Paul Sanchez
Windshields can crack for a variety of reasons, from road debris to vandalism, and the cost of repairing or replacing them can range from several hundred dollars to over $1,000. So, will auto insurance cover a cracked windshield? In short, yes, but it depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage is an optional addition to your policy that covers any damage that can happen to your vehicle due to so-called 'acts of God'. If you are at fault in an accident, your collision coverage will typically cover windshield damage, though you may need to pay a deductible first.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does car insurance cover cracked windshields? | Yes, car insurance covers repairs or replacement for damaged windshields, but depending on the damage, it may be best to pay for the repair yourself. |
| What type of insurance covers windshield damage? | Comprehensive coverage usually covers the cost to repair or replace a windshield that is damaged because you hit an animal or debris has fallen on your car. Collision coverage typically covers windshield damage that results from a car accident. Auto glass coverage, which some companies offer, can apply to windshield chips or cracks and full windshield replacements and may extend to other windows on your car. |
| Do I need to pay a deductible for a glass claim? | You may have to pay a deductible for a glass claim, unless your policy covers safety glass repair without a deductible. In some states, it is legally mandated that insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair, so be sure to check your local laws. |
| How much does it cost to repair a windshield without insurance? | It typically costs around $400 to repair a windshield without the help of insurance. |
| Is it better to pay for repairs or a replacement myself? | While insurance does cover a damaged windshield, it may be better to pay for repairs or a replacement yourself, especially if the cost of the damage is close to your deductible. |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage can pay for a cracked or broken windshield, minus your deductible. In some states, insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims.
The key to ensuring that you have coverage for a cracked windshield is to have comprehensive insurance. The vast majority of cases will be covered under your comprehensive policy, but you must have a comprehensive policy in the first place. It is typically coupled with collision insurance and covers any damage that can happen to your vehicle due to what are called acts of God.
Some of the most common causes of cracked windshields that comprehensive coverage would protect you from include falling tree branches, flying road debris, and stray baseballs. Comprehensive insurance coverage for glass damage works a bit differently than coverage for other types of damage. Even if you have a standard deductible in place, it's possible to find policies in which glass damage is exempt.
In some states, it is legally mandated that insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair, so be sure to check your local laws. However, if you're outside of those states, you won't necessarily have to deal with a deductible, as no-deductible options are likely still available for glass repair.
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Collision coverage
It's important to note that collision coverage usually has a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance provider covers the rest. The deductible amount can vary depending on your policy and your insurance provider. In some cases, insurance companies may offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims, but this may not be available in all states.
When filing a claim for windshield damage under collision coverage, it's important to act quickly. Windshield cracks can spread over time, leading to higher repair costs. The process for filing a claim typically involves documenting the damage, contacting your insurance provider, and providing any necessary evidence or information. It's also important to follow up with your insurance company throughout the claims process to ensure you have all the necessary information.
While collision coverage can provide valuable protection, it's important to consider the potential impact on your insurance rates. Making a claim for windshield damage may result in higher premiums in the future, as insurance companies view claims as an indicator of risk. Therefore, it's essential to weigh the cost of the damage against your deductible and the potential impact on your insurance rates before deciding to file a claim.
In summary, collision coverage plays a crucial role in protecting drivers financially in the event of a car accident, including windshield damage. By understanding how collision coverage works and the steps involved in filing a claim, drivers can make informed decisions about their auto insurance and ensure they have the necessary protection in case of unexpected events.
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Liability insurance
It is important to note that liability insurance will not cover windshield damage if you are at fault for an accident or if your windshield is damaged for reasons unrelated to another person's actions. In these cases, you would need comprehensive or collision insurance to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your windshield from events such as falling tree branches, baseballs hitting the windshield, or pebbles damaging the glass while driving. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damage to your windshield if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or a stationary object, such as a utility pole.
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Full glass coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage, you will likely be covered for auto glass repairs, including a full windshield replacement. However, you will usually have to pay a deductible for a glass claim. Comprehensive coverage is optional and usually subject to a deductible.
In some states, insurers are required to offer glass coverage, which allows you to waive your deductible for glass-related comprehensive claims. These states include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. In other states, insurers may still offer a \$0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims.
If your windshield is damaged, you may be able to repair it instead of replacing it, depending on the size and location of the crack or chip. Repairs are typically made by injecting a heated resin into the crack or hole. If you are unsatisfied with the repair, or if the crack or chip is too large, you can opt to replace the windshield, but your deductible may apply.
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Deductibles
If you have comprehensive coverage, you will likely be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. However, you will need to pay a deductible before your insurer offers any compensation. The amount of the deductible varies depending on your insurance provider and policy. Some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims, or you may be able to purchase an add-on to your comprehensive insurance that waives the deductible for glass repair or replacement.
The cost of repairing a windshield with insurance is the cost of the policy plus the deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost of repairing your windshield is $600, you will only receive $100 from your insurance company. In this case, it would be cheaper to pay for the repair yourself.
If the cost of repairing your windshield is more than your deductible, you will save money by filing a claim. It is important to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible if you intend to file a claim.
In some states, insurers are not allowed to charge a deductible for windshield repair or replacement, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. In other states, insurers are required to offer glass coverage as an option, which allows customers to waive the deductible for glass-related comprehensive claims.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in many cases, auto insurance covers cracked windshields. However, this depends on the cause of the damage and the type of coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. If the damage was caused by a collision, your collision coverage will typically apply.
Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes natural disasters, storms, and damage caused by hitting an animal. Comprehensive coverage typically covers windshield replacement or glass repair resulting from these types of incidents.
When deciding whether to file an insurance claim, consider the cost of the repair or replacement, your deductible, and the potential impact on your insurance rates. If the cost of repairing the windshield is close to your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repair yourself to avoid higher premiums and the hassle of making a claim. Additionally, filing a claim for a cracked windshield may cause your insurance rates to increase, so consider the financial implications carefully before proceeding.
