Windshield Replacement and Car Insurance: Are You Covered?

Your windshield is more than just a piece of glass. It’s vital to your car’s safety system, protecting you from wind, rain, debris, and even flying objects in a collision. But what happens when your windshield gets damaged? Do you need to replace it right away? And will your car insurance cover the cost of windshield replacement?

In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll explain why windshields are important for safe driving, the common causes of windshield damage, and how to determine if your car insurance policy covers windshield replacement. Whether you have a small chip or a large crack, you’ll want to read this before you hit the road.

Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

It depends on the type of car insurance coverage you have. Most car insurance policies provide coverage for windshield replacement under either comprehensive or collision coverage. However, the specific terms and conditions of your policy may vary. Always consult your insurance provider for specifics.

Comprehensive Coverage

In comprehensive coverage, situations other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or natural catastrophes, can probably be added to your auto insurance policy for an additional premium. The windshield and other windows of your vehicle are likely protected.

How Does Comprehensive Coverage Work?

When you have comprehensive coverage and your windshield is damaged, you can usually file a claim with your insurance company to replace it. However, before your insurance kicks in, you must pay the deductible you signed up for. Your insurance will cover the remaining cost of the replacement up to your coverage limit.

Examples of When Comprehensive Coverage Applies to Windshield Replacement

Comprehensive coverage typically applies to many types of windshield damage, including:

• Hail damage
• Damage from falling objects, such as tree branches or debris from other vehicles
• Damage from animals, such as birds or deer
• Vandalism, such as someone breaking your windshield intentionally

Pros

• Comprehensive usually coverage protects a wide range of damages to your vehicle, including windshield damage.
• Having confidence that you are safeguarded in the face of adversity is priceless.
• Windshield replacements can be expensive; comprehensive coverage may help offset those costs.

Cons

• Comprehensive coverage is optional and typically comes with a higher premium than other types of car insurance.
• You still have to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
• Comprehensive coverage may not cover all types of damages, so be sure to review the terms and conditions of your policy.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is optional and usually protects your car from damage resulting from an accident that you cause, whether it’s with another car or a stationary object. Collision coverage can help you pay for a windshield replacement if your windshield is cracked or shattered during a crash.

It is a type of auto insurance that can protect your car against harm from collisions with other cars or objects. Collision coverage is not required by law, but it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan.

How it works

After an accident, collision insurance will usually pay for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle, less your deductible. Before your insurance kicks in, you’ll have to pay your deductible. For example, suppose a windshield replacement costs $1,000 and your deductible is $500. In that case, you will be responsible for paying $500, and your insurer will cover the remaining $500.

Examples of when collision coverage applies to windshield replacement

When your windshield suffers damage due to impact with another vehicle or object during an accident that you caused, collision coverage can apply to windshield replacement. For example, collision coverage may help you pay for the repair if you hit another car and your windshield cracks. 

However, collision coverage won’t usually apply if a hailstorm or a rock thrown by another vehicle damages your windshield. You will likely need comprehensive coverage to cover the windshield damage in those cases.

Pros

• Collision coverage can provide financial protection in the event of a collision that damages your windshield.
• You may have more flexibility in choosing a repair or replacement provider, as you are not limited to those approved by your insurance company.

Cons

• Collision coverage usually comes with a deductible, meaning you may need to pay a significant amount out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
• Collision coverage can be expensive and may not be worth the cost if you have an older, less valuable vehicle.

Deductibles

The amount of money you pay out of pocket directly before the insurance coverage starts is your deductible. For instance, if you have a $500 deductible and your windshield replacement costs $1,000, you would pay $500, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $500.

How Deductibles Work for Windshield Replacement

Regarding windshield replacement, deductibles work the same way as they do for other types of claims. If your windshield is damaged and needs to be replaced, you must pay your deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. Your insurance company will cover the remaining cost of the replacement up to your coverage limit.

Choosing a Deductible

When you purchase car insurance, you will have the option of choosing your deductible amount. Deductibles typically range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your insurance company and policy. Your monthly premium payment will likely be lower if you choose a higher deductible. However, you will be responsible for a larger portion of the cost of any claims you make. If you opt for a lower deductible, your premium will likely be higher, but then you’ll typically pay less out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

Pros and Cons of High and Low Deductibles

High Deductibles:

Pros: Lower monthly premiums can save you money in the long run if you don’t need to file a claim.

Cons: You’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim, which can be difficult to budget for.

Low Deductibles:

Pros: You’ll pay less out of pocket if you need to file a claim, which can be easier on your budget.

Cons: Higher monthly premiums can be more expensive in the long run if you don’t need to file a claim.

Coverage Limits

The maximum amount your insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim is known as the “coverage limit.” For example, suppose your coverage limit for windshield replacement is $1,500, and your replacement costs $2,000. In that case, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining $500 out of pocket.

How Coverage Limits Work for Windshield Replacement

Regarding windshield replacement, coverage limits work the same way as they do for other types of claims. If your windshield is damaged and needs to be replaced, your insurance company will typically cover the replacement cost up to your coverage limit. If the replacement cost exceeds your coverage limit, you’ll likely be responsible for paying the remaining balance out of pocket.

Choosing Coverage Limits

When purchasing car insurance, you can choose your coverage limits for various types of claims, usually including windshield replacement. Coverage limits typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on your insurance company and policy. 

Choosing a higher coverage limit can give you more protection in the event of a major claim. It will also usually result in a higher monthly premium. On the other hand, choosing a lower coverage limit can result in a lower monthly premium. You’ll be responsible for paying more out of pocket if your claim exceeds your coverage limit.

Pros and Cons of High and Low Coverage Limits

High Coverage Limits:

Pros: More protection in case of a major claim.

Cons: Higher monthly premiums can be more expensive in the long run if you don’t need to file a claim.

Low Coverage Limits:

Pros: Lower monthly premiums can save you money if you don’t need to file a claim.

Cons: You’ll be responsible for paying more out of pocket if your claim exceeds your coverage limit, which can be difficult to budget for.

Factors That Affect Windshield Replacement Coverage

Type of Damage

The type and severity of the damage to your windshield can affect whether or not your insurance policy covers it. For example, a small chip may be covered under your policy, while a large crack may not.

Age and Mileage of the Vehicle

The age and mileage of your vehicle can also affect whether or not your insurance policy covers your windshield replacement. Older vehicles with high mileage may not be covered for certain types of damage, such as wear and tear.

Insurance Company Policies

Different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to windshield replacement coverage. Some may offer full coverage, while others may only cover a portion.

State Laws and Regulations

State laws and regulations can also affect your windshield replacement coverage. Some states require insurance companies to provide full coverage for windshield replacement, while others may only require partial coverage.