Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Windshield Warrior Or Weak Spot?

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will likely be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage to your vehicle caused by things other than a collision, such as natural disasters, storms, civil disobedience, theft, and falling objects. However, it's important to note that the extent of glass and windshield coverage can vary across different insurers and states, and you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance starts paying for repairs or replacements.

Comprehensive insurance and windshield replacement

Comprehensive insurance is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that covers damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes natural disasters, storms, civil disobedience, theft, vandalism, and falling objects. It also covers damage caused by hitting an animal.

Comprehensive insurance typically covers windshield replacement or glass repair if the damage is not caused by an accident. If your windshield is damaged in a crash, the cost of replacement or repair would fall under liability or collision coverage, depending on who is at fault.

Windshield replacement is covered by comprehensive insurance in situations such as:

• Cracks and chips from road debris
• Theft-related damage
• Natural disasters and storms
• Damage caused by hitting an animal
• Falling objects, such as rocks or tree limbs

Even if you have comprehensive insurance, there are situations in which windshield replacement may not be covered:

• If you don't already have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance will not cover a windshield replacement.
• Your insurance will not cover pre-existing damage. For example, if you bought a used car with a cracked windshield, your insurance policy will not cover a replacement.
• If the cost to replace your windshield is lower than your comprehensive deductible, your insurance may not cover it.

Deductibles

If you have comprehensive insurance, you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance starts paying for a windshield replacement. The 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. Some insurers may waive your deductible for repairable glass damage.

Cost of windshield replacement

The cost of windshield replacement depends on your vehicle. Standard cars typically cost between $100 and $400, while luxury cars can cost $1,000 or more. Some cars require specialty glass or have sensors that need to be calibrated after a windshield replacement, which can be more expensive.

Comprehensive insurance and glass repair

If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes natural disasters and storms, damage caused by hitting an animal, civil disobedience, theft and associated damage, and collisions with animals, like a deer.

Comprehensive insurance covers windshield replacement as long as the windshield was damaged by something other than an accident. If the windshield was damaged in a crash, the cost of windshield replacement or repairs would fall under liability or collision coverage, depending on fault.

The cost of repairing a windshield is less expensive than replacing one. This is because the cost of repairing a windshield generally depends on how much of the glass needs fixing, whereas the cost of a windshield replacement depends on several factors, including the type of glass used and the car's make and model.

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. In some cases, insurers may waive your deductible for repairable glass damage, or offer free repairs for small chips or cracks.

When comprehensive insurance applies

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events that are outside of your control. This includes damage from falling objects, such as rocks, hail, or tree branches, as well as accidents with animals, weather events, theft, and vandalism.

• Falling objects: If a tree branch falls on your windshield and damages it, comprehensive insurance would cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Accidents with animals: If you hit a deer or other animal while driving and your windshield is damaged as a result, comprehensive insurance would cover the repairs or replacement.
• Weather events: In the case of severe weather, such as a hailstorm, that results in damage to your windshield, comprehensive insurance would cover the necessary repairs or replacement.
• Theft and vandalism: Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by theft or vandalism, so if your windshield is damaged in a break-in or act of vandalism, it would be covered.

It's important to note that comprehensive insurance does not cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. In those cases, collision coverage would typically apply. Additionally, the extent of glass and windshield coverage may vary across different insurance providers and states, so it's always a good idea to review your specific policy and understand the deductibles that may apply.

When windshield replacement isn't covered

If your windshield was damaged in an accident where the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance should cover the cost of repairs or a replacement. If you have collision insurance and you were at fault in an accident, or the fault was unclear, this will also cover the cost of repairs or a replacement. In these cases, comprehensive insurance will not cover windshield repairs or replacement.

Similarly, if someone damages your windshield in a non-driving related incident, you may be able to file a claim for windshield replacement through the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance.

Comprehensive insurance also does not cover normal wear-and-tear costs, such as replacing worn tires and windshield wipers, or any mechanical issues.

Deductibles for windshield replacement

When it comes to deductibles for windshield replacement, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand that comprehensive auto insurance typically covers windshield repair or replacement, but you will usually need to pay a deductible. The deductible amount varies depending on your insurance provider and the state you live in. Some insurance companies may even waive the deductible for minor windshield repairs.

In certain states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are not allowed to charge a deductible for repairing or replacing a windshield. This means that if you have comprehensive insurance, windshield repair or replacement is completely free. Additionally, some states like Arizona and Massachusetts give insurance companies the option to offer a $0 comprehensive insurance deductible for glass repair and replacement.

If you don't live in a state with reduced or waived deductibles, you may still be able to get your deductible waived or reduced. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they offer any such options. Alternatively, you can look into purchasing full glass coverage, which is an add-on to comprehensive insurance that waives the deductible for glass repair or replacement. This option is available in states like Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York.

When deciding whether to file a claim for windshield damage, consider the cost of repairs or replacement compared to your deductible. Replacements can cost up to $400, so filing a claim and paying only your deductible will usually result in savings. Additionally, repairing a windshield is generally less expensive than replacing it, as the cost of repair depends on how much of the glass needs to be fixed.

In summary, while you typically need to pay a deductible for windshield replacement, there are situations where this deductible can be waived, reduced, or avoided altogether. Be sure to review your insurance policy and understand the specific coverage and deductibles that apply to windshield repairs and replacements.

Frequently asked questions