Understanding Automatic Windshield Insurance Claims And Coverage

Windshield insurance, also known as auto glass insurance, is an optional add-on to your existing auto insurance policy. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield or other types of glass on your car. Depending on your auto insurance policy and type of glass coverage selected, your repair or replacement may be fully covered or a deductible may apply.

Comprehensive coverage includes windshield repair/replacement

If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, you will likely be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage adds protection for events not related to a collision. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car, a rock hits the glass, you hit a deer, or a severe hailstorm cracks your windshield, comprehensive insurance could pay to replace the damaged glass. In these cases, you will likely need to pay a deductible, although some insurers may waive the deductible if the windshield only needs to be repaired.

In some states, insurers offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. These are known as zero-deductible states, and include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. In these states, insurers cannot charge a deductible for repairing or replacing your windshield, so windshield repair/replacement is free if you have comprehensive insurance.

In other states, such as Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, insurers may offer a $0 deductible option, but they are not obligated to. In these states, you can typically buy full glass coverage as an add-on to your comprehensive insurance, which waives the deductible for glass repairs or replacement.

If you have comprehensive coverage and need to repair or replace your windshield, you should file a claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. If the damage occurs while you're driving, pull over as soon as you can and report your claim immediately. It's important to act quickly, as the longer you wait, the more likely the chip or crack will spread.

When you file a claim, you will need to provide details such as the date and time the damage occurred, the vehicles involved, how the damage occurred, your policy number, and your contact information. You will also need to provide details about the damage, including the diameter, length, and position of any cracks in the windshield. This information will be used to determine if the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced.

Collision coverage may cover windshield damage

Windshield insurance is typically included in a collision or comprehensive insurance policy. However, collision coverage specifically applies when your windshield is damaged in a car accident.

Collision coverage will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if it is damaged in a car crash. This includes situations where you rear-end another vehicle or drive into a pole. The cost of repairing or replacing your windshield will be covered by collision coverage minus the deductible amount you chose for this coverage.

Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your windshield from events unrelated to a collision. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car, a rock hits the glass, or a hailstorm cracks your windshield, comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the glass minus your deductible.

It's important to note that if you have comprehensive coverage, some insurance companies may waive the deductible for windshield repairs but not for replacements. Additionally, if you live in a "zero-deductible" state, such as Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, you won't have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement, regardless of whether you have comprehensive or collision coverage.

Full glass coverage can waive deductibles

Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your existing auto insurance policy, provided you already have comprehensive coverage. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged windshield or auto glass. With full glass coverage, you won't have to pay a deductible for the repair or replacement of damaged auto glass.

Windshield insurance, also known as windshield repair insurance or full windshield replacement insurance, covers the cost of repairing or replacing a car's windshield after it's damaged. It is usually included in a collision or comprehensive insurance policy. However, some states require insurance companies to sell separate "full glass" repair coverage.

If your windshield is damaged by something other than a car accident, such as rock chips, vandalism, or weather, full glass coverage can be useful. Comprehensive coverage typically covers these incidents, but you may have to pay a deductible. With full glass coverage, you can waive this deductible.

Waiving Deductibles

Most insurance companies will waive your comprehensive deductible if your windshield only needs to be repaired rather than replaced. Additionally, some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, are "zero-deductible" states, where all comprehensive car insurance policies must pay in full for windshield replacement or repair. In other states, such as Arizona, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, you can purchase full glass coverage as an add-on to waive the deductible for glass repairs.

Limitations of Full Glass Coverage

It's important to note that full glass coverage may not include all glass components of your vehicle. There can be exclusions for the waiver of deductibles for sunroofs, mirrors, and moon roofs. Typically, safety glass includes only your windshield, back window, and door windows.

Repairing vs. replacing your windshield

Auto windshield insurance, also known as windshield insurance, windshield repair insurance, or full windshield replacement insurance, is coverage that pays to repair or replace a car's windshield after it has been damaged. This can be included in a comprehensive insurance policy or purchased as an add-on.

Now, when it comes to repairing or replacing your windshield, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size, depth, and location of any chips or cracks are important. If the damage is limited to a small chip or crack, less than six inches long and smaller than a quarter in diameter, it may be possible to repair it by injecting a heated resin. This is a relatively quick and inexpensive option, and it can help prevent the damage from spreading. However, if the damage is larger or located in the driver's line of vision, a full windshield replacement is typically recommended.

Another factor to consider is the type of glass used in your windshield. If your windshield is made of laminated glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between, damage that penetrates through to the plastic layer or the inner layer of glass will likely require a replacement. This is because laminated glass is designed to provide structural integrity to the vehicle, and any compromise to its integrity can affect safety in the event of a collision. Additionally, if the damage affects technological components embedded in the windshield, such as sensors or advanced driver assistance systems, replacement may be necessary to ensure proper functioning.

In terms of cost, repairing a windshield is generally more affordable than replacing it. Repairs can often be completed for around $70, while replacements typically range from $100 to $400. It's worth noting that insurance coverage can significantly impact the cost to the vehicle owner. Comprehensive coverage typically includes auto glass coverage, and some insurance companies may even waive the deductible for minor repairs. Full glass coverage, on the other hand, is an optional add-on that waives the deductible for both repairs and replacements.

Filing a claim for windshield damage

Windshield insurance, also known as auto glass insurance, is an optional add-on to your existing auto insurance policy. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield or car window. Depending on your auto insurance policy and type of glass coverage selected, your repair or replacement may be fully covered or a deductible may apply.

If your windshield is damaged, you should file a claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. If the damage occurs while you're driving, pull over as soon as possible and report your claim immediately. If your windshield is chipped or cracked, file a comprehensive claim before proceeding with repairs. It's important to note that you shouldn't wait too long to file a glass claim, and it should be done before any repairs take place. The longer you wait, the more likely the chip or crack will spread.

When filing a claim, you may be able to do so online or by phone, depending on your insurance company's procedures. If the damage was caused by another driver in an accident, you should contact their insurer to file the claim. After filing the claim, the insurance company will require an inspection of the damage to determine whether the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. If you're filing the claim with your own insurer under your collision or comprehensive coverage, you will likely have to pay a deductible before insurance covers the rest.

Most insurance companies will waive your deductible if the windshield only needs to be repaired. However, for a full windshield replacement, you usually need to have full auto glass insurance to have your deductible waived. Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, are "zero-deductible" states, where all comprehensive car insurance policies must pay in full for windshield replacement or repair. In other states, such as Arizona, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, insurance companies have the option to offer a $0 deductible for glass repair.

Frequently asked questions