Should I Use Insurance To Replace Windshield
Insurance To Replace Windshield
Good morning! When I was cleaning my car yesterday, discovered that just the previous day out of nowhere this technically one-inch crack to what is still a nice Windscreen with no cracks in actual sight! Surprise! If this story sounds familiar, then the question becomes, What is the role that insurance should play to address it?
If you drive a considerable amount it is very likely that one day or another, your windshield may get cracked or chipped. Sometimes it is more than you think, and for example wind shields are recouped in most cases at 50%. You may be thinking then, “Do I file my insurance to get a new windshield?”
In most cases, you can get a windshield replacement through your car insurance. Nevertheless, the option is yours as to whether you want a claim filed for your windshield being fixed or if you would like to cover it out-of-pocket in order get a fix or replace it yourself.
When Will Insurance Coverage For A Windshield Replacement?
Typically, to have a cracked or broken windshield and other types of glass damage covered by your car insurance policy you need comprehensive coverage with respect to this situation while collision coverage applies for an accident in which another vehicle is involved.
When A Comprehensive Claim Would Apply: In the event that your windshield is damaged from falling debris, vandalism hitting deer, or other perils, most of the time repair and replacement costs are covered under comprehensive coverage.
When Collision Applies: In the case of a car crash, any damage to your windshield is typically covered by collision insurance in addition to comprehensive.
Pro Tip: If your windshield is broken in a car accident, and the other driver was at fault, you have the option to bill their insurance for covering up your whole cracked glass.
Windshield Insurance Coverage Explained
Knowing what is covered under your auto insurance policy can also help determine if it will cover windshield replacement or not. We will take a closer look at the types of auto insurance coverage, some or all types may include windshield replacement:
Windshield damage from a car accident, that with collision insurance pays for the window. However, you might have to pay a deductible before the insurance coverage starts. This coverage is designed to insure you in the eventuality your front windshield cracks because of an impact, but bear in mind that before it can happen, you have to meet this deductible on everything first.
Its just that, for glass here the coverage is available only under comprehensive insurance, For all windscreen breakage cause by other event than collision ex: natural causes or vandalism. This is also called auto glass coverage. Glass repair or replacement claim falls in comprehensive insurance.
It depends on your insurance provider and state, but you might have to pay a deductible first before the rest of it will be covered by an insurance company paying for your windshield.
This includes repair and replacement of windshields depending on the area you live in. This windshield insurance only plan of minor damage to the window. Low or No Deductible – You will pay one, but it is very low (or $0 if you have this coverage.)
Most insurance companies waive deductibles on windshield repair as well even if you do not have auto glass coverage, provided the damage is merely a small chip or crack that can be fixed.
As always, it is beneficial to request your policy documents and determine what insurance requirements you have. If they allow for these windshield claims, some insurance companies limit the number of times you can file a claim over an auto glass issue.
Windshield Damage Claim Guide
Claiming for windshield damage can be done through two main channels, either from the insurance company or a service branch of vehicle glass repair.
You can do this by phone, online or in the app whatever is easiest for you.
- Include relevant information like the date and time of when it occurred, how damaged was something or whatever you think will explain.
- Include pictures or photos where attentive.
- They may direct you to go through one of their preferred auto glass repair companies or offer range of options for which company completes the repairs.
Most auto glass shops will work with your insurance to process claims for you. When you go to a shop, they usually take all the needed information like:
- Your policy number.
- Make-Model-Year of the Vehicle
- Your deductible amount.
- Car insurance company information
What Should You Do If Your Windshield Is Broken?
In case of windshield damage, you should claim the insurance right then and there before any repairs have been made. If the vehicle is driving when damaged, pull over as soon as possible and report your claim.
You should file a comprehensive claim before you have any repairs made if your windshield is chipped or cracked.
Note: You may be wondering how long you can wait after the damage occurs to file a glass claim, and this brings us to our next important point. The reasons for doing this are that the damage can become even worse and it will eventually need a more severe solution, depending how long you wait to have your windshield or side window fixed.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Damaged Windscreen?
It costs less to repair a windshield than replace one. It’s just that windshield repair is often priced based on the amount of glass being repaired. While no two windshields are the same, and neither are their replacements you can expect to pay something of that order.
- Your car’s make and model
- Your location
- The type of glass used
Remember, that assuming you’re following your state car insurance coverages and filing an auto glass claim through the right kind of policy, 90% if what you’ll have to pay will be just a deductible for everything else related to coverage i.e., damage from regular peril your insurer should pay. There are some state laws where the deductible can be waived for broken windshields, such as Florida’s windshield replacement law if you have comprehensive coverage.
Which States Provide Cost Free Windshield Replacement?
To Insure (Finish) Or Not To Ensure My Windshield will depend on the type of coverage you have. Or, if you are fortunate enough to be living in one of the few states where car insurance companies have been required by law to offer full glass coverage.
In Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina the law states that insurance companies are required to include zero-deductible galing coverage as part of your comprehensive insurance when you buy it.
In Florida, the coverage applies only to windshield glass, in Kentucky and South Carolina all of the vehicle’s glass is covered. But, can roof replacement be intervened by insurance in other states as well?
Though there are several states which only allow you to obtain zero-deductible glass coverage through opt in:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
Otherwise, more than likely your deductible would apply for a windshield replacement if you have glass coverage included on your policy.
Conclusion
Of all the problems that can plague a vehicle, windshield damage is one of those items that often takes drivers by surprise and can rapidly escalate if not addressed in an efficient manner.
Thankfully, proper insurance can cover the costs if you have a decent policy. Of course, before filing a claim for each of the above considerations you need to cross-check should I file an insurance after reading this article and checking why was your homeowner deny making a good deal of sense on both sides.
Nuvision Auto Glass works directly with leading insurance companies and provides reliable windshield replacement services to you if you reside in Arizona, Colorado or South Carolina. Windshield replacements are deductible-free on comprehensive coverage.
Fill up an online form to get a quote immediately for no-hassle insurance or out-of-pocket windshield replacement.
FAQ
If you have comprehensive coverage or auto glass coverage (as opposed to just liability insurance), then generally your repair and, if needed, replacement costs will be covered by your insurance.
However, if you have a deductible and the cost of replacement is lower than that amount then it might just be better to get it fixed out-of-pocket. If the cost of replacement is more than your deductible then it may be worth submitting a claim to save yourself some money.
That would be as per your policy in the region of yours. States that require insurers to sell zero-deductible glass coverage with comprehensive insurance Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina.
