Windshield Damage: When To File An Auto Insurance Claim

A damaged windshield can be a costly fix, but if you have the right type of car insurance, you can tap into your coverage to offset these costs. Whether you should file a car insurance claim for a damaged windshield depends on the damage, your deductible, and how much it would cost to repair the window. If the repair cost is higher than your car insurance deductible, it's worth filing a claim. Comprehensive insurance, which covers damage from problems like theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, and collisions with animals, typically covers windshield damage claims. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers windshield damage resulting from a car crash. It's important to report windshield damage to your insurance company as soon as possible and before any repairs are made.

Comprehensive coverage

When deciding whether to file a claim for windshield damage, consider the cost of the repair and your deductible. If the repair cost is higher than your deductible, it is generally worth filing a claim. If the repair cost is only slightly more than your deductible, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself.

If you choose to file a claim, do so as soon as possible. Even a small chip can become more significant over time, so it's important to fix the damage before it becomes a safety hazard or spreads and requires a full windshield replacement. Contact your insurance company to notify them of the damage and follow their instructions for filing a claim. They may require you to provide photos of the damage and get estimates for the repairs.

Collision coverage

The cost of collision coverage depends on the current market value of the vehicle and the deductible you choose. The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. A higher deductible will result in a lower monthly premium. Common deductible amounts range from $100 to $1,000.

When deciding whether to file a windshield claim under collision coverage, consider the extent of the damage, your deductible, and the cost of repairs. If the damage is minor and the cost of repairs is only slightly more than your deductible, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself to avoid a potential increase in your insurance rates.

If your windshield is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage typically applies instead of comprehensive coverage. However, if the damage is caused by something other than a collision, such as falling debris, hitting an animal, or vandalism, comprehensive coverage would apply.

It's important to note that the claims process may vary depending on your insurance company and the specific details of your policy. Be sure to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider for more information on when and how to file a claim under collision coverage.

Deductibles

When considering filing a windshield claim on your auto insurance, it's important to understand the role of deductibles. A deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. In the context of auto insurance, deductibles are applicable to both comprehensive and collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as falling objects, theft, fire, or natural disasters. If you have comprehensive coverage and need to repair or replace your windshield due to a covered peril, you will need to pay the deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining cost. Some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims, or you may be able to add full glass coverage to your policy for a small additional cost. This add-on typically includes a $0 deductible option and covers damage like small breaks outside the driver's field of vision and chips and cracks.

On the other hand, collision coverage comes into play when your windshield is damaged in a car accident involving a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object. If you have collision insurance and need to repair or replace your windshield due to accident damage, you will be responsible for paying the deductible before your insurance company covers the remainder.

It's important to note that deductibles can vary significantly between policies, ranging from $50 to $2,000. When deciding whether to file a windshield claim, it's essential to consider the cost of repairs or replacement compared to your deductible. If the repair cost is higher than your deductible, it may be worth filing a claim. However, if the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible, you may want to consider paying for the repairs yourself to avoid a potential increase in your insurance rates.

Additionally, some states have "zero-deductible" laws that waive deductibles for comprehensive insurance glass claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina do not require a deductible for windshield repair or replacement. In contrast, other states, like Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, allow drivers to choose a lower deductible specifically for glass repair.

Filing process

The first step in the filing process is to review your insurance coverage. Check your policy to verify that you are covered for repairs. Most comprehensive coverage plans include windshield repair, but it is important to confirm this. If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider.

Once you have confirmed coverage, notify your insurance company of the damage as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone, online, or in person. They may ask you for details about how the damage occurred and request photos of the damage. It is a good idea to ask your insurance agent about any time limitations for filing claims and submitting bills, and when you can expect to hear back from the insurance company.

After notifying your insurance company, you will need to choose an auto glass shop to carry out the repair or replacement. Your insurance company may provide a list of approved shops, or you may be able to select your own. If you choose a shop that is not recommended by your insurer, check that the price they charge will be fully covered by your insurance.

Finally, pay your deductible, if you have one. Some insurance companies may waive the deductible for windshield repair, so check with your provider. If you have a deductible for windshield repair or replacement, you may need to pay this amount directly to the auto glass shop. Alternatively, you may choose to pay the entire service bill and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Be sure to discuss the projected repair costs with your insurer before getting any work done to avoid unexpected costs.

Repair shops

If you are a repair shop, it is important to know the ins and outs of auto insurance claims for windshield repairs or replacements. This will help you guide your customers through the process and ensure that you are approved to carry out the work by their insurance company.

Firstly, you should know that windshield damage falls under comprehensive coverage, which is optional unless the customer is financing, leasing, or renting their vehicle. In this case, the lien holder will require comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage covers damage not caused by vehicle collisions, such as animal collisions, fires, vandalism, and storm damage. If the customer has comprehensive insurance, their windshield repair will be covered, but they may have to pay a deductible if they don't have a zero-deductible policy.

Some states, such as Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky, have "zero-deductible" laws, meaning auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. In other states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, drivers can choose a lower deductible specifically for glass repair. Additionally, some insurance companies, like Geico, will waive the deductible for windshield repair regardless of location.

It is important to advise customers to file a claim as soon as possible after the incident. Even a small chip can become more significant over time, so it is best to fix the damage before it becomes a safety hazard or spreads. Most insurance companies allow customers to file a claim by phone, mobile app, online, or in person. Advise customers to ask their insurance agent about time limitations for filing claims and submitting bills, when they can expect a response, and whether they need estimates for the damages.

As a repair shop, you can make the process easier for your customers by offering to file the claim on their behalf. All you need is the customer's insurance carrier, policy number, vehicle information, and the date the damage occurred. You can then call their insurer and set up the claim, handling the paperwork and billing the insurance company directly.

It is important to note that insurance companies may require customers to get one or more estimates, and if your shop is not the lowest bidder, the customer may have to pay the difference. However, if the insurance company requires more than two estimates, they must pay for the additional estimates.

To ensure customer satisfaction and quality work, it is recommended to use a repair shop that is a Registered Member Company with the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) and employs AGSC Certified Technicians. These technicians are knowledgeable about all types of auto glass replacement, vehicle occupant safety, adhesive systems, custom-cut laminated glass parts, and safety procedures. While these shops may not offer the lowest price, they provide better work and adhere to the highest safety and quality standards.

Frequently asked questions