Windshield Replacement: Is Auto Insurance Coverage Guaranteed?

Whether your auto insurance will cover windshield replacement depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance will likely cover windshield damage. Comprehensive coverage can protect your vehicle from non-collision damages, including weather damage, theft, and animal damage. If you have collision coverage, your insurance will also likely cover windshield damage caused by accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects. In some cases, you may not need to pay a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. However, it's important to check with your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage and deductibles that apply to your policy.

Comprehensive coverage

In most cases, a windshield replacement or glass repair will be covered by car insurance if you have comprehensive coverage. However, you will need to pay your deductible—your share of the cost for a claim, which is separate from your premium—before your insurance starts paying. For example, if your comprehensive deductible is $500 and your windshield replacement would cost $700, you would pay $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining cost.

Some insurance companies offer separate windshield deductibles or a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. This means that you won't have to pay to replace a windshield in a covered loss.

Collision coverage

In some cases, it may not be worth filing a claim with your collision coverage for a damaged windshield. If your deductible is higher than the cost of repairing or replacing the windshield, you won't receive any financial benefit from filing a claim. Additionally, insurance companies consider your claims history when pricing your policy, so filing multiple claims may lead to an increase in your rates.

It is recommended that drivers have collision coverage if their car is less than 10 years old or worth more than $3,000. While collision coverage can double the cost of your auto insurance, the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield can be significantly higher without it.

Deductibles

The deductibles for windshield replacement depend on the insurance company and the type of insurance coverage. Comprehensive and collision insurance typically have deductibles, which are the amounts subtracted from the insurance check for a claim. Common deductible amounts for auto insurance range from $250 to $1,000. However, some insurance companies offer a "zero-deductible" option or waive the deductible for minor repairs or replacements.

In certain states, there are laws mandating insurance companies to waive deductibles for comprehensive insurance glass claims. These "zero-deductible" states include Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, where insurers cannot charge a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements if the driver has comprehensive insurance. Arizona and Massachusetts also offer a $0 comprehensive insurance deductible for glass repair and replacement at the insurer's discretion.

Additionally, some insurance companies provide full glass coverage or a "zero-deductible" option for glass replacement as an add-on to their comprehensive plans. This option may cost extra but could be beneficial for those with high deductibles.

When considering whether to file a claim for windshield replacement, it is essential to compare the cost of the deductible to the repair costs. If the deductible is greater than the price of repairing or replacing the windshield, it may not be worth filing a claim.

It is also worth noting that some glass repair shops may offer to patch small cracks for free, eliminating the need for an insurance claim. Obtaining a quote from a repair shop can help determine whether the deductible will be a factor in filing a claim.

Filing a claim

• Review your insurance coverage: Before filing a claim, it's important to verify that you have the right type of coverage for windshield replacement. Comprehensive coverage typically includes windshield repair or replacement for damages not caused by collisions, such as animal collisions, fires, vandalism, or storm damage. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers damages resulting from accidents involving another vehicle or a stationary object. Check your policy details to confirm your coverage.
• Contact your insurance agent: After an incident that damages your windshield, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. They will guide you through the specific steps and requirements for filing a claim with their company. Ask about any time limitations for filing the claim and submitting the necessary documentation.
• Provide documentation: You will need to provide documentation related to the incident that caused the windshield damage. This may include photographs of the damage, measurements of any cracks or chips, and details such as the date and location of the incident. Your insurance agent will instruct you on how to submit this information.
• Choose a repair shop: Depending on your insurance company and location, you may have the option to choose your preferred repair shop. Some insurance companies have specific repair shops they work with, while others allow you to select from a list of approved vendors. If you have the right to choose, consider selecting a Registered Member Company with the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) to ensure quality work.
• Submit the receipt: After the repair or replacement is complete, submit the receipt and any additional required documentation to your insurance company. This will typically include your name, policy number, phone number, and the date the damage occurred.
• Follow up as needed: Stay in communication with your insurance company and the repair shop to ensure that the claim is processed smoothly. If there are any issues or delays, don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance agent or customer service representative for assistance.

Remember that it's important to act quickly when dealing with windshield damage. Even small cracks or chips can spread over time, compromising the integrity of the windshield. By filing a claim promptly and following the necessary steps, you can ensure that your windshield is repaired or replaced safely and efficiently.

Repair vs replacement

When deciding whether to repair or replace a windshield, there are several factors to consider. The most important is safety. While it's generally not dangerous to drive with a broken windshield for a short distance, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The windshield is a key component in the structural integrity of the vehicle, but glass is weakened by damage. If the car is involved in a collision, a broken windshield cannot provide the intended level of protection to the driver and passengers.

Another factor to consider is the impact of the damage on the driver's visibility. Driving with a windshield that has been damaged in a way that reduces the driver's visibility is a big safety risk and may be illegal in some states. If the crack or chip is in the driver's line of vision, repair may not be a good option, as it could leave a slight mark that impairs the driver's vision.

The size, depth, and location of a chip or crack are also important considerations. As a general rule of thumb, if the damaged area is less than the size of a dollar, auto glass repair is a viable option. If it's more significant than that, repairing it will be too difficult, and a replacement windshield will be required. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it's always good to consult a glass repair specialist. If there are three or fewer chips or cracks, then a repair will likely be sufficient, but any more than three could cause the windshield to lose some of its integrity and be more susceptible to sudden shattering.

If the damage penetrates through to the plastic layer or the inner layer of glass, it can't be repaired and will need to be replaced. Replacement is also likely recommended if the damage is near or reaches a corner or edge of the windshield, as this can make the whole windshield unstable and more prone to breaking or shattering.

Technological systems with components embedded into the windshield may also be a factor. To ensure that sensors, automatic breaking, or advanced driver assistance systems work properly, replacement may be advised.

The cost of repairing a damaged windshield is usually far less than a complete replacement, and car insurance companies usually favor repair coverage. Repairing a minor crack or chip can help prevent it from spreading and can be done by car glass technicians in about 30 minutes for a relatively low cost. A well-repaired windshield should completely restore both durability and visibility.

Windshield replacement will take longer (around 3 hours) and be more expensive. However, it is the best way to restore the integrity of the car in case of extensive damage or cracks reaching the frame, and therefore may be the safest option. Installing new glass ensures the highest level of visibility, whereas chipped or severely pitted glass may still seem less clear even after being repaired.

In some cases, auto glass repair can make a windshield look as good as new. However, if the damage is within the driver's line of vision, it's important to consider that repair could leave a slight mark. In this case, replacement may be the better option to ensure optimal visibility.

Frequently asked questions