Windshield replacement is among the top causes of car insurance claims. Everything from highway debris from vehicles and construction trucks to tiny pebbles can cause significant windshield damage to a speeding car. Typically, repairing or replacing a broken windshield costs about $400 for standard vehicles and up to $1,500 for luxury ones. However, does car insurance cover cracked or broken windshield? This article discusses the types of car insurance that cover windshield damage.
Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
There are two key forms of
car insurance:
- Minimum coverage: It’s the most basic coverage that’s legally required and doesn’t include optional coverages like comprehensive and collision coverage. Windshield damage may not be covered in certain cases.
- Full coverage: It includes comprehensive and collision coverage along with basic auto insurance coverage. Windshield damage occurring from perils like at-fault accidents, fire, flooding, theft, and vandalism are covered.
Also, remember that different add-ons work differently while covering windshield damage as described below:
- Collision insurance: It pays for your vehicle losses and repairs caused during a crash. If your windshield is damaged due to rear-ending another vehicle or crashing into a pole, collision insurance can cover it minus the deductible amount you’ve chosen.
- Comprehensive insurance: It covers events not related to a collision, such as a tree branch falling on your vehicle, your car being hit by a pebble or rock, damage from a hailstorm, etc. If any of these events damage your windshield, comprehensive insurance could cover the damage.
- Full glass coverage: This add-on is available in several states that you can buy along with comprehensive insurance. This coverage is fully dedicated to glass repairs or replacement, usually without any deductible option.
Read: Does auto insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?
What If I Do Not Have Comprehensive Insurance?
If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you can still be eligible to get your windshield damage covered. However, that’s only possible if you’re involved in a crash that caused windshield damage, and the accident occurred due to the fault of another driver. The at-fault driver will be liable to pay for the damage. However, other scenarios would usually be covered by comprehensive or collision coverage.
How to File a Claim for Windshield Damage?
First, assess the extent of the cracks before filing a windshield damage claim. Any crack on the glass over six inches long typically needs a complete windshield replacement. In contrast, smaller cracks or chips can be repaired by a car glass professional without removing the windshield completely without any delays.
Seek help from your insurance provider if you’re unsure whether the windshield needs to be replaced or not. Avoid any delays to prevent any further damage.
Steps to file a windshield damage claim:
- Take pictures of the damage and measure the same to determine whether a simple repair is sufficient.
- File a claim
- Provide the photos of the damage to your insurance claims adjuster.
- Choose a glass and windshield expert from the available options given by your insurance company to get the damage repaired.
To determine if windshield damage is included in your auto insurance plan, speak to your insurance provider. They can help to ensure that you are adequately protected against all forms of windshield damage.
Read: Does Auto Insurance Cover Any Personal Items Stolen from Your Car?
Cover Your Windshield Damage with John E. Peakes Insurance
Looking to update your auto insurance to incorporate windshield damage? Contact our team at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency to get adequate windshield damage protection at affordable prices.
