Searching for more information on windshield replacement? Your standard auto insurance policy consists of various components. Not all of them cover windshield damage, but two specific types often do:
1. Comprehensive Coverage
This is the most common type of coverage that includes protection for your windshield. Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by things other than collisions—such as vandalism, theft, falling objects, weather events, and yes, even rocks flying off a truck and cracking your windshield. If your windshield is damaged due to any of these reasons, your comprehensive coverage will likely cover the repair or replacement costs.
2. Full Glass Coverage
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to comprehensive coverage called full glass coverage. This option typically covers the entire cost of windshield replacement without requiring you to pay a deductible. It’s a thoughtful add-on if you live in an area where cracked windshields are a common issue, such as places with gravel roads or those experiencing rapid temperature fluctuations.
When Insurance Will Not Cover Windshield Damage
If you only carry liability insurance, which is the minimum required in most states, windshield replacement will not be covered. Liability insurance only covers damage to other people’s property and injuries in an accident where you’re at fault—it doesn’t protect your vehicle.
Also, if the damage happened in a way not covered by your policy (e.g., due to normal wear and tear or neglect), your insurer may deny the claim.
Deductibles: What You’ll Pay Out of Pocket
Even if you have comprehensive coverage, you might still have to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in. This is the amount you’re responsible for paying before your insurance covers the rest. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost to replace your windshield is $400, it wouldn’t make sense to file a claim because you’d pay the full amount anyway.
This is where full glass coverage becomes especially valuable—it usually has no deductible, which means the insurance pays 100% of the replacement cost.
How to File a Windshield Replacement Claim
If your windshield is damaged, follow these steps:
- Document the Damage – Take clear photos of the crack or shattered glass from different angles.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider – Ask if the damage is covered and whether you have to pay a deductible.
- Schedule the Repair or Replacement – Your insurer may recommend or require you to use a specific auto glass company.
- Pay Any Required Deductible – If applicable, pay the deductible amount to the glass repair company.
In some cases, insurers offer mobile glass repair services, where a technician comes to your home or office to complete the replacement.
Does Filing a Claim Affect My Premium?
Many people worry that filing a windshield claim will result in higher insurance premiums. The good news is that a comprehensive claim for a windshield replacement usually doesn’t raise your rates, especially if it’s your first claim or the damage wasn’t your fault. Still, every insurance company has its own rules, so it’s wise to check before filing.
Contact Us
If you have comprehensive or full glass coverage, there’s a good chance your windshield replacement is covered—either partially or fully. Understanding the specifics of your policy can help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs and make the process of getting your windshield fixed much smoother.
When in doubt, speak to your insurance agent. It’s better to ask questions upfront than to be surprised by a bill later. A clear windshield not only keeps you safe—it also keeps you on the right side of the law in many states where driving with a cracked windshield is illegal.
Get an affordable windshield replacement quote by calling us at (281) 777-6881 or click here to connect with us online.
