Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?

Does insurance cover windshield repair or replacement?

Windshield damage and car insurance

Your windshield and auto glass are covered by your car insurance if you carry comprehensive coverage. This coverage can protect your vehicle from non-collision damages including weather damage (like hail, flooding, etc.), theft and animal damage (including colliding with larger animals such as deer). When paired with collision coverage, this combination is often referred to as “full coverage.” Consider adding comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is worth $4,000 or more. Bear in mind that comprehensive claims are often subject to a deductible.

If your windshield is damaged in an accident in which you were not at fault, the damage will be paid for by the property damage liability coverage of the at-fault party. 

Should I use my car insurance to fix my windshield?

Using your insurance coverage could be wise if it seems likely that you will have to get a new windshield entirely. However, if it’s just a small chip or minor damage, it may not be wise to file a claim. Generally speaking, if your deductible is higher than $1,000, it will not likely be worth filing a claim, as most repairs won’t cost that much.

However, full windshield replacement will likely be too expensive for most folks to simply pay out-of-pocket. Unless your deductible is on the higher end, filing a claim with your insurance is probably the way to go.

Will windshield claims cause my insurance rates to go up?

Chipped or cracked windshields are considered comprehensive claims and can cause your rates to rise. The average increase for a comprehensive insurance claim is $34 over the course of a six-month policy. Such a claim can stay on your record for three to five years, meaning that you could be paying more for insurance over a prolonged period of time. 

In general, glass claims are not likely to increase your rates as much as other types of claims. For instance, a collision coverage claim raises your insurance rates an average of $335 for a six-month policy. The rate increase tends to be much higher when using collision insurance because such claims are considered to be more within the control of the driver, while comprehensive claims are less likely to be in their control.

How to get your windshield fixed

Most often, minor glass damages like a little chip or crack can usually be fixed without having to replace the entire windshield — as long as you act fast enough. As soon as you notice small chips or cracks, it’s best to get your windshield repaired as soon as possible to prevent this damage from getting worse. Cracks that form can be worsened by sun exposure, temperature extremes, excessive moisture and even bumps in the road. Quick action can help prevent you from having to purchase an entirely new windshield.