Does My Auto Insurance Policy Cover Broken Glass?

Whether it’s a chip or a crack, having your windshield repaired or replaced is very important. The damage could have numerous causes, such as rock debris from a truck, storm damage, or a kid from your neighborhood may have hit your car with a baseball. Whatever the reasons behind it, you’ll want to know the best way to go about getting it fixed so you can get safely back on the road!

Broken glass in windshields and windows are generally handled under comprehensive physical damage coverage. Your auto insurance may be of help about the costs of having your damaged glass repaired or replaced.

When is Repairing or Replacing Appropriate?

If the chip or crack in your windshield is smaller than the length of a dollar bill, it could be repairable. Over time, the chip will begin to spread into a crack, demanding a full windshield replacement. Therefore, it is important to consult a qualified windshield specialist to help you make a decision about whether to repair or replace the windshield.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive auto coverage may help you with the cost to replace or repair a damaged windshield or any other window. Besides windshields, comprehensive coverage takes care of anything that isn’t a collision, such as storm damage, falling objects, fires, vandalism, and theft.
However, if your company offers full glass coverage in your state, it may work in your advantage as it typically has no deductible. This would mean you might not end up spending anything, since your Auto Insurance Company would cover your windshield in full.

Will I Be Paying a Deductible?

Paying a deductible for a damaged windshield claim would depend on your insurance policy and the state where you live. A deductible is the portion of an insurance claim you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Remember that the higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premium.

More often than not, a car insurance policy would only cover the amount of a claim that exceeds the deductible. For instance, if you have a deductible of $500 on your comprehensive coverage and the estimated cost to repair comes in at $350, you are better off just paying for the repair out of pocket. One of the common exceptions would be if your carrier offers full glass coverage, which typically covers the cost of windshield repairs and replacement with no deductible.

What if I cannot afford to pay my Deductible?

These are the circumstances where you may not have to pay a deductible on a glass claim.

1. Full Glass Coverage: As previously explained, this rider specifically for glass damage could help you pay for the repair of your windshield as it comes with no deductible.
2. When a Glass Repair Agreement is included in your comprehensive coverage and your windshield only needs repairing (not replacing), some insurance companies will waive the deductible. Check with your agent if your comprehensive coverage includes a glass repair agreement.
3. Some states require that insurers cannot apply a deductible on comprehensive claims for windshield or glass coverage. If this is the case, you may be able to have your windshield repaired or replaced without paying a deductible.

Comprehensive auto coverage plans may help protect your car against the many dangers posed to your windshield. The factors that affect your out of pocket expense include the extent of the damage, the level of coverage you have on your auto policy, and the governing laws in your state.

Learn more about your car insurance policy today and see if you have comprehensive physical damage coverage. At Sungate Insurance Agency, we provide professional and friendly insurance services. How can we help you today? Call us now at (407) 878-7979 or visit our office. Click here to get a free quote.
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