: notify your insurance company, choose an auto glass shop, and pay your deductible

Filing a Windshield Claim

Notify your insurance company

If you want to file a claim for windshield damage, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone or online. You will need to provide details about the damage, such as when and how it occurred, and they may request photos of the damage.

Choose an auto glass shop

Your insurance company may provide a network of shops to choose from, or you might be able to select your own. If you choose a shop not recommended by your insurer, check that the price the shop charges for windshield service will be fully covered by your insurance.

Pay your deductible

If you have a deductible for windshield repair or replacement, you may need to pay this amount directly to the auto glass shop. Alternatively, you might choose to pay the entire service bill and seek reimbursement from your insurance company. To ensure you are fully reimbursed, discuss the projected repair costs with your insurer before getting any work done.

Frequently asked questions