Windshield damage typically falls under comprehensive coverage in a car insurance policy, and should be reported promptly; even small chips can quickly expand into cracks that necessitate replacement of an entire windshield.
Most insurers won’t increase your premiums after making a comprehensive claim, but it is wise to get any damage inspected prior to driving again, particularly if it was caused by vandalism.
Comprehensive Coverage
Cracked windshields are usually covered by the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. While this coverage is optional, most drivers opt-in so as to be covered against theft, vandalism and falling objects like tree branches that could cause damage. While comprehensive insurance typically has a $100 or $250 deductible fee attached, certain insurers offer full glass coverage which eliminates this amount in case you file for windshield repair or replacement claims.
If your windshield has been damaged, and comprehensive coverage is in effect, the first step should be selecting an auto shop in your insurer’s preferred network. A large crack that covers the driver’s field of vision may require complete replacement; smaller cracks that do not directly interfere with driver vision could potentially be repaired instead of replaced.
Your next step should be deciding whether or not to file a car insurance claim. If the damage is minor, paying out-of-pocket may be more cost effective and reduce deductible increases. Keep in mind that multiple claims filed within a short timeframe could cause your insurer to consider you an increased risk driver and increase rates accordingly.
Once you file a claim with your insurer, they will provide an estimate and explain what coverage will be provided. For example, if a windshield replacement is necessary, your insurer will reimburse the actual cash value of your vehicle, taking depreciation into account; then any differences must be paid off between this figure and what you owe on loans or trade-in values are responsible.
Liability insurance only covers damage resulting from accidents that were not your responsibility; collision and comprehensive policies cannot pay to repair damage to windshields if another driver caused an accident; in this instance, their insurance provider would cover those repairs instead. Because of this fact, it’s advisable to speak to an agent about combining both policies into one policy package for maximum savings.
Collision Coverage
Cars are susceptible to all sorts of damage, with windshields often taking the brunt. Glass coverage is an essential element of most policies and can come in handy should your windshield need repairing or replacement in the future. With comprehensive and collision coverage in place, these policies may pay out for this work depending on its circumstances and deductible amount.
Cracked or chipped windshield repairs likely won’t exceed your insurance company deductible, making filing claims worth your while. If you can’t afford your deductible, private glass companies in your area may offer to waive all or part of it; often these businesses need the business and can still profit even after covering all or part of it themselves.
Cracked windshields are relatively common, and can often be repaired rather than completely replaced. Cracks often result from gravel being kicked up by tires on the road or from impact from objects like tree branches falling onto them; either way they should be seen as preventive maintenance measures rather than repairs that must be made at once.
Glass specialists can assess whether your windshield has sustained sufficient damage to warrant making a claim and suggest repairs or replacement services. You’ll need to notify your insurer about this damage by either notifying their agent directly, making a claim online through their website or app, or visiting an inspection shop of their choice (although some providers allow more flexibility and allow you to choose your own provider for inspection).
Comprehensive claims typically don’t have the same significant effect on your insurance rates as collision claims do, but multiple comprehensive claims filed within a short time could cause your insurer to consider you high-risk and increase your premium accordingly. Furthermore, in cases in which an accident caused damage to windshield or windows has taken place due to your actions or negligence, they could raise rates accordingly.
Zero-Deductible Options
Sometimes a zero-deductible option for windshield repair or replacement may be available as part of comprehensive coverage and can help minimize repair costs. It is important to keep in mind, though, that when dealing with multiple cracks or chips it is imperative that they are addressed immediately to prevent small dents from growing into full cracks that require expensive replacement costs.
Car insurance policies generally come in two varieties–minimum coverage and full coverage. Minimum coverage is usually required in most states and only covers damage to the vehicle itself, whereas full coverage provides both liability and collision coverage – plus many people opt to add optional extras such as roadside assistance and gap insurance policies as additional safeguards.
Windshield damage can be costly to repair, especially if it requires replacement. Most insurers cover this expense under either comprehensive or collision coverage – the choice will depend on what caused the damage in your particular case.
If the windshield damage was the result of another driver’s negligence, liability coverage is responsible. But if falling debris or vandalism cracked it instead, comprehensive coverage would cover replacement costs.
Before filing a claim, it’s essential to consider your deductible and repair costs. In general, filing a claim if repairs or replacement exceed your deductible amount usually makes sense; however, frequent claims on your record could signal to insurance providers as high-risk drivers and result in higher premiums for you.
Notably, some insurers offer separate auto glass coverage with lower or no deductibles in certain states. If this option exists for you, take advantage of it whenever possible as it could save a great deal of money in the long run.
State Requirements
Cracked windshields can occur for various reasons. Some states, like Florida and Kentucky, prohibit driving with cracked windshields due to the danger they pose – specifically edge or floater cracks which quickly worsen with each bump or impact in your vehicle. Florida and Kentucky both prohibit this practice due to these edges often turning into edge cracks that become an edge or floater crack over time and could ultimately break your entire windshield if left unattended.
Your windshield needs to be repaired as quickly as possible; waiting too long increases the chance that a crack or chip will spread and worsen, and vibration from driving may cause it to shift and crack further, hindering vision while driving.
Your state regulations may also have an impact on whether or not you can use insurance to repair a windshield. A cracked windshield could result in an auto inspection failure in certain states; such inspections involve looking over all glass on a vehicle including windshield and side windows. In some instances, comprehensive coverage will allow this inspection waiver if damage claims have been filed due to windshield cracks.
Dependent upon your type of coverage, whether or not a deductible applies for windshield repairs and replacements will depend upon whether or not you need to pay one. Most comprehensive policies have a $100 deductible which you must meet before receiving any payment for covered claims from insurers; whereas with full auto glass coverage – an optional add-on to comprehensive policies – this may no longer apply;
Making the decision whether or not to use your insurance for windshield repair or replacement is ultimately yours; if the cost of the repair or replacement falls under your deductible amount, then paying out of pocket could be better. When making this decision it’s also worth keeping in mind that multiple claims filed within a short time can increase car insurance rates; when making this choice it’s also wise to take into account your individual claims history when making this choice.