Should You Use Insurance To Replace A Windshield
Assuming that another driver isn’t responsible for damaging your windshield, it may make more sense to replace it yourself without making an insurance claim. Even if glass damage is covered by your auto insurance policy, it could cost more to replace your windshield using your insurance coverage.
Auto insurance is more expensive for drivers who have made claims before. Even making a claim for windshield damage can affect your premiums and cause them to be more expensive in the future. Since making claims causes your rates to increase, you should factor in the future cost of coverage when deciding whether to make a claim on a broken windshield.
You may also want to avoid using your car insurance coverage to replace a cracked windshield if the cost of the damage is close to your deductible. An auto policy’s deductible the amount you have to pay when you make a comprehensive claim can be anywhere from less than $100 to more than $2,000. A claims settlement would come to the cost of replacing your windshield minus your deductible.
If you have a $500 deductible, the cost to replace your car’s windshield would have to be at least that before you could use your insurance to pay for the repairs. Even if your car’s windshield undergoes $600 worth of damage, your insurance would only pay out a net total of $100 . In this scenario, it’s better to pay the $600 yourself instead of the $500 deductible, plus future premium increases.
Should I Use Insurance To Replace Windshield
Windshield replacement or repair is covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Factors used to determine whether to repair or replace windshield are: size, location, and number of cracks.
Cost of windshield replacement is determined by your deductible.
Your insurance premium will not go up after a windshield claim with most insurance companies.
You are driving down the freeway and bam! a pebble smacks into your windshield and leaves behind a chip. It’s a small chip and you decided to wait a bit before repairing the windshield.
Few days later, you drive over a speed bump and that small chip instantly grows to a 6-inch crack.
“Oh no, is the windshield still repairable? What should I do?”
The good news is that the replacement or repair of your windshield is likely covered by the comprehensive coverage that is already on your auto insurance policy.
How To File A Claim With Aaa Insurance
If your windshield is damaged and you need to file a claim with AAA Insurance, the process is simple. First, call the AAA Insurance Claims Center at 1-800-874-7595 to report the claim. You will need to provide your policy number, the date and time of the incident, and a brief description of the damage. Next, a representative will walk you through the claims process and schedule an appointment for you to take your vehicle to a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for repairs. Once at the repair facility, they will inspect the damage and give you an estimate for repairs. If you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, repairs should be covered under your policy minus any applicable deductible.
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What Are The State Laws Regarding Windshield Repairs And Replacement
Your state laws also determine costs related to windshield repairs and replacement. According to CarWindshields.Info, each state has windshield and window repair and replacement laws.
For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina require car insurance companies to provide free windshield replacement and repairs. In fact, insurance companies in Florida and South Carolina must repair or replace all windows at no cost, not just the windshield.
Additionally, car insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York must offer $0 deductible glass coverage.
Drivers in other states are charged their deductibles for windshield replacement with Progressive. However, there is usually no charge for windshield repairs.
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Do Car Insurance Companies Cover Windshield Damage
A cars windshield is made of resilient material and can withstand a high amount of pressure and varying temperatures. However, there are times when the windshield can get damaged due to acts of nature, falling coconuts or branches, or man-made events. A damaged windshield makes driving difficult and dangerous, thereby calling for immediate repairs. While car owners must take a basicthird-party liability insurance policy , this may not cover car windshield damage. However, if you have acomprehensive car insurance orstandalone own damage car insurance , you can file a cashless claim with the insurer or get a reimbursement.
Here is some information on the types of windshield damages covered under a comprehensive policy and the process of filing a claim.
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Alternatively You May Also Choose To Take Care Of All These Steps On Your Own And Apply For Reimbursement With Your Insurance Agent
Depending on your insurance contract, you may not be fully reimbursed if your insurance company determines that the cost of the service exceeds the acceptable range.
To avoid paying more money out of pocket, always consult with your insurance agent prior to having any work completed on your windshield.
Some Drivers Pay Zero Deductible For All Windshield Claims
If you live in Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, then you pay a $0 deductible for all windshield repair and replacement claims. Due to state insurance law, insurers cannot charge a deductible for most windshield repairs and replacements.
Similarly, drivers in some states have the option to buy full glass coverage, which comes with similar benefits. You pay a few extra dollars for car insurance, but you pay a $0 deductible for any windshield repair or replacement claims. In fact, some states require Travelers to offer full glass coverage to policyholders. If you live in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, then you can buy full glass coverage through Travelers and avoid paying any deductible for windshield repairs and replacements.
