Farmers Auto Insurance: Understanding Windshield Repair Coverage

Farmers Insurance will cover a broken windshield as long as you have their comprehensive insurance coverage or the glass buyback deductible. Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states and is designed to protect your car from damage not caused by a collision, including theft or vandalism. If you have comprehensive coverage, Farmers will cover the cost of repairing your windshield without charging you a deductible. If the damage is more severe and your windshield needs to be replaced, you will need to pay your deductible, and Farmers will cover the remaining costs.

Comprehensive coverage

Farmers Insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield, but the extent of the coverage depends on the type of insurance policy held. Comprehensive coverage is an optional auto coverage that protects your car from damage not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or a golf ball hitting the windshield.

If you have comprehensive coverage, Farmers Insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, after you pay your comprehensive deductible. The comprehensive deductible is typically around $250, but this may vary depending on your specific policy. It's important to note that the deductible may be waived for windshield chip repairs if you carry a comprehensive deductible without the glass waiver.

The cost of repairing a windshield is often fully covered by Farmers if the damage is minor. Minor damage includes three or fewer cracks or chips, with no damages larger than six inches. For more severe damage, such as four or more cracks or chips, or damage larger than six inches, a full windshield replacement may be recommended. In this case, you would need to pay your deductible, and Farmers would cover the remaining costs.

It's worth noting that some states have specific laws governing whether customers need to pay a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina do not require customers to pay a deductible for these services. Additionally, insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York must offer a "full glass coverage" policy, allowing customers to opt for a $0 deductible for glass repairs.

Repair vs replacement

When deciding whether to repair or replace your windshield, the first thing to consider 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, replacement is recommended as repair work could leave a slight mark that impairs the driver's view. Additionally, if the damage is near or reaches a corner or edge of the windshield, it will likely require a full replacement as the glass becomes unstable and could shatter.

The size, depth, and location of the damage are also crucial factors. As a general rule, if the damaged area is smaller than a dollar bill, repair is usually possible. If it's larger, it may be too difficult to repair, and replacement might be necessary. However, there are exceptions, and it's always best to consult a glass repair specialist.

If the damage only involves the outer layer of the glass and is limited to three or fewer chips or cracks, each smaller than six inches, repair is a good option. Repairs are typically quicker, taking around 30 minutes, and are more cost-effective.

However, if the damage penetrates the inner layer of glass or the plastic layer, replacement becomes necessary. This is also the case if there are four or more chips or cracks, or if the damage is larger than six inches. While replacement takes longer and is more expensive, it is the best way to ensure the highest level of visibility and restore the integrity of the vehicle.

It's important to note that DIY windshield repair kits may not always be effective and could potentially cause further damage or leave distracting marks that obstruct your view. Therefore, it's recommended to seek professional help for both repairs and replacements to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.

Deductibles

Farmers Insurance offers a Glass Deductible Buy Back coverage option, which includes windshield and glass repair and replacement, and carries a $100 deductible. This is available at an additional cost.

Farmers will waive any comprehensive deductible for a windshield chip repair. So, if you have a $250 deductible on your comprehensive policy and do not have the glass waiver, Farmers will pay for the cost of the windshield repair in full. This is to prevent the need for a full windshield replacement, which is more time-consuming and breaks the original factory seal. However, if you are unhappy with the repair, Farmers will approve a full windshield replacement, but you will be required to pay your comprehensive deductible if you do not carry the auto glass waiver on your policy.

In some states, specific laws govern whether customers will need to pay their deductible for windshield repairs or replacement. For example, in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers cannot charge a deductible for windshield repairs or replacement. Additionally, insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York must offer a "full glass coverage" policy that allows customers to opt for a $0 deductible for glass repairs.

Full glass coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage with Farmers, you can make a claim for windshield repairs and replacements. Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states and is used to cover damage that has affected your vehicle due to outside incidents and not as a result of your own actions. This includes damage to the windshield from things like a golf ball, a deer crossing the road, or weather and natural disasters.

Farmers Insurance offers fast and convenient vehicle glass repairs. The company aims to get you back on the road with a clean, repaired windshield in as little as 30 minutes of starting your claim.

In some states, specific laws govern whether customers will need to pay their deductible for windshield repairs or replacement. For instance, in Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky, insurers cannot charge a deductible for windshield repairs or replacement. Additionally, insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York must offer a "full glass coverage" policy that allows customers to choose a $0 deductible for glass repairs.

If you have full glass coverage, you can pay a $0 deductible for windshield repairs and replacements. In exchange for a few extra dollars per month, you won't have to pay a deductible for these services. Five states require insurance companies to offer full glass coverage: Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York. Farmers may offer full glass coverage in other states, but they are not required to do so. If you have full glass coverage in any state, you won't pay a deductible for your Farmers glass repair or replacement claim.

Filing a claim

If you have Farmers auto insurance and need to repair or replace your windshield, the cost is often fully covered by Farmers if you have comprehensive coverage. However, you may need to pay a deductible unless your state laws or policy details say otherwise.

To file a claim for windshield repair or replacement, you can use Farmers' online portal or schedule an appointment with Safelite, their chosen repair and replacement provider. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file a claim and schedule an appointment:

• Log in to your Farmers.com account.
• Schedule an appointment with Safelite by providing information about your vehicle and the damage. You can also choose to schedule an appointment with a repair shop of your choice.
• Enter your insurance information.
• During the booking process, provide your chosen repair shop's information if it is not Safelite.
• After your claim is filed, upload the receipt if you have already repaired your windshield and need reimbursement.

The total amount of your out-of-pocket cost may vary depending on the extent of the glass damage, your vehicle make and model, your insurance coverage, and other factors.

If you are unsure whether you will need to pay a deductible for windshield replacement, you can check your policy details or contact Farmers' customer service line at 1-888-327-6335.

Additionally, Farmers has designated a third-party administrator (TPA) to manage auto glass repair and windshield replacement claims. When filing a claim, you will need to provide personal details such as your name, phone number, address, email address, policy number, and vehicle information. You will also need to describe the damage to your windshield and provide an approximate date when the damage occurred.

It is important to note that windshield repairs are typically recommended for three or fewer chips or cracks that are smaller than six inches. If the damage is more extensive, a full windshield replacement is usually suggested.

Frequently asked questions