Does Insurance Cover A Broken Car Windshield?
Windshield damages are inevitable in some circumstances and can cost a lot to fix or replace, depending on the extent of the damage.
Windshield damages are inevitable in some circumstances and can cost a lot to fix or replace, depending on the extent of the damage. Several reasons, including flying objects or debris, storm, collision, and fluctuating temperature, can cause the car windshield to break. Many drivers often wonder if insurance covers the broken car windshield.
Windshield replacement has been the top car insurance claim, but whether the insurance covers windshield damage depends on the car insurance coverage type. For example, suppose a car owner has a car insurance policy with comprehensive collision or glass coverage. In that case, it will cover auto glass repair, including repair or replacement of a broken windshield.
If the vehicle's windshield has been damaged, here is how different coverage works:
Comprehensive insurance
A comprehensive insurance policy can cover the cost of replacing the damaged windshield glass minus the deductible for events other than collision. For example, damages caused by rocks or debris hitting the glass, fallen tree branches, vandalism, hailstorm, or animal strike are covered under comprehensive insurance.
Collision insurance
As the name suggests, collision insurance covers repairs and replacement caused due to a collision or crash. For example, windshield damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or if the car hits a pole is covered minus the deductible amount.
Full glass coverage
Insurance companies in several states provide an option to purchase full glass coverage as an add-on to a comprehensive insurance policy. It exclusively covers the glass repair or replacement cost and is often available with a $0 deductible option.
When does someone else's insurance cover the windshield damage?
Someone else's insurance can cover windshield repair if:
Someone crashes into one's car, which happened due to their fault. In this case, the other person's liability insurance will cover the windshield damage. File a claim of the other driver's auto insurance policy before the repairs are made.
A person breaks the windshield, and they carry liability insurance. One can claim their homeowner's or renter's liability insurance, provided one proves to the insurance company that the fault arose from the other person.
Deductibles
A deductible includes the money paid out-of-pocket for a covered claim. Standard deductibles may apply for windshield damage covered by a comprehensive policy. Most comprehensive insurance policies come with deductibles that one must pay before getting compensation from the insurer. However, there is a choice to opt for no deductibles, which increases the premium cost. In some states, no-deductible options are available for glass repair.
How to file a windshield damage claim
If the car windshield breaks, file a claim immediately and before any repair. Assess the extent of damage before filing for a windshield replacement claim.
Document the damage by taking pictures.
Contact the insurance agent to understand how to file the claim online, on the phone, through an app, or by visiting the insurance agent.
Provide the claim adjuster with photos of the damage or apprise them of the extent of the damage.
Choose a glass repair shop from the options provided by the insurance company. One may need to take the car to an auto glass repair shop.
It is best to file a claim for a broken windshield only if the deductible is within the repair or replacement cost.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood,and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