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Final Word On Travelers Windshield Replacement Coverage
Travelers covers windshield replacement similar to how other insurers cover windshield replacement: Travelers should cover windshield replacement for all drivers with full coverage car insurance.
You make a claim with Travelers, then repair your windshield at a local repair shop. You pay your deductible , and Travelers covers all remaining costs. If your windshield only needs repairs, or if you have full glass coverage, then you pay zero deductible for windshield repairs or replacements.
Contact Travelers to initiate your windshield replacement claim today.
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What Is Windshield Insurance
Windshield repair insurance is an add-on that is commonly included in comprehensive insurance. It includes the cost to repair or replace your windshield should it get damaged, chipped, or cracked from stones and other debris coming into contact.
If you do not have the additional protection, repairs may only be covered if caused by another vehicle or a falling object.
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Damaged Windshield Comprehensive Insurance Has You Covered
In most cases, auto glass repair due to windshield cracks and breaks is covered by comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive car insurance will usually cover you when damage occurs to your vehicle in something other than a collision or accident that is your fault.
Essentially, when your windshield or car is damaged due to an âact of godâ-falling branches, road debris, or even animal collisions. Collisions with other vehicles and drivers are covered by collision insurance. If you donât have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will not cover the windshield repairs.
Insurance brokers recommend that customers get comprehensive insurance for new and used cars. Some insurance companies offer a separate windshield protection program. This especially comes in handy if you donât have comprehensive insurance. Liability insurance doesnât cover the cost of repairs.
What To Do If Your Windshield Is Broken And You Need To File A Claim
The procedure for filing a claim for broken glass is the same as for other forms of auto insurance claims. You may either contact an agent or file a claim online for most businesses. Auto insurance providers want to be informed as soon as possible after a claim is made. If your windshield has been vandalized, contact the police and request a copy of the police report.
It could come in handy when dealing with the insurance provider in the future. You could be transferred to a separate division of the claims division for broken glass and windshields if you call, so pay attention to the prompt. Your auto insurance may require you to take the car to a shop of their choosing to inspect the damage after you file a claim. Some companies can require you to use a particular company to repair your windshield. Keep all of your receipts to ensure that your insurance agent knows how much to reimburse you.
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What Causes Damage To A Cars Windshield
Pretty much any object that can come into contact with your windshield could cause a chip or a crack. Here are some common scenarios:
- Gravel and road debris. When driving behind other vehicles, itâs a good idea to keep a safe distance to prevent gravel and other road debris from hitting your windshield.
- Hail. A severe thunderstorm can drop hail thatâs between a quarter to a golf ball in size with falling speeds between 25 to 40 miles per hour, which can chip, crack and break your windshield.
- Debris from parking under trees. Broken branches can cause chips and cracks to your windshield.
- Poor quality or installation. If your windshield was manufactured with poor quality, it could be more likely to chip or crack. If it was installed improperly, it could vibrate in the frame at higher speeds, which could cause possible damage.
- Accidents. External pressure from car accidents could cause your windshield to crack. Other types of accidents, like a neighborhood kid tossing an errant baseball, also pose a threat.
- Temperature. Sudden fluctuations and extreme temperatures can put stress on the glass and cause damage. Direct sunlight can heat the outer edges and cause the glass to expand faster than the center, which can cause the glass to crack.
Where Can I Get My Windshield Assessed Repaired Or Replaced
Alright, so a little damage has been done and now its time to fix it. But where do you go? You have options. If youre a TD Insurance customer, you can visit one of our preferred shops or vendors or you can always go to the garage/shop of your choice to get the work done. Otherwise, a referral to a garage/shop that someone you know or someone in your area has used can be helpful too.
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Can I Fix A Windshield Crack Myself
DIY windshield repair kits are available so you can fix a windshield crack at home. However, according to the National Windshield Repair Division, they can only properly repair an estimated 10% of breaks. The kits often instruct the user to fill cracks with resin, but repairs may also require drilling and flexing. Your windshield plays an important role in keeping you safe while driving so its best to hire a trained professional to ensure the repair is done properly.
Does Comprehensive Cover Glass
Damage to your windshield and car windows is covered in the vast majority of cases so long as you have comprehensive insurance.
Common examples of what comprehensive insurance would reimburse you for are:
- A tree branch falling on your windshield
- A baseball breaking your windshield
- A pebble damaging your windshield while driving
- Acts of vandalism
- An animal crashing into your windshield
Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that is usually purchased with collision insurance. Essentially, it protects your car from any type of damage not caused by another car, sometimes called “acts of God.”
