Windshield Replacement Insurance
(Here's what you need to know about windshield replacement insurance.)
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Perhaps you have a little spider crack from a stone that flew off a gravel truck, and the crack is spreading across your vehicle’s windshield. Or maybe a thief smashed a window to steal your car stereo.
Maybe you have been in an accident that shattered several windows and a mirror. In these scenarios, will auto glass insurance come to your rescue?
Insurance companies provide auto glass insurance coverage in your standard auto policy. An independent agent can help you learn about auto glass coverage, and can also compare prices from multiple companies to help you find the policy and price that is right for you.
Contact a local independent insurance agent today for personal assistance.
- Auto glass insurance is typically included in the "other than collision" coverage on your auto insurance policy.
- In some states, auto glass coverage comes with a zero deductible, so the insurance company will pay your windshield replacement costs with nothing out of pocket for you.
- If you have the option, get your windshield repaired instead of replaced; some insurance companies will waive the cost of the deductible for glass repair.
What Does Auto Glass Insurance Cover?
If your windshield, car window, mirror or sunroof is damaged or shattered, your auto glass insurance covers the repair or replacement cost minus your deductible.
For example, if you have $600 in windshield damage, and your deductible is $200, your insurance company will cover the remaining $400 after your out-of-pocket deductible.
The repair work your insurance covers will include the materials and labor charges. It may or may not cover upgrades you have done, such as after-factory tinting on the windows.
Auto Glass Insurance Tips
There are a number of things you can do to save costs on your auto glass and insurance.
- If you have a small crack or chip in your windshield, be sure to get it repaired before the window needs to be totally replaced. You can potentially have the crack filled to improve structural integrity. A good auto glass repair shop will guarantee the repair, and you won’t have to pay your deductible.
- If you do have a substantial crack in your windshield, the strength and safety of the windshield has probably been compromised. It is important to get it fixed, because extreme heat or excessive cold weather could cause it to shatter.
- Don’t be afraid to file an insurance claim on windshield damage you could not have prevented. It is not likely that such a claim will cause your insurance rates to go up, unless you are regularly filing such claims.
- Only file claims if you cannot get a simple repair done. If you file a claim for every small problem on your car insurance, you may see an increase in your overall coverage costs.
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Who Should Repair Your Broken Windshield?
It’s important that you contact a reputable glass repair shop. Make sure the people installing your windshield are fully qualified. Glass repair shops will compete for your business, so you want to use a reputable company that you can return to if there is anything wrong with the repair.
When you work with an independent agent , you will have a local representative who can refer you to area glass repair companies that you can trust. Your agent may even be able to refer you to a glass repair service that will come to you to fix your windshield.
Contact an independent insurance agent today and get personalized assistance, comparison quotes, and the assistance you need when it comes time to file a claim.
Insurance Information Institute
The Insurance Journal July 2012