It is important to replace a cracked windshield as it can affect your driving experience and even your safety.
You may experience chips or cracks on your windshield due to extreme weather conditions, car accidents, rocks or debris impacting the glass, or vandalism. Even a tiny ding or a crack can negatively affect the integrity of your windshield and get worse over time.
Many vehicle owners wonder and are asking this: how to I know if my insurance covers windshield replacement? The answer depends on what type of insurance you have and how much coverage it offers.
The Importance of Motor Vehicle Insurance
Damage to vehicles can occur anywhere and at any time. A reliable vehicle insurance policy acts as a safety net to provide peace of mind in unexpected situations.
Insurance for motor vehicles can cover repairs, replacements, medical costs, and even legal liability resulting from an accident. You would be responsible for these costs if you did not have insurance.
Car insurance is required by law in most states. The minimum amounts and coverage may vary from state to state, but driving without insurance could result in penalties, fines, and other legal consequences.
Understanding the Coverage Options of the question “How Do I Know if y Insurance covers Windshield Replacement”
Understanding the different options for car insurance coverage will help you to make informed decisions about your policy.
This knowledge will also help you determine what types of damages are covered by your policy.
Collision Insurance
This type of insurance protects your car if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or an object that is stationary, such as a fence or tree. This coverage pays for the repairs, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive coverage provides financial protection against damages not caused by collisions. It covers losses caused by theft, vandalism, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, windstorms, etc.
Comprehensive coverage will typically cover windshield repairs and replacements.
This insurance covers auto glass damage, such as replacement of windshields and vandalism. It depends on the type of policy you purchased and state guidelines. A deductible will be charged for any claims that you make, depending on the type of policy purchased and state guidelines.
Full Glass Coverage
Many insurance companies offer a full-glass policy that can be added to a comprehensive policy. This add-on covers only glass-related replacements or repairs, including windshields.
You can choose to have no deductible, or you can set the amount of your deductible. This option is more expensive, but it may be worth the cost in the end.
Asking Your Insurer About Windshield Damage Coverage
Asking relevant questions and gathering information is important when you ask your insurer about coverage for windshield damage. Consider the following:
Does the Policy Cover Replacement or Repair of Windshields?
Find out what your insurance covers for windshield damage. Ask your insurer if repairs or replacements of windshields are covered, and in what circumstances.
What Are the Limitations or Deductibles on Coverage?
A deductible is a set amount you pay yourself to cover a claim.
You can ask your insurer for the deductible amount applicable to claims for windshield damage. This is the amount of the cost that you have to pay for the replacement or repair before your insurance kicks in.
Check to see if you have different options available for deductibles in the event of windshield damage.
Do not forget to ask about any limitations that may apply to windshield damage coverage. You may be restricted in the parts you can use to repair your car, including windshields.
Is It Necessary to Obtain Prior Approval for Any Repairs or Replacements?
Before repairing or replacing your windshield, you may need to get authorization from your insurer. This usually involves submitting documents such as photos and repair estimates to the insurer for approval.
You should contact your insurer to learn more about their specific claim process.
Understanding Insurance Terminology
The following are some insurance terms and their definitions that relate to windshield damage coverage:
- Deductible A deductible on auto insurance is the amount that you pay out of pocket when you make a claim.
- Comprehensive coverage Comprehensive Insurance is an optional coverage that protects you against damage or loss caused by events other than collisions.
Conclusion
It is important to review your insurance coverage annually with your agent to ensure you are getting the coverage that you need to fit your lifestyle. Many windshield replacement costs range from $600 up to $1500. The cost of replacing a cracked windshield will exceed your current deductible. If you don’t already have comprehensive coverage, now is the time to do so. The cost of auto repairs and glass are on the rise.
Contact Service Pros Auto Glass for more information.