Will Insurance Pay For a Cracked Windshield?
Windshield cracks are more than a common annoyance—they can quickly turn into safety hazards if left unrepaired. Whether caused by road debris, temperature changes, natural disasters, or minor car accidents, timely broken windshield repairs are critical in maintaining your vehicle’s safety features.
Will insurance pay for a cracked windshield? And if so, who pays for the windshield repair costs? Depending on your auto insurance policy, comprehensive or collision coverage might have you covered. Let’s take a closer look at how these policies work when it comes to glass damage and what you need to know.
Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage for Windshield Damage
When it comes to fixing a cracked windshield, the type of car insurance policy you have plays a big role.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related incidents like hail, vandalism, and falling objects like tree branches. It typically covers the replacement cost for a damaged windshield caused by road debris, making it a common solution for cracked glass.
Comprehensive insurance coverage is subject to your policy’s deductible. Some policies include full glass coverage, which is good news because it waives the deductible for glass claims—a valuable option for frequent windshield damage.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for vehicle damage caused by accidents, whether you hit another car or a stationary object. If your windshield is damaged in a crash, collision insurance typically applies, subject to your insurance deductible.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident but doesn’t cover your own vehicle, including windshield damage. If you only have liability coverage, you’ll likely need to pay for repairs or replacement out of pocket unless you add comprehensive or glass coverage for extra protection.
Factors Influencing Insurance Coverage for a Cracked Windshield
Several factors can affect how insurance covers your cracked windshield and whether repair or replacement is the right choice.
Size and Location of the Crack: The size and location of a windshield crack play a key role in determining whether repair or new windshield is needed. Small chips under six inches are often repairable if they don’t obstruct the driver’s view. Large cracks, especially those that span the windshield, typically require replacement. Damage in the driver’s line of sight or near the edges, even a small crack, may compromise the windshield’s strength and almost always calls for a full replacement.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs: Your policy’s deductible significantly impacts the cost of repairs or replacement. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible, paying out-of-pocket may be the better option. However, some insurers offer full glass coverage, which eliminates the deductible entirely, making repairs or replacements more affordable.
State Laws and Regulations: Your policy’s deductible significantly impacts costs for windshield repair or replacement. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible, paying out-of-pocket may be the better option. Keep in mind, some insurers offer full glass coverage, which eliminates the deductible entirely, making repairs or replacements more affordable.
The Claims Process for Windshield Damage
Filing a Windshield Claim
Filing a claim for windshield damage is a straightforward process. Start by contacting your insurance provider to report the damage. Be prepared to provide your policy details, personal information, and a description of the windshield glass and inciting incident.
Your insurer will guide you through the next steps and explain your coverage options.
Working with Repair Shops
Once your claim is approved, you can choose a repair shop to assess and fix the damage. Many repair shops, like Very Smooth Auto Glass, work directly with insurance companies to make the process seamless.
They may use OEM glass to guarantee quality and safety, restoring your windshield to its original standard for safe driving.
Impact on Insurance Premiums
Filing a windshield claim under comprehensive coverage usually doesn’t lead to a premium increase. However, multiple claims in a short period might affect your rates.
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand how claims could impact your policy and what specifically your auto insurance covers.
Preventive Measures and Additional Coverage Options
Preventing Windshield Damage: Minimizing the risk of windshield cracks is simple if you understand common causes. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid flying debris, drive carefully in severe weather, and park in sheltered areas to protect your windshield from potential damage.
Exploring Additional Coverage: Consider adding full glass coverage to your policy for extra peace of mind. This option provides financial protection for windshield repairs or replacements without requiring you to pay a deductible, making it a smart choice for frequent drivers or those at higher risk of damage.
Conclusion
Reviewing your auto insurance policy is essential to understanding your coverage for windshield damage. Take the time to check whether you have comprehensive or collision coverage and explore options like full glass coverage for added protection and to prevent additional costs. Knowing what your policy includes can save you time and money when dealing with unexpected damage.
Timely repairs are crucial for maintaining the safety of your vehicle and preventing minor damage from turning into a bigger, more expensive problem. By staying informed about your vehicle insurance options, you can make smart decisions that protect both your safety and your wallet.
