A cracked or damaged windshield is an inconvenient and often unexpected expense for drivers. Fortunately, most auto insurance policies include windshield coverage that will fully reimburse you for repair or replacement costs. Understanding exactly what your insurance does and does not cover regarding your windshield can save you money and a headache down the road.
This article answers the most common questions drivers have about auto insurance and windshields. We’ll explain how to find out if your policy provides you with the option to file a claim for windshield damage, whether your insurance covers windshield damage replacement and repairs or only replacement, if filing a glass claim will raise your rates, and more. We’ll also discuss how comprehensive and collision protection work when it comes to auto glass, approximately what a windshield replacement or glass repair costs with and without insurance, and tips for getting your windshield fixed or swapped out quickly and affordably.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect when dealing with a damaged windshield and insurance. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed choices, get your car back on the road, and avoid getting blindsided by unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Let’s dive in and demystify windshield damage claim insurance claims.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
The short answer is yes, most auto insurance policies do cover windshield replacement, but not all of them.
Whether your particular policy covers windshield replacements depends on whether you have comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as optional glass coverage or not. Here’s a quick breakdown of optional coverage:
Comprehensive coverage typically pays to get your windshield repaired or replaced, resulting from non-collision damage, falling objects such as flying rock hits, falling road debris like a tree branch, weather, vandalism, and even damaged glass or breakage with no apparent cause. It usually requests you pay a deductible lower than collision.
Collision coverage covers damage from an accident or crash impact, but it may or may not pay for a broken windshield from a collision depending on your specific policy. Collision coverage often has a higher deductible.
Optional glass coverage, sometimes called a glass rider or zero glass deductible policy, reduces or eliminates your glass deductible so you pay less money out-of-pocket for glass repair or replacement. Around 70% of drivers opt for additional glass coverage, making a glass claim an easier process to cover windshield issues.
If neither comprehensive or collision insurance covers your windshield damage, you’ll have to pay the full cost of repair or replacement out-of-pocket unless you have optional glass coverage. This can cost $300 on average for a repair or $800-$1,400+ for a windshield replacement depending on your vehicle make and model.
So to recap, if you have comprehensive car insurance, damage to your windshield is usually covered for repair or replacement minus your policy deductible. But always check your specific policy to know to what extent your insurance covers windshield damage and what proper coverage looks like.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Fixing a Cracked Windshield?
Whether your car insurance company covers fixing a cracked windshield depends on a few key factors:
- The size and location of the crack
- Your insurance deductible amount
- If you have glass coverage or not
Most insurance policies cover windshield repair for small chips and repairable cracks. It is essentially legally required you fix your windshield, as state laws state that if the crack is 3/4 inches or more in diameter, or within 3 inches of each other, repair is necessary. So, a repair is an option only if the crack is 6 inches long or less and does not extend to the edge of the windshield. A repair usually involves injecting a special resin into the damage that occurred to fill it and prevent further damage from spreading on your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive coverage, windshield repair is typically covered completely by the comprehensive claims deductible minus your deductible sum. The average windshield glass repair costs around $50-75 at an auto glass shop before insurance savings kick in.
With collision protection, crack repairs may or may not be covered depending on the policy for your car. Collision deductibles also tend to be higher than comprehensive, so you may pay a deductible or more out-of-pocket.
At an auto glass shop, for a car with cracks exceeding 6 inches that affect the driver’s line of sight, full replacement is necessary. At this point, comprehensive insurance will pay for a new windshield minus your deductible, usually $500-$750 on average per vehicle.
So in summary, yes, car insurance covers windshield minor cracks in most cases when you have comprehensive coverage on your car. But when you file a claim, the crack must meet certain size and placement criteria for full glass coverage or to qualify for repair vs replacement. Check with your insurance agent about your policy’s specifications for windshield crack, full glass coverage, and the amount when you will need pay a deductible. Also check with your local auto glass shop for more pricing information.
How Do I Know If My Auto Insurance Covers Windshield Replacement or Repair?
The best way to claim for windshield damage and find out if your car insurance policy covers windshield replacement or repairs is to check your policy declarations page. This page outlines exactly what coverage types and amounts you have.
Specifically, you’ll want to look for:
- Comprehensive coverage – This covers non-collision damage like cracks and breaks from rocks, weather, vandalism, etc. Comprehensive typically includes repair and replacement.
- Collision coverage – Collision insurance covers damage from accidents. Some policies include windshields under collision while others don’t.
- Full Glass coverage – Optional glass insurance reduces your glass deductible. Some insurers offer a zero-glass deductible.
- Deductible amounts – Comprehensive and collision deductibles apply to windshield claims. Glass coverage can lower these amounts.
If you’re still not sure what your policy does and doesn’t cover for your car’s windshield, call your insurance company or agent directly and ask. Describe the windshield damage and find out specifically if windshield repairs or full glass replacement is covered, what your deductible responsibilities are, and what the claim process is.
Your insurance company will most likely also have an online account portal where you can log in, view your declarations page digitally along with claims forms and procedures, and make a claim online. Checking online or calling your insurance company or agent is the best way to unlock all windshield coverage and deductible information from your unique policy. A claim online or through your insurance agent or company may be the best way to get your claim accepted and your car to the repair shop sooner.
