Written by Anthony Volk on January 9, 2017. Posted in Auto Glass Replacement, Auto Glass Repair

Getting Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced Through Insurance

Accidents happen. If you’re facing a cracked, chipped, dented or disfigured windshield, you’re in luck. Windshield repair and replacement is common, and it’s covered by insurance. Even if your car is damaged in an accident, insurance options can still save your bank. To maximize your coverage, however, you’ll need to know the ropes of automotive insurance coverage. If your vehicle has suffered damage from passing traffic, rocks, branches or a storm, you’re entitled to a certain amount of coverage. Take the steps below to repair or replace your vehicle’s windshield through insurance, and remember to ask your provider about available financial options.

Step One: Locate Your Insurance Card

First, you’ll need to find your insurance card. In the event of an accident, you’ll need to prove your own insurance coverage. “Proof of insurance,” or your legal insurance requirements, exist as one of the following:

• An insurance ID card
• Proof of coverage and policy expiration date
• Verification of Coverage, or MD FR-19
• SR-22 or FR-44 certificate

In some cases, your state’s Motor Vehicle Department can verify your coverage. Either way, you’ll need your insurance carrier’s number to report any damages, establish claim use and repair—or replace—your vehicle’s windshield.

Step Two: Call Your Claims Service

Next, you’ll need to report your claim via telephone. Call your insurance provider’s phone number, and be ready to ask any questions you have about deductibles. In most cases, your claims provider will offer your coverage’s dynamics. If you haven’t looked over your coverage in a while, or if you’ve simply forgotten your coverage’s limitations, they’re there to help. Additionally, your claims service can help arrange on-the-spot towing. Your safety is important, and you should contact towing services if feel unsafe driving your car. Windshield damage, in particular, can be unsafe to drive with. Whether you’re repairing or replacing the windshield, you shouldn’t drive with broken glass—or with a broken windshield, in general.

Step Three: Cover Glass Damage Without Body Damage

Once you’ve connected with your provider, you’ll need to specify your need to access auto glass repair or replacement. Tell your insurance provider you need to cover glass damage without body damage. This is important, as full-body auto coverage costs more. It may also require a different deductible limit. Each state sustains its own Department of Transportation regulations. These regulations determine whether or not a windshield’s damage creates any visual impairment. Your claim coverage, for this reason, will differ from area to area. Impairing damages, understandably, are subjected to more coverage. You will, however, need comprehensive auto coverage to obtain a full windshield replacement. Check with your provider about “zero deductible” options, too.

Step Four: Talk to Your Representative

Next, you’ll be connected with an insurance company’s representative. This representative will help you locate, compare and decide upon different repair options. No matter what type of coverage you have, your representative is responsible for connecting you with valuable repair and replacement options.

Step Five: Answer the Representative’s Questions

To secure the best-possible repair and replacement jobs, coverage holders must discuss options with their representative. Once connected, your representative will cover the basics, including your vehicle’s damage, policy limits and repair options. The topics below will be covered, mostly in order.

Topic One: Your Policy Number

Your auto insurance representative will need your policy number. Your auto insurance policy number is your auto insurance account’s number. It can be used to navigate your account, review your coverage’s options and even make payments. The easiest way to find your policy number is by looking at your auto insurance ID card. If you can’t find your auto insurance ID card, look for your billing statements and policy declaration page. In some cases, your policy number may be available online—though you’ll need to log in through your provider’s portal via a username and password. If you still can’t track down your auto insurance policy number, you can give your insurance provider personal information instead. Often, insurance representatives can navigate to a policyholder’s account via their personal information alone.

Topic Two: The Date of Damage

You’ll need to record the date of vehicle damage, too. If you’re not able to contact your provider on the day of damage, write down the date and time after the accident. The date of damage is important, as certain policies options extend for limited time. Additionally, if another vehicle owner was involved in your vehicle’s damage, and if their date of damage conflicts with yours, receiving coverage may become difficult.

Topic Three: Your Vehicle’s Make and Model

Your vehicle’s make and model, too, needs to be provided. If possible, take pictures of any damages incurred during—and even after—the accident. If your vehicle’s windshield was damaged due to an act of nature, or by a random accident, take photos to provide “evidence.” In many cases, these photos can be used to secure significant coverage.

Topic Four: Repair or Replacement

Before selecting an auto glass company to fix your vehicle, you’ll need to determine whether repair or replacement is needed. The decision greatly relies upon your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. The potential impact on your premium, too, should be considered, as windshield replacement is often costlier than repair. If the windshield’s damage is complex, however, replacement may be the only option. In general, you should replace your windshield if its damage extends to over one-fourth of its overall size.

Topic Five: Selecting an Auto Glass Company

Your insurance representative will ask you which auto glass company you’d like to use. Companies like Anthony Volk Glass are incredibly flexible with insurance claims, and they’re capable of handling coverage amounts on their end. Customers should be wary, however, as an insurance company may attempt to “steer” policyholders to the company’s preferred vendor. Always research your options first. While an auto glass company may not be listed as a preferred vendor, they’re still incredibly viable. Often, insurance companies suggest vendors based upon their own financial partnerships. Anthony Volk Glass, among several other repair and replacement companies, offer lifetime guarantees, same-rate insurance options and competitive prices. Why pay more when you can get a better job, better security and better options? Call us today at (610) 436-9727 or request a free quote here!

Tags: windshield repair, windshield replacement