Does Your Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? – Guest Post

Glass coverage is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of car insurance. Most standard insurance policies will cover repairing or replacing your windshield if it is damaged in an accident or by flying debris. However, there are usually limits on how much coverage is available, and you may have to pay a deductible before your insurance company pays for the damages.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that certain insurance companies may only provide coverage for windshield repairs rather than replacements. In addition, if you own an older vehicle, your insurance company may not cover the expense of a brand-new windshield.

In this article, we’ll cover all you need about car insurance coverage for windshield replacement services. Additionally, we’ll offer useful advice on filing a windshield replacement claim.

The Basics of Windshield Damage

Driving with a damaged windshield can be risky and costly. Different types of windshield damage include chips, cracks, stars, bulls-eyes, and combinations. Each type has its characteristics and severity.

• A chip is a small shard of glass knocked out of the windshield.
• A crack is a line that runs across the glass.
• A star is a series of cracks that radiate from a central point.
• A bulls-eye is a circular break with a dark center.
• A combination is a mix of two or more types of damage.
• A crack can affect your driving in several ways.

A damaged windshield can impair your vision, especially if it is in your line of sight. It can also reduce your windshield’s structural integrity, making it more vulnerable to shattering in case of an impact. Moreover, it can compromise the safety features of your vehicle, such as the airbags and the roof support.

Operating a vehicle with a damaged windshield poses a significant risk to you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. A cracked windshield can cause glare and reflection that can blind other drivers. It can also fly off or break into pieces that can injure pedestrians or cyclists. Furthermore, it can result in a traffic violation or a failed inspection.

Therefore, repairing your windshield damage as soon as you notice it is important. You can contact a professional auto glass service or use a DIY repair kit, depending on the type and size of the damage. By repairing your windshield’s appearance, strength, and overall functionality, you can effectively restore it. Not only will you save time and money, but it can also prevent further damage in the long run.

Understanding Car Insurance Coverage

Car insurance coverage can be confusing for many drivers. Different types of coverage offer different levels of protection for your vehicle. Two of the most common types are comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage vs. Collision Coverage

Theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, animal strikes, or falling objects are just a few examples of non-collision-related events that comprehensive coverage protects your car from. Collision coverage protects your vehicle from damages sustained in a collision with another car or object, such as a tree, fence, or guardrail. Both types of coverage are optional, but your lender may require them if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.

What’s Covered Under Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if a covered event damages it. For example, if your car is stolen, comprehensive coverage will pay for the value of your car at the time of the theft. It will pay to fix the dents and cracks if hail damage occurs to your car.

However, comprehensive coverage does not cover everything. It’s vital to note that this coverage does not extend to damages caused by regular wear and tear, mechanical issues, or maintenance-related problems.

Does Collision Coverage Cover Windshield Damage?

Collision coverage covers windshield damage only if a collision with another vehicle or object causes it. For example, if you hit a deer and your windshield cracks, collision coverage will pay for the repair or replacement of your windshield.

However, collision coverage will not protect you if a rock flies off a truck on the highway and damages your windshield. You would need comprehensive coverage to cover the windshield damage in that case.

Filing a Windshield Replacement Claim

First, what information do you need to file a claim? Typically, you’ll need to provide your insurance company with your policy number, the date and location of the incident, and any photos or videos of the damage. Your insurance company may also ask for a police report or witness statements if a collision caused the damage.

The duration of the claims process varies among insurance companies, but it typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, the insurance company will assess the damage and determine if the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. If your claim is approved, you may need to pay a deductible before the work is done.

However, if your claim is denied, you may need to pay for the repairs out of pocket or explore alternative options. It can occur if the insurance company determines that the damage is too minor or falls outside the scope of your coverage.

One alternative is to pay for the repairs out of pocket. Although it may require a larger upfront investment, opting for a higher deductible can save you money.

Another alternative is to try DIY repairs or use a windshield repair kit. However, it’s essential to note that these methods may not be effective, especially if the damage is extensive.

Additionally, if your vehicle has air suspension, you must consider the impact that replacing your windshield could have on it. Make sure to let the repair shop know about your vehicle’s air suspension system so that they can take the necessary precautions during the repair or replacement process.

Conclusion

Whether or not your car insurance covers windshield replacement depends on your policy’s specific terms and conditions. Some policies may offer full or partial coverage for windshield replacement, while others may not include this coverage at all. It’s important to review your policy carefully and contact your insurance provider if you have any questions or concerns about your coverage for windshield replacement.

About the Author:

Isabel Aguirre is the Marketing Manager of Anytime Auto Glass, Arizona’s most trusted windshield replacement and repair company.  She loves spending time with her family, pool time with her kids, watching her son ride BMX as well as going out dancing and kayaking.