How do I know if my insurance covers windshield replacement
A cracked windshield not only affects your car's aesthetic appeal but also impairs your driving experience and potentially threatens your safety.
Your windshield may sustain chips or cracks due to severe weather conditions, automobile accidents, impacts from rocks and debris, or acts of vandalism. Even a small ding or crack can affect your windshield’s integrity and worsen over time.
Since auto glass damage is a common occurrence, many vehicle owners ask, “Does car insurance cover windshield damage?” The answer mainly depends on the specific type of car insurance you possess and the extent of coverage it provides.
Importance of Insurance for Motor Vehicles
Vehicle damage can happen anytime and anywhere. Reliable vehicle insurance acts like a safety net, providing peace of mind and financial protection in unforeseen situations.
Motor vehicle insurance can cover the cost of repairs and replacements, medical expenses, and even legal liabilities resulting from accidents. Without insurance, you would have to bear these expenses out of pocket.
In fact, car insurance is a legal requirement in the majority of states. While the specific minimum coverage and amounts may differ between states, driving without insurance can result in fines, penalties, and legal repercussions.
Understanding Coverage Options
Understanding the various options for auto insurance coverage can help you make well-informed decisions regarding your policy.
Additionally, this knowledge allows you to determine the types of damage that are included in your coverage.
Collision insurance
This type of auto insurance covers your vehicle if it gets damaged in a collision with another car or a stationary object, like a tree or fence. Regardless of who’s at fault, this coverage helps pay for repairs incurred due to the collision.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance that provides financial protection for damages that are non-collision related. This typically includes losses resulting from theft, vandalism, natural disasters (earthquakes, tornados, windstorms), falling objects, or a run-in with an animal, among other causes.
Windshield repairs and replacement would typically be covered under the comprehensive coverage portion of your policy.
Auto glass damage such as windshield repair, replacement and vandalism claims would fall under this category of insurance depending on what type of policy purchased and State guidelines. A deductible may be applied to any claims you may filed and is dependent on the policy you have purchased.
Full Glass Coverage
In many states, insurance companies offer full-glass coverage that can be purchased in addition to the comprehensive policy. This add-on exclusively covers glass-related repairs or replacements, including windshields.
With full glass coverage, you may not have a deductible or may choose how much your deductible is for the policy you want. Although this option comes at an additional cost, it can ultimately be more cost-effective in the long run.
Inquiring about Windshield Damage Coverage from Your Insurer
When inquiring about windshield damage coverage from your insurer, gathering specific information and asking relevant questions is essential. Here are some points to consider:
“Does the policy cover windshield repairs or replacements?”
Ask your insurer to explain the extent of your coverage for windshield damage. Find out whether repairs or replacements are covered and under what circumstances they are/are not eligible.
“What are the deductibles or limitations on coverage?”
A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket toward a covered claim.
Ask your insurer about the deductible amount that applies to windshield damage claims. This is the portion of the repair/replacement cost you must pay before insurance kicks in.
Also, determine if your insurer offers different deductible options for windshield damage.
Don’t forget to inquire about any specific limitations on windshield damage coverage. Some policies may have guidelines on the use of specific parts to repair your vehicle including glass claims.
“Is prior approval or authorization required for repairs or replacements?”
Your insurer may require pre-approval or authorization before proceeding with windshield repairs or replacements. This typically involves submitting documentation such as photos or repair estimates for review and approval by the insurer.
These requirements can vary, so you need to contact your insurer directly to understand their specific claims process.
Understanding Insurance Terminology
Here are some standard insurance terms related to windshield damage coverage and their meanings:
- Deductible: An auto insurance deductible is an amount you pay “out of pocket” when you file a claim.
- Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance is an optional type of coverage that protects your car against loss or damage caused by non-collision events.
Conclusion
Reviewing your insurance coverage yearly with your insurance agent is a great way to be sure you have the coverage you want with your ever-changing lifestyleMany windshield replacement costs can be between $600 to $1,500 or more. If the expense of replacing your cracked windshield exceeds your current deductible, This cost will be your responsibility. With the costs of automotive repairs including glass increasing, it may be time to add comprehensive coverage to your policy if you do not already have it.