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IS A WINDSHIELD OR AUTO GLASS COVERED BY INSURANCE

May 19, 2022

Learn About Insurance Coverage for Damaged Windshields & Auto Glass

There are certain things in life that you can plan for, and others you simply try to be prepared when the situation arises to not let it get the best of you. That is the goal of this article. Our hope here at Auto Glass Experts is to make sure that you are prepared if you find yourself in need of auto glass repair or replacement at some point. 

 

Let’s start with the good news, and that is that in most cases windshield repair is covered by insurance. But you want to start by checking your policy to confirm that. 

 

In most cases, comprehensive coverage includes the windshield. Those who only have liability insurance though, will have to pay out of pocket for any windshield repair or replacement their vehicle requires. 

 

That being said, every policy is different, and you may have one that slightly varies to what I have mentioned here. You should make sure to read through your policy or talk with your insurance agent to verify what your policy covers. Frequently, it follows the information stated above though.

 

A very important step once you notice you have a rock chip is to start early. Although windshields are strong and made of laminated glass that reduces the possibility of it shattering, even the smallest rock chip undermines the structural integrity of a windshield and can eventually become a long crack that causes damage throughout the windshield. That should be reason enough to get started early on getting repair scheduled, but another reason is that insurance companies are more likely to cover small repairs rather than pay for large ones or a replacement. 

If you don’t happen to catch the chip repair in time, as they are known to grow almost instantly at times, a good next step would be to reach out to a local auto glass shop in your area, such as ourselves at Auto Glass Experts, and request a free quote. If a qualified windshield specialist diagnoses your windshield, you can include that in your claim to help your cause. 

 

One of the most important parts of this step is the repair expert will assess if you need repair or an entire windshield replacement. That all depends on the extent of the damage and these assessments are something that insurance companies take into consideration. 

 

Things can get a little more complicated when you get into deductibles for your insurance coverage. Despite the fact that you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, you may also have a deductible. That is the amount that you are required to pay towards a repair before your insurance kicks in to help. It is similar to what you may have to pay at the doctor’s office or dentist. Windshield repair is often less than the cost of the deductible, but in many cases insurance companies have waived deductible payments for rock chip repair. 

Another option to look into, that it may be too late to take advantage of this time around if you have already experienced damage of some sort to your windshield would be to look into additional coverage that you may be able to add to your current policy. 

 

Some insurance companies offer glass coverage that would waive or substantially lower your deductible in the case of a glass claim. Having such coverage can virtually guarantee that you are not paying out of pocket for your repair or replacement windshield. If your insurance company does not offer this option it may be a good time to look into other insurers. Insurance is a competitive industry and some companies will even give you additional savings for switching for their competitors. 

 

At the end of the day, no matter what your insurance says, it is always better to repair your windshield. Leaving a crack or any damage is a safety issue, and as you have just read in this article, Auto Glass Experts are happy to help with anything from a free estimate or assessment as well as full replacement of your windshield. We will make sure that your windshield is strong and safe so you won’t have to worry about it failing over time. That is why we stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty for as long as you own or lease your vehicle. Give us a call or text at 704-906-6768. You can learn more by visiting our insurance claims page.

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