While most policies cover your windshield, we recommend that you double-check to see which events are covered, how much your windshield deductible is and whether all of your glass is covered.
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There Are Advantages In Dealing With Auto Glass Specialists
MRM Auto Glass specializes in windshield repair and windshield replacement, with professional technicians who deal with stone chips, window cracks, and even sunroof damage. If you have an emergency, we can provide our FREE mobile service we take the anxiety out of a very stressful experience. Our technicians have expertise with a wide range of window glass.
- rear windows/windshields
- driver side front and back
- vent and quarter windows
- passenger side front/back
- manual/automatic sunroof
At MRM, we service both domestic and foreign made vehicles. For customers in Markham and Newmarket, windshield repairs and replacement is fast and easy. In working with your insurance company, well determine if windshield replacement or repair is covered by insurance and how best to proceed with the restoration work. Above all, our workmanship is completely guaranteed.
What Is The Process Of Getting My Windshield Repaired Or Replaced
If you want to use your car insurance to get your windshield repaired or replaced, follow these steps.
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Get In Touch With Brokerlink To Learn More About Windshield Replacement Coverage
If your windshield is cracked, chipped, or pitted and you arent sure whether your insurance covers the cost of replacing it, contact BrokerLink. We are auto insurance experts and can review your policy to help you determine whether your insurance will cover your windshield replacement. And if it doesnt, we can help you find a new auto insurance policy that protects you in the event of windshield damage.
Repairing or replacing a damaged windshield can be costly. Protect yourself by investing in comprehensive car insurance coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from a wide variety of perils. To learn more about windshield replacement coverage, get in touch with BrokerLink.
Our knowledgeable and friendly insurance advisors can be reached by phone, email, or in person at any of our locations in Canada. We also offer free quotes to all drivers. So if you want to receive an accurate estimate on the cost of an auto insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage, contact us. You can also use your online quote tool to request a complimentary car insurance quote in minutes.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with BrokerLink today to begin your auto insurance journey.
Determine The Severity Of Windshield Damage
Even the smallest crack on a windshield must be fixed as soon as possible. They donât stay little for long. Next comes the question of an auto glass repair or a total windshield replacement. The general rule is that anything larger than 6 inches is not repairable and the damaged windshield must be replaced.
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Learn When Filing A Claim For Windshield Damage Is Worth It
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One minute youre enjoying a road trip and the next, a small rock hits your windshield leaving behind an unsightly crack. The good news is that some types of car insurance cover windshield damage and you may not have to pay a deductible. However, the claim could cause your premium to go up. So should you use insurance to fix your windshield? Heres what to consider
Repairing Vs Replacing Your Windshield
If your windshield is cracked but hasn’t shattered, a qualified windshield specialist can help you make a decision about whether repair or replacement is better for your vehicle.
According to the National Windshield Repair Association , repair is generally much less expensive than replacement, provided it’s appropriate. The NWRA suggests that repairs should be carried out as soon as possible, to prevent cracks developing or getting worse. A useful rule of thumb is that a chip or crack smaller than a dollar bill can generally be repaired, according to you make your decision.
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Are Pitted Windshields Covered By Insurance
Pitting is the natural ageing of a windshield. Its caused by sand, dust, and other debris coming into contact over an extended period. Pitting causes small craters to form, distorting the sunlight and impacting your vision.
Since pitting is considered wear and tear, its not commonly covered by your insurer. Speak with an advisor to get clarification if pitting would be included.
What Should You Not Do After A New Windshield
Do not be rash with your driving, especially immediately after windshield replacement. Avoid driving your vehicles on especially uneven terrain to prevent your windshield in car from jarring and shaking. You should also refrain from slamming your car door or banging on the roof of your vehicle in a rush.
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When Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement
In most cases, you need to carry comprehensive coverage for your car insurance policy to cover a cracked or broken windshield and other types of glass damage, but collision coverage often applies in an accident with another vehicle.
When comprehensive applies: If your windshield is damaged as a result of falling debris, hitting a deer or animal, or other perils, then comprehensive coverage generally covers the cost to repair or replace it.
When collision applies: If your windshield is damaged in a car crash, collision coverage typically covers the damage instead of comprehensive.
Important note: If your windshield is damaged in a car accident, and the other driver is at fault, then you can choose to file a claim against their insurance to cover the cost to fix your windshield.