Should I Use Insurance to Replace My Windshield?
Whether to use your car insurance or pay out-of-pocket when you need a windshield replacement depends on several factors:
1. Cost
Insurance will pay the full windshield replacement cost minus your comprehensive or glass deductible. For most drivers, this means you pay $100-$750 out-of-pocket.
Paying cash without filing an insurance claim will cost $800-$1,400+ depending on your car’s make and model.
2. Future Insurance Rates
Windshield claims can raise your premiums slightly upon renewal, usually between 5-15%, due to being labeled a higher risk.
Paying out-of-pocket means no insurance claim, so your rates stay put.
3. Number of Claims
If it’s your first windshield claim in 3-5 years, one more claim likely won’t impact your rates much.
Multiple glass claims in a short time frame can compound rate hikes.
4. Finances
If money is tight, using insurance can significantly reduce an expensive windshield replacement bill.
If you can afford the full out-of-pocket cost of a new windshield, skipping an insurance claim will help keep your insurance rates down.
So, weighing affordability with potential premium increases will help determine the best option for you. For most drivers, filing a windshield insurance claim makes financial sense despite small rate bumps. However, evaluate your situation and check policy details and additional costs to decide what to do.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Dealing with a cracked or damaged windshield can be confusing when you start wondering what car insurance does and does not cover for windshield damage. By now, you should understand some key points:
- Comprehensive insurance typically pays for windshield repair and replacement after a deductible, usually $100-$750 depending on glass coverage.
- Collision may or may not cover windshield damage from accidents depending on your policy.
- Windshield repair is covered when cracks are less than 6 inches, do not touch the edges, and are in the driver’s direct line of sight.
- Filing an insurance claim means paying your deductible plus a potential 5-15% rate increase at renewal time.
- Paying out-of-pocket skips rate hikes but costs $800-$1,400+ on average for a windshield replacement.
- Most drivers maximize savings by using their comprehensive insurance when windshield repair or replacement is needed.
As you navigate your auto policy’s windshield coverage specifics, Precision Auto Glass is here to help. Our licensed glass experts assist drivers in understanding what car insurance does and does not cover for cracked or damaged windshields. We also will assist you with filing your claim and handle insurance company communications to help ease the burden. So, reach out today to expedite your windshield repair or replacement while minimizing billing surprises and paperwork headaches!
FAQs About Auto Insurance and Windshields
Does a small rock chip in my windshield require a full replacement?
No. If the rock chip or crack is less than 6 inches and does not touch the edge of the glass, it can likely be repaired instead of doing a costly full windshield replacement.
What is the average cost to replace a windshield without insurance?
The average cost for windshield replacement ranges from $800 – $1,400+ depending on your vehicle make, model, and any special features like acoustic glass, rain sensors, or built-in cameras that drive up the price.
Will my rates go up if I file an insurance claim for windshield repair?
Probably but just a small amount. A typical rate increase for a single windshield repair claim is only about 5-15% upon policy renewal. For most drivers, this rate bump is worth filing the claim given how much money it saves.
Is windshield damage from a car accident covered differently than other rock chips or cracks?
Yes. Damage from a collision may fall under your collision coverage instead of comprehensive, and collision deductibles are usually higher. Your actual policy coverage will determine specifically how windshield replacement after an accident is covered.
Can I get windshield insurance or “glass coverage” added to my existing auto policy?
Yes! Many insurers offer additional glass coverage, usually for $10-$30 per month. This coverage reduces your glass deductible amount. Some policies allow you to have a $0 glass deductible for no out-of-pocket costs at all when your windshield needs repair or replacement.
Who pays the insurance deductible when filing a windshield claim?
You, the policyholder, must pay the deductible sum when you file a claim of any sort, including one for windshield repair or replacement. So if your comprehensive deductible is $500, that’s what you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers the remaining cost of the replacement or repair.
Reach out to Precision Auto Glass anytime for help understanding your unique auto insurance policy’s windshield coverage!
What if I don’t know how my windshield got damaged?
If your windshield suddenly cracks or chips and you’re not sure what caused it, comprehensive insurance should still cover the damage even without a known cause. Random glass breakage falls under the “comprehensive” coverage umbrella along with damage from weather, rocks, and vandalism. Your deductible still applies though, so you pay that portion for the repair or replacement work.
How long does it usually take to get a windshield claim approved?
The time it takes for your insurance company to approve a windshield repair or replacement claim can vary widely. Typically, from when you file a claim the approval happens in 2-5 business days, as long as the damage clearly falls within your coverage limits. More extensive damage sometimes requires an in-person inspection which can delay the approval a week or more from when you file a claim. Communicating early and clearly with your insurance provider is key to getting your claim rapidly reviewed and pre-authorized over the other vehicles also pending approval.
Again, please reach out to Precision Auto Glass if you need any help understanding, submitting, or expediting your car insurance windshield claim. Our team handles insurance claims on a regular basis and will take this hassle off your hands while saving you time and money!
