Should You Claim Broken Window On Auto Insurance?

If your car window has been broken, you may be wondering if it's worth making an insurance claim. The answer depends on a few factors, including the cost of the repairs, the type of insurance you have, and whether you have a deductible.

If you have comprehensive or collision insurance, your policy may cover broken windows. Comprehensive insurance typically covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, weather events, or collisions with animals, while collision insurance covers damage caused by accidents with inanimate objects or other vehicles. However, both types of insurance are usually subject to a deductible, so if the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim.

Additionally, filing a claim may cause your insurance rates to increase, so it's important to weigh the potential costs and benefits before deciding. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay for repairs out of pocket rather than filing a claim and risking higher premiums in the future.

It's also worth noting that some insurance companies offer specific glass coverage that may be included in your policy or available as an add-on. This type of coverage typically has a lower deductible or no deductible at all for glass repairs, so it may be worth considering if you're concerned about the cost of repairing a broken window.

Comprehensive insurance covers broken windows in certain situations

Whether or not your insurance policy covers broken windows depends on the provider and the level of coverage you have. Basic insurance does not traditionally cover broken windows unless the damages are from an auto accident.

Comprehensive coverage covers damages not related to a car accident, like theft or vandalism. It also covers broken windows in the event of a break-in. However, some insurance companies require that you buy glass coverage, so it's important to read the fine print of your policy.

If you have comprehensive insurance, it will cover a broken window as long as the damage was caused by a covered peril. For example, comprehensive coverage would cover your car window if it was broken because someone smashed it or during a natural disaster like a hailstorm.

If you are in an accident and the other driver is at fault, their property damage liability coverage would pay to repair any broken glass. If you are at fault in a collision, your collision coverage would include glass repair. In most other situations, glass breakage is covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Full glass coverage is a rider to your comprehensive coverage that deals specifically with damage to windshields and window glass. Some states require full glass coverage to pay for repairs without a deductible to encourage drivers to get broken glass repaired for safety reasons.

If your glass coverage is included in your comprehensive coverage, you may be required to meet your regular deductible before they will pay out for glass damage. However, many companies offer the option of a separate glass deductible, which is often lower or non-existent.

Collision insurance covers windows damaged in an accident

If you have been in an accident and your windows are damaged, you may be covered by your insurance policy. The type of coverage you have will determine if windows are covered. Basic insurance policies do not usually cover broken windows unless the damage is from an auto accident. If you have been in a car accident, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windows after you have paid your deductible.

There are three types of insurance coverage to consider:

• Liability coverage: This covers the cost of damages that you cause to another vehicle. It does not cover your own damages.
• Collision coverage: This covers your damages caused by another driver or an inanimate object.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers damages not related to a car accident, such as theft or vandalism.

While basic car insurance usually refers to liability coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage is typically available as an add-on. Collision and comprehensive insurance usually cover broken windows, but it is important to evaluate your policy to ensure that it does.

Comprehensive coverage covers glass damage, including broken windows, in most cases. If your window is damaged in an accident, your collision coverage will usually apply. If another driver is at fault, their property damage liability coverage will pay for the repairs.

It is always a good idea to evaluate your insurance policy so you know what is covered and how much you will need to pay yourself before filing a claim.

Liability insurance covers damage to another vehicle

Whether or not it is worth making an auto insurance claim for a broken window depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. Basic insurance policies do not usually cover broken windows unless the damage is a result of a car accident.

If you are involved in an accident and your window is broken, liability coverage will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. Instead, the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage will pay for the repairs. If you have collision coverage, this may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your window in an accident. Comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of window repairs in most other situations, such as vandalism or bad weather.

Therefore, while liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle, other types of insurance coverage may be able to help with the cost of repairing a broken window.

