Alyssa Lane
Windshield damage is one of the most common auto insurance claims. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover windshield damage, although this depends on the insurance company and state laws. In some cases, it may be cheaper to pay for repairs out of pocket to avoid potentially higher future premiums.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether reporting a broken windshield will raise insurance rates | Depends on the insurance company and state laws |
| States where insurance companies are not allowed to raise premiums for not-at-fault claims | California and Oklahoma |
| Whether insurance covers windshield damage | Depends on the type of insurance coverage |
| Types of insurance coverage that cover windshield damage | Comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, separate full glass coverage |
| Types of insurance coverage that do not cover windshield damage | Liability coverage, minimum car insurance coverage required by the state |
| Whether a deductible needs to be paid for windshield damage | Depends on the type of claim (collision, comprehensive, or full glass) and state laws |
| States that require insurance companies to waive deductibles for comprehensive windshield damage claims | Florida, Kentucky |
| States that allow buying down deductibles | Some states |
| Whether filing a claim is recommended | Depends on the repair cost and deductible amount; if the repair cost is lower than the deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim |
| Whether filing a claim will affect insurance rates | May depend on whether the damage was the policyholder's fault; if the damage was not the policyholder's fault, it may not affect rates |
| Whether there are alternatives to filing an insurance claim | Yes, repairing or replacing the windshield out of pocket |
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage, it's recommended to file a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs and before any repairs are made. You can report your claim online, through an app, or by calling your insurance provider. Depending on your policy and state, you may be able to choose your own auto glass repair company, and repairs can often be performed at your home, workplace, or a shop.
While comprehensive coverage typically covers windshield repairs and replacements, there may be some instances where it doesn't. For example, if your windshield is damaged in a car accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object, collision coverage would typically apply instead of comprehensive coverage. Additionally, there may be instances where the damage is not covered at all, such as if the damage is intentional or if you have a basic liability-only insurance policy.
In summary, comprehensive coverage can provide valuable protection for your windshield, covering repairs and replacements in various scenarios. However, it's important to understand the specifics of your insurance policy and state laws to know exactly what is covered and what deductibles or limitations may apply.
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Collision coverage
When it comes to windshield damage, collision coverage typically applies when your windshield is damaged in a car accident or collision with another vehicle. This means that if your windshield is cracked, chipped, or shattered due to a collision, your collision coverage will likely cover the cost of repairs or replacement. It's important to note that collision coverage specifically pertains to damage caused by impact or collision, so it may not cover all types of windshield damage.
In most cases, collision coverage will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, regardless of whether it's a minor crack or a complete replacement. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and your specific policy details. It's always a good idea to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your collision coverage and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can vary. Repairing a small crack or chip is typically less expensive than replacing the entire windshield. Some insurance companies may even waive the deductible for windshield repairs, depending on the extent of the damage and your coverage. On the other hand, replacing a windshield can be more costly, and you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the remaining cost.
It's important to act promptly when your windshield is damaged. File a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible and before making any repairs or replacements. This will help ensure that your collision coverage applies to the incident and that you receive the appropriate financial assistance for the repairs or replacement. Remember to carefully review your insurance policy or consult with your provider to fully understand your collision coverage and how it applies to windshield damage.
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Liability coverage
If you have liability coverage only, your insurance won’t cover windshield damage and replacement. Liability coverage is a mandatory type of insurance that covers any injuries or property damage you cause to someone else while driving. This type of coverage doesn’t extend to your injuries or your car.
In general, a full-coverage car insurance policy should cover the cost of replacing a damaged windshield. While the protection included in a full-coverage policy can vary, it typically includes your state’s required coverage, such as liability, plus comprehensive and collision coverage. Depending on the cause of the damage, comprehensive or collision coverage may pay to replace a windshield. Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your car after non-collision damage, including fire, vandalism, falling objects, theft, and natural disasters. A deductible is required in most states. However, some states, like Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina, don’t allow insurers to apply a comprehensive coverage deductible for windshield replacement.
Collision coverage covers damage to your car if it collides with another vehicle or object, such as a building or guardrail. This applies if your windshield is damaged in this type of accident. Like comprehensive coverage, collision insurance usually has a deductible.
If you have comprehensive insurance, you won’t pay anything for repairs as some insurers do not apply a deductible in that case. Note that comprehensive coverage is optional, but most drivers add it to their car insurance policy to get covered for windshield glass repairs. Windshields can usually be repaired if the chip or crack is less than 6 inches long. If the crack is larger than 6 inches, the windshield will likely need to be replaced. If this is the case, your comprehensive insurance will still cover it. Depending on your state and policy, you may have to pay a deductible.
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Deductibles
The cost of repairing a windshield depends on how much of the glass needs fixing, whereas the cost of a windshield replacement depends on several factors. Windshield repairs are generally less expensive than replacements, with out-of-pocket costs ranging from $40 to $100 for a single chip. The cost of windshield replacement can vary from $100 to $400. If your deductible is higher than the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your windshield repair or replacement will likely be covered. Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs and/or replacements due to road hazards. If the damage is caused by an accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object, collision coverage will apply instead. Liability coverage, on the other hand, does not cover windshield damage or replacement. It is important to review your insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered.
If your windshield is damaged in an accident, and the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim against their insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims or waive the deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to understand your specific coverage and whether you will need to pay a deductible.
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Repair vs. replacement costs
The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield depends on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and your location.
Repair Costs
Repairing a windshield is generally less expensive than replacing one. The cost of repairing a windshield depends on how much of the glass needs fixing. Chips and small cracks that do not interfere with sensors or cameras can usually be repaired. The cost of repairing chips or cracks also depends on their size, location, and severity.
Replacement Costs
The cost of replacing a windshield can vary based on multiple factors. These include the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of the damage, your location, and whether your vehicle has advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Windshields for older cars with little to no technology add-ons are typically cheaper to replace than those for newer cars with ADAS technology. Obtaining a new windshield from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be expensive, but aftermarket car parts can be more affordable while still maintaining high quality.
If your vehicle has ADAS, you may need to pay for recalibration after replacing the windshield to ensure that the safety features continue to function properly. Recalibration costs can vary depending on whether a static or dynamic recalibration is required. Static recalibration involves adjusting the ADAS sensors using a fixed target or reference point in a controlled environment, while dynamic recalibration requires specialized equipment to adjust the sensors while the vehicle is in motion.
Insurance Coverage
Whether or not your insurance covers windshield repair or replacement depends on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield, while liability coverage does not. Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, offer zero-deductible windshield repair or replacement for drivers with comprehensive coverage.
If the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield is higher than your car insurance deductible, it may be worth filing a claim. However, it is important to note that filing a claim may or may not impact your insurance rates, depending on your insurance company and policy.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the insurance company and your state laws. In most states, a windshield repair claim will affect insurance rates, but the increase is usually small. If you live in California or Oklahoma, insurance companies are not allowed to raise premiums for a not-at-fault claim.
If you don't report windshield damage, you will have to pay for the repair or replacement out of pocket. Many states have laws against driving with a cracked windshield, so it is important to get the damage fixed even if you don't report it to your insurance company.
It depends on your policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, or separate full glass coverage, your insurance will likely cover windshield repair or replacement. If you only have liability coverage or the minimum coverage your state requires, your insurance will not cover windshield damage.
