Jeffrey Wade
If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked or broken windshield. However, filing a claim may affect your insurance premium rate. While some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible for windshield repairs, others may consider any claim, even a glass claim, when calculating your premium discount. As a result, your rates may increase over the next few years, costing you more than simply paying for the repair yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive coverage | Covers windshield repair or replacement with no deductible |
| Collision coverage | Covers windshield damage in a car crash |
| Claim-free discount | Available if no claims are made; the longer you go without any claims, the bigger the discount |
| Repair cost | If the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible, it is worth filing a claim |
| State laws | Some states have laws against driving with a cracked windshield |
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Comprehensive coverage
It's important to note that comprehensive coverage may not cover all types of windshield damage. For example, if the damage is caused by a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object, collision coverage would typically apply instead. Additionally, comprehensive coverage usually requires a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle you have.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay for minor windshield repairs out of pocket, especially if the damage is small and can be easily repaired. This is because filing an insurance claim may result in an increase in your insurance premiums, even for comprehensive coverage. It's always a good idea to review your insurance policy and understand what is covered before filing a claim. Additionally, some states have laws that waive deductibles for broken windshields if the driver has comprehensive coverage, so it's important to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your state.
Overall, if you have comprehensive coverage, it is likely that repairing a rock-broken windshield will be covered by your insurance. However, it's important to consider the specific circumstances of the damage, the cost of repairs, and the potential impact on your insurance premiums before filing a claim. Contacting your insurance provider and reviewing your policy can help you make an informed decision about whether to file a claim or pay for repairs out of pocket.
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Collision coverage
In contrast to comprehensive coverage, collision coverage applies specifically to accidents involving a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers non-collision damage, such as fire, vandalism, falling objects, theft, and natural disasters. While comprehensive coverage typically includes glass coverage, it may not cover all types of windshield damage, especially if the damage occurs during a collision.
If your windshield is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage may be your primary source of coverage. Depending on your insurance provider and policy details, collision coverage can help pay for repairing or replacing your windshield after a collision. It's important to review your specific policy to understand the extent of your collision coverage and any exclusions or limitations that may apply to windshield damage.
In some cases, comprehensive coverage may also provide protection for windshield damage. Comprehensive coverage typically includes glass coverage, which can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield in non-collision incidents. However, it's worth noting that comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible, and the coverage may not extend to all types of windshield damage.
When deciding whether to file a claim under collision or comprehensive coverage, it's essential to consider the circumstances of the damage. If your windshield was damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, collision coverage would typically apply. On the other hand, if your windshield was damaged by falling debris, vandalism, or other non-collision events, comprehensive coverage may be more appropriate. Consulting with an auto glass specialist or your insurance provider can help determine the best course of action for repairing or replacing your windshield and navigating the insurance process.
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Deductibles
Whether repairing a rock-broken windshield will affect your insurance rate depends on your insurer and the type of coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your windshield repair or replacement will likely be covered, but you may still have to pay a deductible.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. The cost of repairing or replacing your windshield will be covered by your insurance company after you have paid your deductible. The amount of your deductible will vary depending on your insurance policy.
If your windshield can be repaired instead of replaced, you may not have to pay a deductible at all. Some insurance companies, such as Progressive, waive the deductible for windshield repairs. Other companies, such as GEICO, may waive the deductible for glass repairs if you have the appropriate coverage.
It's important to note that filing a claim for windshield damage may cause your insurance premiums to increase. This is because making a claim counts as a claim on your car insurance, and this could make your rates go up. One way to avoid this is to pay for the windshield repair yourself, which is often less than $100 for a small chip or crack.
Before filing a claim, it's a good idea to weigh the benefits against the potential impact on your insurance rates. Contact your insurance company to understand how claims may affect your premium and whether your policy includes coverage for windshield repairs or replacements.
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Repair costs
The make and model of the vehicle also influence the cost of windshield replacement due to supply and demand. Rare parts for luxury vehicles can be difficult to obtain and expensive to source. Ordering a new windshield from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be costly, but the quality is superior as it is tailor-made for the vehicle.
Windshield repair shops typically charge per incident, and the size of the crack will determine the cost. Chips or cracks up to a foot in length can cost $50 to $60 to repair, while those between one and two feet in length can cost $60 to $70. The average cost to replace a windshield is $300 for all vehicle types, but this can increase depending on additional features such as special molding or wipers.
It is important to note that repairing a chipped windshield before it becomes a major crack is significantly cheaper and can save money in the long run. Leaving a cracked windshield unrepaired may impair the driver's vision and pose a safety hazard, leading to a ticket from police officers.
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State laws
In the United States, state laws vary regarding insurance coverage for windshield repair or replacement. While a full coverage car insurance policy typically covers windshield replacement, the specific protections included in such a policy can vary by state. For example, comprehensive coverage typically includes a deductible, but some states—including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina—waive deductibles for windshield replacement if the driver has comprehensive coverage. These "zero-deductible states" also require insurers to offer full glass coverage as an add-on.
In addition to differences in insurance coverage, state laws also vary with respect to the amount of windshield damage a driver can legally tolerate. Many states have rules limiting the extent of windshield damage beyond which drivers may receive a ticket. For example, Virginia rejects vehicles with a pit, chip, or star crack larger than 1.5 inches in diameter or length that's 3 inches above the bottom of the windshield. Vehicles can also fail inspection in Virginia if there's any crack that weakens the structural integrity of the windshield.
It is important to note that while repairing a windshield is generally less expensive than replacing it, the cost of repairs can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Small chips and cracks may cost $100 or less to repair, but larger cracks will be more expensive to fix.
Before making a claim, it is advisable to weigh the benefits against the potential impact on insurance rates. While repairing a cracked windshield through insurance may count as a claim, potentially increasing insurance premiums, some insurers offer optional glass coverage with a low or no deductible.
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Frequently asked questions
Repairing a rock-broken windshield can affect your insurance rate. In general, filing a claim—even if it's only for an auto glass claim—can cause you to lose the claim-free discount and affect your insurance premium rate for years. However, this may depend on your insurance provider and state laws. For example, some states like Florida waive deductibles for broken windshields if the driver has comprehensive coverage.
It is recommended to weigh the benefits of repairing your windshield through insurance against the potential increase in insurance premium rates. If the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may be worth filing a claim. Additionally, some insurance providers may offer $0 deductibles for windshield repairs.
If the rock causes a small chip in your windshield, you can use a cheap kit from automotive stores to repair it yourself. This can help prevent the chip from spreading and becoming a major crack that requires a full windshield replacement.