When to pay out of pocket for window repairs

Whether you should pay out of pocket for window repairs depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the cost of repairs, your insurance coverage, and your deductible. Here are some scenarios where paying out of pocket might be the best option:

• High Deductible: If the cost of repairing or replacing your window is less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the repair costs $100 and your deductible is $250, you would save money by not filing an insurance claim.
• Low Repair Costs: In some cases, the cost of repairing a chipped or cracked window can be relatively low, ranging from $40 to $100. If the damage is minor and can be repaired for a reasonable price, paying out of pocket can be a straightforward option.
• Comprehensive Coverage Unavailable: If you don't have comprehensive insurance coverage, your policy may not include glass repairs unless they are related to an accident. In this case, paying out of pocket might be your only option unless you're willing to file a claim under collision coverage if the damage is accident-related.
• No-Claim Bonus Protection: Filing an insurance claim for minor repairs may result in losing your no-claim bonus or increasing your premiums. In such cases, paying out of pocket can be a way to avoid these additional costs in the long run.
• Convenience and Speed: Dealing with insurance companies can sometimes be a lengthy process involving paperwork and approvals. If you want to get the window repaired quickly and conveniently, paying out of pocket can often expedite the process.

It's important to note that the decision to pay out of pocket or file an insurance claim depends on your specific circumstances and the details of your insurance policy. Always review your policy carefully, understand your coverage and deductible, and contact your insurance provider if you have any questions.

How to find the best price for window repairs

Whether you're repairing a car window or a window in your home, there are a few things to consider when looking for the best price.

Car Window Repairs

If your car window is broken, the cost to repair it will depend on whether you have insurance and, if so, what type of coverage you have.

Insurance Coverage

The type of insurance coverage you have will determine whether your broken window is covered. There are three types of insurance coverage to consider:

• Liability coverage: This only covers the cost of damages that you cause to another vehicle and does not cover your own damages.
• Collision coverage: This covers damages caused by another driver or an inanimate object.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers damages not related to a car accident, such as theft or vandalism.

Basic car insurance usually refers to liability coverage, while comprehensive and collision coverage is usually offered as an add-on. While these two types of coverage typically cover broken windows, it's important to carefully evaluate your policy to ensure that it does.

Deductibles

It's also a good idea to understand your deductible, which is the amount of money that you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay the rest of the claim. Comprehensive and collision coverage usually have deductibles, while liability insurance typically does not. Some policies offer no-deductible options for certain types of damages, including broken windows.

When to File a Claim

If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, it's generally recommended to file a claim as soon as possible in the event of a broken window. While there is usually no time limit for filing a claim, driving with a broken window can be dangerous. However, keep in mind that filing a claim may increase your insurance rates, depending on your provider.

When Not to File a Claim

If the cost of repairing your broken window is less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim. In this case, you may want to consider repairing the window yourself or seeking out-of-pocket options from a repair shop.

Home Window Repairs

The cost of repairing a window in your home will depend on several factors, including the type of window, the extent of the damage, the location of the window, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.

Type of Window

The number of panes in a window will impact the repair cost, with single-pane windows being the most affordable to repair and five-pane windows being the most expensive. The design of the window also matters, with more intricate windows like bay or block windows costing more to repair than standard options like casement or single-hung windows.

Extent of Damage

The severity of the damage will also affect the repair cost. Minor issues like a cracked pane or faulty hardware can be relatively inexpensive to fix, while more significant problems like a broken seal or rotten frame can cost several hundred dollars to repair.

Location of Window

The location of the window within your house can impact the repair cost. Windows that are harder to access, such as those on the second story or higher, will typically incur higher labor costs due to the need for a ladder or roof access.

Professional vs. DIY

Some window repairs can be done yourself, such as replacing a screen or sealing a window. However, for more complex issues like clearing a foggy window or fixing a broken pane, it's usually best to hire a professional. Labor costs for window repairs typically range from $40 to $80 per hour, but emergency repairs may cost twice as much or more.

Getting Quotes

To find the best price for window repairs, it's recommended to get multiple quotes from local professionals. Don't solely base your decision on cost, but also consider the credentials and experience of the repair contractor.

Frequently asked questions