Your windshield is one of the most crucial safety components of your car. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most commonly damaged parts of it. If your windshield’s been damaged, you may be wondering if car insurance will cover a windshield replacement. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your windshield glass replaced, how insurance plays into all of it and how to prevent glass damage in the first place.
Comprehensive coverage and windshield replacement
In most cases, a windshield replacement or glass repair will be covered by car insurance if you have comprehensive coverage. This is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes things like:
- Natural disasters and storms
- Fires
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Damage caused by hitting an animal
Comprehensive coverage is not typically required for insurance policies. However, if you owe money on your car you may be required to carry comprehensive coverage as a term of your loan or lease. Check in with your insurance company or agent to see if you have full coverage on your vehicle.
Windshield replacement and glass damage are covered under comprehensive insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.
For example, say your comprehensive deductible is $500, and your windshield replacement would cost $700. In this case, you would pay $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining cost.
Since windshield and glass damage are some of the most common comprehensive claims made, many insurance companies offer separate windshield deductibles. At Plymouth Rock you can select a $0 windshield deductible, which means you won’t have to pay to replace a windshield in a covered loss. Plymouth Rock also offers a $100 Glass Deductible option, which applies a $100 deductible for glass-only claims.
Read More:Understanding your car insurance deductible
Situations covered for windshield replacement
Coverage for a windshield replacement is typically provided under your comprehensive coverage.
- Cracks and chips from road debris
- Hail damage
- Falling objects
- Hitting an animal
- Vandalism
- Theft-related damage
Most situations that call for a windshield replacement would fall under comprehensive, but there are cases where collision coverage will apply. Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car from hitting another car or a stationary object. If your windshield glass was damaged as a result of a collision, your collision coverage may apply.
When windshield replacement isn’t covered
Coverage for a windshield replacement depends on your insurance policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage. While comprehensive coverage typically covers glass damage, including windshield replacements, there are situations where your coverage may be limited or not applicable.
The most common situation for a windshield replacement not being covered is if you don’t carry the right coverage. Your insurance will not cover a windshield replacement if you don’t already have coverage, whether that’s comprehensive or collision.
Your insurance will not cover pre-existing damage. For example, if you bought a used car with cracked glass your new insurance policy will not cover a replacement.
If the cost to replace your windshield is lower than your comprehensive deductible, your insurance may not cover it. This could be the case if you don’t carry a separate glass deductible and your comprehensive deductible is high.
For example, if your comprehensive deductible is $1,000 and it costs $700 to replace your windshield, your insurance will not pay for any of it.
Even if you don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage, there are still some cases where you may be able to have insurance cover your windshield replacement. If you’re involved in an accident that damages your windshield and the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should pay for it.
Claims process for windshield replacement
We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.
- File Your Claim
Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us directly. - Assignment and Tracking of the Claim
After you report your car insurance claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have. - Damage Evaluation
If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:- CarPicsSM Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
- Crashbusters® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, oftentimes, issuing you a check on the spot.
- Door to Door Valet Claim Service®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
- Receive Your Claim Settlement
Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.
Impact of windshield replacement on insurance premiums
Keep in mind that you still need to pay your comprehensive deductible in the event of a claim. If you choose a different deductible for glass only claims, you may see an increase to your insurance premium.
Plymouth Rock offers a waiver of deductible for glass repairs for Assurance Plus customers at no extra cost. This means you will have no deductible for the repair of simple glass breaks, chips, nicks and cracks resulting from a covered loss.
Preventative measures to protect your windshield
Taking some preventative measures can help reduce the risk of windshield damage and prolong its lifespan. Here are some easy ways to help protect your windshield.
Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Rocks, gravel and other road debris can be kicked up by other cars on the road. Large trucks especially tend to kick up more debris. Give construction vehicles more space, as objects can fall off them and damage. Leave plenty of following distance when you’re driving.
Avoid driving on gravel or rough, unpaved roads if possible. Choose routes with well-maintained roads and avoid construction zones. Not only do these rough roads pose a hazard to your windshield, they can also wear down other parts of your car.
Be smart about where you park. Avoid parking under trees, as branches, fruit or acorns may fall on your car and damage it. If possible, park in a garage.
Keep your windshield wipers in good condition. Worn out wiper blades not only reduce visibility, but they also may scratch your windshield and weaken it over time. If you notice your wipers are losing effectiveness, it’s a time to replace them.
If you end up with a small chip on your windshield, get it repaired as soon as possible. It’s easier and cheaper to fix a small chip before it becomes a large crack that requires a full replacement. Inspect your windshield periodically to stay on top of its condition.
FAQ
The cost to replace a windshield depends on your vehicles. Some cars require specialty glass or have sensors that need to be calibrated after a windshield replacement, which can be more expensive.
You should not drive with a cracked windshield. Not only is it dangerous, it’s illegal in most states. Repair or replace your windshield at the first sign of damage.
If your windshield suffers even a small chip or a crack, repair or replace it immediately. Small cracks can quickly spread and become huge problems.
Nobody wants to face an unexpected glass repair or replacement bill. That’s why knowing your auto insurance coverage ahead of time is important. If you don’t already have full coverage for your vehicle, consider adding it to better protect yourself and your vehicle.
Now let’s talk about you
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 800-516-9242 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote quickly and easily online. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
* Certain restrictions apply.
