Windshield Repair: Auto Insurance Claims And Rate Hikes

A damaged windshield can be a serious issue, compromising both the structural integrity of your car and your vision while driving. While it is important to get a damaged windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible, the cost can be a concern. Fortunately, if you have the right type of car insurance, you may be able to tap into your coverage to offset the costs. However, whether filing a claim will raise your auto insurance rates depends on your insurance company and the number of claims you have made. Generally, a single glass claim to repair or replace your windshield shouldn't significantly impact your car insurance rates, but multiple claims in a short period could affect your rates at renewal time.

Comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage caused by non-collision events

If you have comprehensive insurance, you can file a claim to repair or replace your windshield without worrying about a raise in your auto insurance premium. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your windshield caused by non-collision events such as falling debris, hail, vandalism, or theft. Comprehensive insurance is optional coverage, but it is usually required if you have a car loan.

Comprehensive insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, there is no deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims.

It is important to note that comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to your windshield caused by a collision. If your windshield is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage would typically apply instead.

If you have a cracked or chipped windshield, it is best to file a claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the damage will spread, affecting the strength and integrity of the entire windshield.

Collision insurance covers damage from a crash

Collision insurance is an optional coverage that generally covers a cracked windshield if it was damaged during a crash. It is an auto coverage that reimburses the insured for damage sustained to their personal automobile due to the fault of the insured driver. This type of insurance is added as an extension of a basic automobile policy to protect drivers in the event of damage from a collision.

Collision insurance pays for damage to your own car from:

• A crash you cause with another driver
• A collision with an object such as a tree or mailbox
• Your car rolling over
• Another driver hitting your car, if they don’t have enough insurance to cover damage costs, and you don’t have uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
• Damage from potholes or hitting a curb

What collision insurance doesn't cover

Collision insurance won’t pay for:

• Car damage from non-traffic events, like running into a deer, extreme weather or theft
• Damage or injuries you cause to others while driving
• Medical costs from injuries to yourself or your passengers after a car accident
• Personal belongings inside your car
• Normal wear and tear

How collision insurance works

Collision insurance reimburses you to fix or replace your car after a crash, but it may not be worth it if you drive an old car. If your car is damaged but not totalled, collision insurance pays to repair your car to its previous condition, minus your deductible. If your car is totalled, collision insurance will pay the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus your deductible.

According to NerdWallet’s analysis of national car insurance rates, the average cost for full coverage insurance is $1,766 per year. But your rates will likely be different depending on factors such as the car you drive, how many miles you drive and where you live.

Full glass coverage: an option to save money in the long run

When it comes to auto insurance, one of the many decisions you'll need to make is whether to include full glass coverage in your policy. This type of coverage is specifically designed to repair or replace your windshield without requiring you to pay a deductible. While it comes at an additional cost, there are several scenarios in which having full glass coverage can save you money in the long run.

Understanding Full Glass Coverage

Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. It covers the full cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, without you needing to pay a deductible. This type of coverage is particularly useful if you live in a state where insurers are allowed to charge deductibles for windshield claims. In these states, full glass coverage can save you a significant amount of money if you ever need to repair or replace your windshield.

When It's Worth It

So, when is it worth investing in full glass coverage? Firstly, consider the cost of the coverage itself. While it may vary depending on your insurer and location, full glass coverage typically costs extra. Therefore, if the cost of the coverage is significantly higher than the potential savings, it may not be the best option for you.

However, if you have a high deductible, such as $1,000 or more, full glass coverage can be a wise investment. In the unfortunate event that your windshield is damaged and requires repairs or replacement, full glass coverage will save you from having to pay a substantial deductible. This is especially beneficial if the cost of repairs or replacement is only slightly higher than your deductible, as you would otherwise be paying for most of the work yourself.

Peace of Mind

Another benefit of full glass coverage is the peace of mind it provides. Windshield damage can occur unexpectedly, and often at the most inconvenient times. With full glass coverage, you won't have to worry about the financial burden of repairing or replacing your windshield. This can be especially valuable if you rely on your vehicle for work or other important commitments.

Legal Requirements

It's important to note that in some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, full glass coverage is automatically included in all policies as insurers are not allowed to charge deductibles on windshield claims. Therefore, if you live in one of these states, you won't need to make a separate decision about including full glass coverage in your policy.

While full glass coverage may not be necessary for everyone, it can be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy, especially if you have a high deductible. By understanding the specifics of your policy and the laws in your state, you can make an informed decision about whether full glass coverage is the right choice for you. Remember, when it comes to auto insurance, it's always better to be prepared and protected.

Deductibles and windshield glass claims: when to pay them

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 you live in a zero-deductible state, you won't have to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement, so you will likely want to get it repaired and have insurance cover the costs.

If you're not in a zero-deductible state, check your car insurance policy's deductible. It could be wise to get an estimate to see how much the repair would cost you. If the repair costs are only slightly less than your deductible, you may want to pay for the repairs yourself.

Comprehensive and collision insurance

Comprehensive and collision insurance typically have a deductible, which is the amount subtracted from your insurance check for a claim. But with glass repair or replacement claims, you may pay the deductible amount to the repair shop. Common deductible amounts are often between $250 to $1,000. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and it costs $250 to replace your glass, the cost of replacement is less than your deductible amount, meaning you would have to pay for the replacement yourself.

A few states have "zero-deductible" laws that say auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina have full glass coverage because it's illegal for insurers to charge deductibles on windshield claims.

When to pay a deductible

If your claim is covered by your comprehensive or collision insurance, a deductible will usually apply unless:

• You live in a state that waives the deductible for windshield damage
• You have full glass coverage
• You need a repair and your insurer only charges deductibles for replacements

To find out if you need to pay a deductible or not, check with your insurance agent and your state laws.

Impact on insurance premium: how a claim can affect your future rates

Whether a glass claim to repair or replace your windshield will affect your future car insurance rates depends on your insurance company and the number of claims you have made. Generally, a single glass claim shouldn't have a significant impact on your car insurance rates, if any. However, if you have multiple glass claims over a short period, such as three in a year, it could lead to higher premiums when your policy renews.

Multiple car insurance claims, especially within a short time frame, are typically seen as an increased risk by insurers. This perception may result in higher premiums if you decide to switch insurance providers. Insurers share claims information in a database that other companies can access when you apply for a new policy. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential impact on your premium before filing a claim.

The impact of a windshield claim on your insurance premium will depend on several factors, including your deductible amount and the estimated repair or replacement cost. If your deductible is higher than the repair estimate, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself. On the other hand, if you have no deductible or if the repair costs exceed your deductible, filing a claim might be the better option.

To make an informed decision, you can request an estimate of the potential impact on your premium from your insurance agent. Additionally, some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs, which waive rate increases for small claims or after a certain period without accidents or violations. It is worth checking with your insurer to see if they offer such programs.

Frequently asked questions