Auto Glass Repairs: Insurance Impact And Coverage

Auto glass repair or replacement is typically covered by comprehensive insurance, which is optional and usually subject to a deductible. This includes damage to the windshield, side windows, rear window, or sunroof from events such as falling debris, vandalism, or animal collisions. Collision coverage, on the other hand, applies when the damage is caused by a car accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object. While filing a glass claim under comprehensive insurance usually does not increase insurance rates, it is important to check with your insurance provider, as policies and state laws vary.

Comprehensive coverage

With comprehensive coverage, if a repair is needed, your deductible is usually waived. However, if a replacement is needed, you may have to pay a deductible. The deductible can be paid by either the customer or the glass company. Comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage applies. Deductibles vary from policy to policy, but they typically range from $50 to $1000.

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage may not cover all types of auto glass damage. For example, if your windshield is damaged due to an accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object, collision coverage would typically apply instead. Additionally, some states have laws that waive deductibles for broken windshields if the driver carries comprehensive coverage.

When it comes to repairing or replacing your windshield, it's worth considering the extent of the damage. If the crack or chip is less than six inches long and not in the driver's line of vision, it may be repairable. Repairs are generally less expensive than replacements and can often be done without any cost to the customer if comprehensive coverage is included in their policy.

To determine if your auto insurance policy includes windshield replacement coverage, review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider directly. Look for the section that outlines comprehensive coverage and check if it specifically mentions coverage for windshield damage or glass replacement.

Collision coverage

If your windshield or car window is damaged in a collision, you will likely be covered by your car insurance policy. However, this depends on the type of coverage you have.

When your windshield or car window is damaged in a collision, it's crucial to act promptly. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible and before making any repairs. The claim process will vary depending on your insurance provider, but it generally involves contacting an agent, who will guide you through the necessary steps, including inspecting the damage and explaining your options.

It's important to note that collision coverage has its limitations. The cost of repairing or replacing your windshield may be covered, but you may still be responsible for paying a deductible. This deductible amount can vary depending on your specific policy and the extent of the damage. Additionally, in some cases, comprehensive coverage may be applicable instead of collision coverage, depending on the cause of the damage.

To ensure you're adequately covered for collision-related windshield or car window damage, it's essential to review your insurance policy carefully. Understand the terms and conditions, including any exclusions or limitations, to know exactly what is covered and what your financial responsibility may be.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that provides protection for damages unrelated to collisions. This includes incidents such as fire, theft, and damage from natural events like hail or falling trees. Comprehensive coverage typically includes auto glass repair or replacement for damages caused by something other than a collision.

With comprehensive coverage, if a repair is possible, your deductible is usually waived, meaning you won't have to pay anything out of pocket. However, if a replacement is necessary, you may need to pay a deductible, depending on your specific policy and the extent of the damage.

It's worth noting that comprehensive coverage may have certain restrictions. Some policies may only cover side and back windows, excluding the windshield. Additionally, comprehensive coverage may not apply if the damage results from a collision, in which case collision coverage would take precedence.

To summarize, collision coverage is essential for protecting yourself financially in the event of a collision that results in windshield or car window damage. This coverage typically includes repairs or replacements, but a deductible may apply. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, is optional and covers non-collision-related incidents, often including auto glass repairs or replacements with a waived deductible for repairs. Review your policy carefully to understand your specific coverage and any associated costs.

Deductibles

When it comes to auto glass repairs or replacements, the cost of these services can be covered in a few different ways. One way is through your car insurance policy, specifically the comprehensive coverage portion. Comprehensive coverage typically requires a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay towards repairing your vehicle in the event of a claim. For example, if you have a $3,000 claim after a hailstorm and a $500 deductible, your insurance company would pay $2,500 and you would pay the remaining $500.

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage is optional and if you don't have it, you may have to pay for auto glass repairs or replacements out of pocket. Even if you have comprehensive coverage, you may still need to pay a deductible unless you live in a state that requires a zero-dollar deductible for auto glass, such as Kentucky, Arizona, South Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, or Connecticut.

Before filing a claim for auto glass repairs or replacements, it's important to consider the cost of the repair or replacement compared to the size of your deductible. If your deductible is greater than the cost of the repair, it may not be worth filing a claim. Additionally, filing a claim may have an impact on your insurance premium, as multiple claims can increase your perceived risk and lead to higher renewal rates.

Some insurance companies may also waive deductibles for minor windshield repairs, and it's worth checking with your specific insurance provider to understand their policies. Overall, the best way to ensure you're getting the most affordable option for auto glass repairs or replacements is to first speak with your insurance company about your coverage and then get recommendations for reputable repair shops.

Repair vs replacement

Whether you repair or replace your auto glass depends on a number of factors. The most important consideration is safety. If the damage impacts the driver's visibility or the structural integrity of the vehicle, the glass should be replaced.

The size, depth, and location of the chip or crack are also key factors. If the damage is larger than a dollar bill, or located in the driver's line of vision, it's likely that the whole windshield will need to be replaced. If the damage is minor, repairing the chip or crack can restore the structural stability of the windshield and bring back the original visibility. Repairs are also much cheaper and quicker than replacements, usually taking around 30 minutes and costing between $70 and $150.

However, if the damage is extensive or cracks are reaching the frame, replacement may be the safest option to restore the integrity of the car. Installing new glass will ensure the highest level of visibility, whereas repaired glass may still seem unclear. A replacement will take longer, around 3 hours, and cost more, with prices ranging from $200 to $2,000.

It's important to get a professional technician to assess the damage and advise on the best course of action.

Insurance premiums

Whether or not you should file an insurance claim for auto glass damage depends on several factors, one of which is the potential impact on your insurance premium.

In most cases, a claim for glass damage that does not result from a collision does not cause an increase in your car insurance rates. However, this will vary by car insurance company. It is important to talk to your insurer to understand their specific policies.

Even if your insurance company does not increase your premium after a single glass damage claim, having multiple claims on your record may increase your perceived risk and, in turn, the chances of seeing a hike in your auto insurance renewal rates. Therefore, it is important to consider the size of the repair relative to your deductible when deciding whether to file a claim. If the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim, as doing so will increase your claim record.

Additionally, some insurance companies may raise your deductible or refuse to pay for additional windshield claims if you have too many claims within a certain period. For example, Anne Marie Thomas, a senior manager of partner relationships for a rate comparison site, states that "if you have too many [windshield claims]—say, one every six months—your insurance company could raise your deductible. Or, they could refuse to pay for any more windshield claims."

Therefore, when considering whether to file an insurance claim for auto glass damage, it is important to weigh the potential impact on your insurance premium against the cost of the repair.

Frequently asked questions