Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Whether you’ve got a chip, crack, or hole in your windshield, you’re probably wondering how much money it’ll take to fix it. Depending on how the damage occurred and what kind of insurance you have, filing a claim may be worthwhile.
However, if you don’t have the type of insurance necessary, the best thing you can do is talk to a professional and find the best price to pay out-of-pocket. The cost of replacing or repairing a windshield depends on the amount of damage and the type of car you have.
Making sure your windshield is whole is a top priority when it comes to vehicle safety. According to the National Windshield Repair Association, your windshield makes up about 30-40 percent of your car’s structural integrity. It also affects your general visibility. This means that if you get into an accident, the damage can be worsened due to driving with a compromised windshield. It may also make it harder to collect on claims as it lowers your car’s safety rating.
Here’s what you need to know about insurance and windshield replacement.
What Insurance Covers Windshield Replacements?
Usually, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of windshield repair or replacement. Comprehensive insurance is usually bought alongside collision insurance and is an add-on. This policy will cover the costs in situations like vandalism, tree branches falling into your windshield, pebbles or rocks cracking the glass while driving, or animals crashing into the windshield, as well as other situations. Comprehensive insurance is meant to go case by case, so if an unusual situation causes your windshield to crack and break, your best bet is to call your insurance company and file a claim right away.
Windshield damage may also occur in the case of an accident or crash and will likely be covered by collision insurance. If you’re involved in an accident on the road you should save all the police reports and damage costs and file a claim as soon as possible.
In other cases or at times when you don’t have the right policy, your regular insurance may still cover some of the cost depending on how the glass was broken. Many people worry about reporting windshield damage in case the insurance rate or deductible will be raised. The truth is that windshield damage is common and relatively inexpensive, so contacting your insurance company will likely not raise your rates.
Repair, Replacement, and Costs
Replacing your windshield can cost anywhere from $300-$1000, depending on the make of your car. Newer and more expensive cars will cost more, especially if you want OEM parts. However, the best thing to do is contact your local windshield replacement shop and talk to them about the damage and needs. They’ll do their best to repair the damage and recommend various options that can help you keep your costs down. If your windshield needs a replacement, call Smiley’s Glass at 804-320-7172 for quality work. Our experts are experienced and use only the best, most technologically-advanced methods to select and install your car glass.
