Auto Insurance Coverage For Self-Installed Windows: What You Need To Know

Whether your auto insurance covers self-installed windows depends on the type of coverage you have and the insurance provider. Basic insurance policies typically do not cover broken windows unless the damage is caused by an auto accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage, on the other hand, usually include broken windows, but it's important to carefully review your specific policy to confirm this. Comprehensive coverage generally includes damage caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, weather events, or collisions with animals. Collision coverage, on the other hand, protects you in the event of a collision with another vehicle or an inanimate object.

Comprehensive coverage includes damage from theft, vandalism, weather events, or animal impact

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that protects your vehicle from damage caused by unexpected events outside your control. This includes theft, vandalism, weather events, or animal impact.

Theft, vandalism, weather events, and animal impact can all cause damage to your vehicle's windows, which comprehensive coverage will help cover the cost of repairing. For example, if a thief smashes your window during a break-in, comprehensive coverage will typically cover the cost of repairing the damage. Similarly, if a tree branch falls on your car and damages the windows, comprehensive coverage will help pay for the repairs.

Comprehensive coverage is often confused with collision coverage, which protects your vehicle from damage caused by colliding with another vehicle or object. If you swerve to avoid an animal and hit a tree, this would be covered by collision coverage, not comprehensive coverage.

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage has a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay before the insurance company starts paying for damages. The deductible amount will vary depending on your policy and the specifics of the incident. In some states, insurance companies may waive the deductible for glass repairs but not for glass replacement.

When it comes to filing a claim for window damage under comprehensive coverage, it's essential to consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible. If the cost of repairing the damage is only slightly more than your deductible, you may want to consider covering the cost yourself to avoid potential increases in your future insurance premiums.

Collision coverage protects you from damage caused by inanimate objects or vehicles

If you want to protect yourself from damage caused by inanimate objects or vehicles, you should consider collision coverage. This type of insurance is an extension of a basic automobile policy and covers damage caused by collisions with other vehicles, trees, poles, guardrails, and other roadway hazards. It also covers damage caused by potholes and accidents involving inanimate objects like deceased animals, furniture, and appliances. Collision coverage is the only type of insurance that financially protects your vehicle in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can be especially important if you are concerned about getting hit by an uninsured driver, as collision coverage can provide financial protection in that situation.

Collision coverage can be expensive, but there are ways to save on premiums. One way is to choose a higher deductible, such as $500 or more. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in, and a higher deductible can result in lower monthly premiums. Additionally, if you only have one car, collision coverage can help ensure that you get it repaired immediately after an accident, avoiding possible delays caused by having to find the money to fix your vehicle.

It's important to note that collision coverage is not required by law and there are situations where you may want to drop it, such as when your collision premiums cost more than your car's actual cash value or when you can afford to pay for damages out of pocket. However, if you are still paying off your car loan, most lenders will require you to carry collision coverage to protect their asset.

In summary, collision coverage can provide valuable protection if you want to be covered for damage caused by inanimate objects or vehicles. It can give you peace of mind and help you avoid the financial burden of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident.

Liability coverage only covers damage to another vehicle

Liability coverage is a mandatory part of car insurance in most states. It is designed to protect your finances if you cause an accident. It covers the medical expenses and property damage of the other driver and their passengers, which is why it is required in most states.

Liability coverage is typically broken down into two categories: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability covers the cost of other parties' injuries that you cause when you are at fault in an accident. This can include emergency care, continued medical costs, and even lost wages. Property damage liability, on the other hand, covers the cost of damage to other parties' property when you are at fault in an accident. This includes the other party's vehicle damage, the cost of renting a replacement vehicle, and damage to buildings, homes, businesses, fences, mailboxes, and other structures.

It is important to note that liability coverage does not cover damage to your own vehicle if you are at fault in an accident. In this case, you would need collision coverage to help with the repairs. Additionally, liability coverage does not cover injuries to passengers in your vehicle, and you would need personal injury protection or medical payments coverage for that.

Liability insurance also does not cover damage caused by intentional acts. It is meant to cover accidental damage caused by the policyholder.

Full glass coverage is an optional rider attached to comprehensive coverage

Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your existing auto insurance policy, provided you already have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, fire, vandalism, and weather-related damages. It also typically includes coverage for glass damage, like windshield cracks or shattered windows. However, comprehensive coverage often comes with a deductible that you must pay before the insurance company covers the remaining cost of repairs or replacement.

On the other hand, full glass coverage allows you to get your window or windshield fixed without paying a deductible. It is an optional endorsement or add-on that can be added to your comprehensive policy, specifically designed to cover all aspects of glass repair and replacement. This means that when you have full glass coverage, there is no need for deductibles as your insurer will cover the entire bill for any damage to the insured glass components.

It is important to note that full glass coverage may come with slightly higher monthly premiums compared to having just comprehensive coverage. Therefore, deciding between these two types of coverage depends on personal preference and budgetary constraints. It is essential to weigh the benefits of saving more money upfront with just comprehensive coverage or investing extra in full glass coverage for additional peace of mind.

Full glass coverage varies from state to state, and it is not automatically included in your comprehensive coverage. It is recommended to review your auto insurance policy to understand what type of glass coverage you have and determine if full glass coverage is necessary for your needs.

Some states have laws waiving deductibles for full glass coverage

If you have comprehensive or collision insurance, your auto insurance policy will cover broken windows. However, you will typically need to pay a deductible before the insurance covers the rest. The amount of the deductible varies depending on the insurance company and the state you live in.

Some states have laws that waive deductibles for full glass coverage. Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are known as "zero-deductible states", meaning they do not allow insurance carriers to sell full glass coverage with a deductible. In these states, if you have comprehensive insurance, you will not have to pay a deductible for glass repair or replacement.

In other states, insurance companies may offer a full glass coverage add-on that can be purchased in addition to comprehensive insurance. This add-on is specifically for glass repairs or replacements and often includes a $0 deductible option.

It is important to note that the rules for auto insurance coverage vary by state, and some states have different requirements for windshield coverage compared to other windows. It is always a good idea to review your insurance policy and understand the coverage and deductibles that apply to glass repairs or replacements.

Frequently asked questions