Auto Glass Insurance: Worth The Cost?

Auto glass insurance is an add-on to your insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield and windows if they get damaged, chipped, or cracked. It is usually included in comprehensive insurance plans but can also be purchased separately. The cost of auto glass insurance varies depending on the vehicle and the insurance provider, ranging from $5 to $10 or more per month. While it can provide peace of mind, it is important to consider the cost of repairs, your deductible, and the likelihood of damage when deciding if auto glass insurance is worth it for you.

Full glass coverage is a cost-effective option

Full glass coverage is an add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers windshield repair and the repair of other window damage. It is a cost-effective option for several reasons.

Firstly, windshields can cost hundreds of dollars to repair or replace, and the average cost of auto glass repair is typically less than your auto policy's deductible. Therefore, the cost of adding full glass coverage can more than pay for itself if your windshield is damaged. For example, if your deductible is higher than the cost of repairs, there is no point in filing a claim. However, with full glass coverage, you can file a claim without worrying about the deductible.

Secondly, auto glass is frequently damaged without being in an actual accident. For example, a rock hitting your windshield while driving or someone smashing your window if you leave valuables in your car. If you live in an area where break-ins are common or drive on roads where cracked windshields are standard, full glass coverage is a sensible option.

Thirdly, some comprehensive insurance plans do not include windshield damage, or the cost of repairs may only be covered if caused by another vehicle or a falling object. Therefore, adding full glass coverage ensures complete protection for your windshield and windows, giving you peace of mind.

Finally, full glass coverage is relatively inexpensive, costing only $5-$10 per month at most companies. This low cost, combined with the potential benefits, makes full glass coverage a cost-effective option for adding complete windshield protection to your auto insurance policy.

Comprehensive insurance may not cover glass damage

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that is usually purchased with collision insurance. It protects your car from any type of damage not caused by another car, sometimes referred to as "acts of God".

While comprehensive insurance does cover windshield and window damage in most cases, it does not cover all incidents of windshield damage. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and the glass repair costs only $500, comprehensive insurance won't cover the repair costs.

Additionally, some insurance companies charge less for comprehensive coverage if you opt for full glass coverage, while others may charge more. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the terms of your comprehensive insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

If you are seeking complete protection against all types of windshield damage, you may want to consider adding full glass coverage to your policy. This add-on covers windshield repair and the repair of other window damage, typically for an additional $5-$10 per month at most companies. With full glass coverage, you won't have to pay a deductible for repair or replacement of damaged auto glass.

Basic liability insurance doesn't cover glass damage

Basic liability insurance does not cover glass damage. If you want to be covered for glass damage, you will need to add comprehensive coverage to your policy. This is an optional coverage that protects your car from damage caused by events outside of your control, such as your windscreen being hit by a rock or vandalism. Comprehensive coverage is usually subject to a deductible.

Full glass coverage is an add-on to comprehensive coverage that covers the deductible cost of repairing or replacing your car's glass. It is typically inexpensive, costing only a few dollars per month, and is available from many insurance providers, including Progressive, USAA, State Farm, Allstate, and Geico.

Even if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy may not cover glass damage. It depends on the individual policy language and the company that insures your car. Therefore, it is important to review your auto glass coverage to ensure your policy suits your budget and driving habits.

If you live in a place where break-ins are common or drive on roads where cracked windshields are standard, it is recommended that you add full glass coverage to your policy. This is especially true if the full glass coverage insurance rate is nominal and likely to be recouped at some point.

The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield depends on the extent of the damage, the shop doing the work, the car make and model, and the type of glass. Repairing a small crack costs less than replacing an entire windshield. According to AAA, repairing a single chip typically costs between $60 and $100, while repairing a crack can cost $125 or more. Windshield replacement pricing varies, but it can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 for an older car and $1,000 or more for a newer vehicle with advanced technology.

Glass coverage is a good idea if you live in a high-risk area

Additionally, drivers in high-risk areas may be more susceptible to glass breakage. For example, if you live in an area where break-ins are common, your car windows may be at a higher risk of being smashed. Similarly, if you frequently drive on roads with gravel or other debris, your windshield is more likely to get chipped or cracked.

In these cases, full glass coverage can be a cost-effective option, as it covers all incidents of windshield damage for a low additional monthly cost. This can save you money in the long run, as the average cost of repairing or replacing auto glass is often less than your auto policy's deductible.

However, it's important to note that adding full glass coverage to your policy will result in a slightly higher overall insurance premium. Ultimately, the decision to add glass coverage depends on your individual needs and risk tolerance.

Glass coverage is unnecessary if you have a high deductible

The purpose of insurance is to protect you from financial hardship in the event of an accident or damage to your property. However, if your deductible is high, you may find yourself paying more than you anticipated, even with insurance.

A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers the rest. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your windshield repair costs $500, you will have to pay the entire $500 yourself. In this case, the insurance company would not pay anything. This is why a high deductible can make glass coverage unnecessary.

Additionally, if the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield is less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for it out-of-pocket rather than filing a claim. This will also help you avoid any potential increases in your insurance rates that may occur as a result of filing a claim.

Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your comprehensive insurance policy that covers all types of windshield damage without requiring you to pay a deductible. While this can be a valuable form of protection, it may not be necessary if you have a high deductible.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase glass coverage depends on your individual needs and risk tolerance. If you live in an area where break-ins or cracked windshields are common, or if you frequently drive on gravel roads, full glass coverage may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you have a high deductible and the cost of repairs is typically less than your deductible, you may be better off paying for repairs yourself.

Frequently asked questions