Car insurance coverage for a cracked windshield depends on your policy type; comprehensive insurance typically covers repairs, while collision insurance may cover damage from accidents. Liability insurance does not cover any damage to your own vehicle.
Cracked windshields are one of the most common issues drivers face, and they can occur unexpectedly. From small chips caused by debris on the highway to major cracks resulting from accidents, dealing with a damaged windshield can be stressful. One of the primary concerns for drivers is whether their car insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of auto insurance coverage, how they relate to windshield damage, and what steps you should take if you encounter this problem.
Contents
Types of Car Insurance
Before diving into the specifics of windshield coverage, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the different types of car insurance. Car insurance can generally be divided into several categories:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory in most states and covers damage or injury you cause to others in an accident. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle, including your windshield. If you’re only carrying liability insurance, you will need to pay for windshield repairs or replacement out of pocket.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, such as a tree or a guardrail. If your windshield cracks or shatters due to a collision, this type of insurance may cover the cost of repair or replacement, after you’ve met your deductible.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is designed to cover non-collision-related damage, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Importantly, it also covers damage from falling objects, rocks, or debris hitting your windshield. This type of insurance will typically cover a cracked or shattered windshield, though the details will depend on your policy and deductible.
Full Glass Coverage
Some insurance providers offer full glass coverage as an add-on to your comprehensive insurance. This coverage is specifically designed to handle glass-related damage, including windshields. With full glass coverage, you may not be required to pay a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. This can be a cost-effective option if you’re frequently on the road or live in an area where windshield damage is common.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Cracked Windshield?
Whether your car insurance will cover a cracked windshield depends on the type of insurance coverage you have, as well as the cause of the damage. Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios:
Road Debris or Falling Objects
If a rock or other debris from the road flies up and cracks your windshield, comprehensive insurance should cover the cost of repair or replacement. This also applies if a tree branch or other object falls on your car and damages the windshield.
- Deductible Consideration: Keep in mind that with comprehensive insurance, you’ll typically need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in. If the cost of the repair is less than or close to your deductible, it might be more cost-effective to pay for the repair out of pocket.
Accidents
If your windshield is damaged in a car accident where you’re at fault, collision insurance will cover the repair or replacement cost, after you’ve paid your deductible. If the accident was caused by another driver, their insurance should cover the damage under their liability coverage.
Vandalism or Theft
If someone breaks your windshield during an act of vandalism or an attempted theft, comprehensive insurance will usually cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. In cases of vandalism, it’s also a good idea to file a police report, as this can help support your insurance claim.
Weather-Related Damage
Windshields can be cracked or shattered by hail, falling ice, or other weather-related incidents. In such cases, comprehensive insurance typically covers the damage. Full glass coverage would eliminate or reduce the deductible, making it a more affordable option for those living in areas prone to severe weather.
Pre-Existing Damage
If your windshield was already cracked or chipped and you failed to repair it, your insurance might not cover the cost of replacement. Many insurers consider this neglect and won’t pay for damage that could have been avoided if promptly addressed. It’s always best to repair chips and cracks as soon as possible to avoid this issue.
Deductibles and Windshield Coverage
One of the key factors in determining whether it’s worth filing a claim for a cracked windshield is the deductible. A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For instance, if your deductible is $500 and the cost to repair your windshield is $250, you would have to pay the entire repair cost yourself.
However, if the damage is severe and requires a full windshield replacement, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may be worth filing a claim if the cost exceeds your deductible.
Zero-Deductible Glass Coverage
Some insurers offer zero-deductible glass coverage, either as part of comprehensive insurance or as a separate add-on. This means that you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for windshield repair or replacement. If you live in a state where windshield damage is common, such as Florida or Arizona, this type of coverage can be particularly useful.
State Laws Regarding Windshield Coverage
Certain states have specific laws regarding windshield coverage:
- Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina: In these states, comprehensive insurance policies are required by law to offer zero-deductible windshield repair or replacement. This means that if your windshield is damaged, you can get it fixed without having to pay anything out of pocket.
- Other States: In most states, comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage, but the deductible will still apply unless you have full glass coverage or live in a state with zero-deductible laws.
Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
Not all windshield damage requires full replacement. In many cases, small chips or cracks can be repaired at a lower cost. Here’s a breakdown of when to repair vs. replace:
- Repair: Chips smaller than a quarter or cracks less than 6 inches long can often be repaired. Repairing a windshield typically costs between $50 and $150 and can be done in under an hour.
- Replace: If the crack is longer than 6 inches, or if the chip is in the driver’s line of sight, the entire windshield will likely need to be replaced. Replacement costs can vary significantly, from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of vehicle.
Your insurance provider may prefer repair over replacement if the damage is minor, as it is a more cost-effective solution.
Filing a Claim for Windshield Damage
If your windshield is cracked and you’re considering filing an insurance claim, follow these steps:
- Assess the Damage: Determine whether the damage is minor (chip or small crack) or major (large crack requiring replacement).
- Check Your Policy: Review your car insurance policy to see if you have comprehensive or full glass coverage, and check your deductible.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: If you decide to file a claim, contact your insurance provider to report the damage and discuss your options.
- Get Estimates: Some insurers have preferred repair shops, but you can also shop around for estimates to ensure you’re getting the best price.
- File the Claim: If the cost of repair or replacement exceeds your deductible, file the claim and schedule the repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about does car insurance cover cracked windshield :
1. Does liability insurance cover windshield damage?
No, liability insurance only covers damage to other people’s property and injuries caused by an accident for which you are at fault. It does not cover your own vehicle, including windshield damage.
2. Is there a deductible for windshield repairs?
If you have comprehensive insurance, you may be required to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the repair or replacement. However, if you have full glass coverage or live in a state with zero-deductible windshield laws, you may not have to pay anything.
3. Can I choose my repair shop?
Most insurance companies allow you to choose your repair shop, though they may recommend or require you to use one of their preferred providers for faster service or guaranteed work.
4. Will filing a windshield claim raise my insurance premium?
In most cases, filing a claim for windshield damage under comprehensive coverage will not raise your premiums. However, this can vary by insurer and policy, so it’s always best to ask your insurance provider.
5. What should I do if my windshield is damaged while driving?
If your windshield is damaged while driving, try to pull over safely and assess the damage. If the crack or chip impairs your vision, do not continue driving. Contact a repair shop or your insurance company to arrange for repairs as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Windshield damage is a common problem, but the good news is that car insurance, particularly comprehensive or full glass coverage, often covers the cost of repairs or replacement. Understanding your policy and state laws is crucial to determining whether you need to pay out of pocket or if your insurance will take care of it. Always address windshield damage promptly to avoid further complications, and consider adding full glass coverage if you live in an area where windshield damage is common.