Windshield Repair: Understanding The Impact On Auto Insurance Rates

Whether or not a windshield repair will raise your auto insurance depends on several factors, including the type of coverage you have, the cause of the damage, and the state in which you live. Comprehensive coverage typically covers windshield damage caused by non-collision events, such as windstorms, floods, or hitting an animal, while collision coverage covers damage resulting from a collision. Some states and insurers waive the deductible for windshield damage, but this is not always the case. In general, it is worth filing a claim if the repair cost is higher than your deductible, as glass claims usually have little impact on your premium or claims history. However, making multiple claims in a short period or having a history of multiple claims may increase your rates.

Comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage caused by non-collision events

If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature.

Comprehensive coverage can pay for a cracked or broken windshield, minus your deductible. In some states, insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. This means that if your windshield is damaged, you won't have to pay a deductible to repair or replace it. Instead, the insurance company will cover the entire cost of fixing the windshield.

If your windshield can be repaired instead of replaced, you may not have to pay anything. However, it's important to note that the longer you wait to repair a chip or crack on your windshield, the more likely it is to spread. Therefore, it's best to file a comprehensive claim as soon as possible and before you proceed with repairs.

When comprehensive coverage applies: Comprehensive coverage generally covers the cost to repair or replace your windshield if it is damaged as a result of falling debris, hitting a deer or animal, or other perils.

When collision coverage applies: If your windshield is damaged in a car crash, collision coverage typically covers the damage instead of comprehensive coverage. If the other driver is at fault, you can choose to file a claim against their insurance to cover the cost of fixing your windshield.

Collision insurance covers damage caused by collisions

Whether a windshield repair claim will raise your insurance premium depends on your insurance company and your claims history. Generally, a single glass claim to repair or replace your windshield shouldn't have much of an impact (if any) on your car insurance rates. However, if you have multiple glass claims over a short period, it could affect your rates at renewal time.

Multiple claims on your record could also be a red flag for other insurance companies if you decide to switch providers. That's because insurers see multiple claims as an increased risk, which could lead to higher premiums.

As the name suggests, collision insurance covers damage to your car caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. This includes accidents involving another car, a tree, a pole, a guardrail, or other roadway hazards. It also covers damage from potholes and accidents with inanimate objects.

Collision insurance is typically an optional coverage that you can add to your basic auto insurance policy. It is important to note that collision insurance does not cover damage due to theft or vandalism, or damage that is covered by another driver's policy if they are at fault.

Collision insurance is particularly useful if you drive an expensive car or would struggle to pay for repairs after a collision. While it can be expensive, you can save on premiums by choosing a higher deductible.

If you lease or finance your car, your lender may require you to have collision coverage. Even if your car is paid off, collision insurance can provide valuable peace of mind and protect you from financial loss in the event of a collision.

When deciding whether to get collision insurance, consider the age and value of your car. Collision coverage may not be worth it for older cars with low market value, as the payout may not exceed the cost of the coverage and deductible.

Full glass coverage covers the full cost of repairs and replacements without a deductible

If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance policy will typically cover windshield damage claims. However, this coverage usually comes with a deductible, which is the amount subtracted from your insurance check for a claim. This can range from $250 to $1,000, and you may have to pay this amount directly to the repair shop.

However, some insurance companies offer full glass coverage, which covers the full cost of repairs and replacements without a deductible. This option will cost you extra on top of your comprehensive coverage, but it could save you money in the long run if you have a high deductible. For example, in Connecticut, a full glass premium with a comprehensive insurance deductible of $1,000 would cost an extra $14.

Full glass coverage is not automatic and can be added or removed for each individual vehicle. It is also subject to state availability. For instance, some states have zero-deductible laws that waive deductibles for comprehensive insurance glass claims. These states include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

If you have full glass coverage and your car has glass damage, you can file an insurance claim to get it fixed at no additional cost. This means any chipped, cracked, or broken windshields or windows can be repaired or replaced without you having to pay a deductible.

The cost of a windshield replacement is determined by your deductible

The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the driver's insurance coverage and deductible. When it comes to the cost of windshield replacement, your deductible plays a crucial role in determining the final expense.

In general, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy will cover auto glass repair and replacement, minus your deductible. The deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For instance, if the cost of repairing your windshield is $400 and your deductible is $250, you will be responsible for paying the deductible amount, and your insurance company will cover the remaining $150.

It's important to note that the cost of windshield replacement can vary significantly, depending on the make and model of your car. For instance, replacing a windshield on an older car is typically much cheaper than on a newer model. This is because newer cars often have advanced technologies such as driver-assistance systems and safety features that require recalibration after windshield replacement, increasing the overall cost.

Additionally, the type of glass used can also impact the cost. Original Equipment (OE) glass, supplied by the vehicle's manufacturer, is usually more expensive than aftermarket glass from third-party suppliers. In some cases, you may not have the option to choose, especially if your car is very new and aftermarket windshields are not yet available.

Before deciding whether to file an insurance claim for windshield replacement, it's recommended to get an estimate for the repair costs and compare it to your deductible. If the difference is not significant, you may opt to pay for the repairs yourself to avoid a potential increase in your insurance rates.

Furthermore, some states have "zero-deductible" laws that waive deductibles for comprehensive insurance glass claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina have laws that state auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive glass claims.

Your premium will not go up after a windshield claim with most insurance companies

Whether a glass claim will affect your future car insurance rates depends on your insurance company. Generally, a glass claim to repair or replace your windshield shouldn't impact your car insurance rates. However, if you have multiple glass claims over a short period, this could affect your rates at renewal time.

Most major insurance companies' underwriting guidelines do not consider comprehensive claims as surchargeable claims. A surchargeable claim directly impacts your insurance premium. Therefore, you should not see your premium increase because of a claim used to replace a cracked windshield.

However, a high frequency of windshield claims may be considered by insurance companies when determining future premiums.

Frequently asked questions