Will Your Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
It can be tricky to understand what is included in your car insurance policy and what is not. Until the moment that you need to have your windshield repaired or replaced, insurance coverage probably is not a concern. When dealing with a damaged windshield, however, most car owners want to know if it’s covered.
Windshield damage is not covered by all types of insurance nor all policies. Find out what comprehensive, collision and liability insurance will pay for when it comes to fixing or replacing windshields.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance often includes payment for scratches, chipped, cracked or shattered windshields. Coverage usually entails repairs and replacement for damage caused by a range of things, such as:
- Rocks and gravel,
- Hail or ice,
- Storms and other natural disasters,
- Deer or other animal collisions,
- Vandalism or theft.
If the windshield was broken by something other than a car accident, comprehensive insurance is your best bet for having repair work or new glass covered.
To be sure, ask your car insurance company. Check that your policy has car glass coverage for damage not caused by collisions, and specifically for windshield repair.
Check Your Insurance Deductible
Many comprehensive insurance policies which have car glass coverage set relatively high deductible rates for car glass. Some policies only apply the deductible to windshield replacement, but not to repairs. If you’re considering filing a claim for windshield repair or replacement, make sure that the deductible is lower than the total estimate for the work.
Find out if it’s possible to get the insurance deductible waived for windshield replacement.
Changes to Your Insurance Premium
When the damage is not a result of an accident, having car glass repaired or new glass installed should not affect your insurance premium.
Process for Filing an Insurance Claim
First, it’s best to file a claim for the work as soon as possible. Then, your insurance company will you know if it will be covered by your policy. The agent may request further information or an inspection to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Next, you will need to find a reliable car glass repair shop. It’s also possible to request reimbursement from the car insurance company after the work has been completed.
Full Glass Insurance Coverage
Drivers can opt for full glass insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It covers the expense of fixing a windshield or getting a new one without applying a deductible charge.
Other Types of Insurance
Collision coverage and liability insurance cover the cost of windshield repair or replacement when damage is caused by an accident. Unfortunately, this is the only case in which it would be included.
Choosing a Repair Service Provider
Remember, you always have the right to choose what company to trust to fix your car. This also applies to car glass repairs and replacement. Drivers aren’t limited to service providers recommended by their car insurance company or even in their network. Choose the collision repair or car glass specialist in your area who provides the most reliable service.
You can count on the professionals at Anthony Volk Glass. If you need to repair or replace your car window or windshield, call our team of car glass specialists at (610) 436-9727 or use the easy online quote request form.
Tags: car insurance, windshield damage, windshield repair, windshield replacement
