Accidents happen, and if your windshield becomes cracked or chipped, don’t worry! If you have comprehensive auto insurance, then your windshield replacement or repair will usually be covered. This write-up will go over comprehensive coverage, how a windshield claim will impact your premium, what steps you will need to take to file a claim and receive a repair, and some other things to consider.
Collision Coverage vs. Comprehensive Coverage
Two common types of auto insurance coverage are collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. While collision coverage protects your vehicle in accidents with other cars, comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle in accidents that are not caused while driving. These types of accidents include theft, hail, and fallen trees or limbs. Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, so always check with your insurance agent to confirm that you have it before an accident occurs. In addition, leased and financed vehicles typically have comprehensive coverage because it is a requirement of the lender or lessor.
Without comprehensive coverage, a windshield replacement can be expensive. That being said, there will usually be a comprehensive deductible to use the coverage for a replacement. Deductibles can vary, and they are typically determined whenever you sign up for an insurance policy. In some cases, an insurance company will offer zero deductibles for windshield repairs. This means that they will cover the entire cost associated with the repair or replacement. The moment you notice a crack or chip on your windshield, speak with your agent immediately.
Do Windshield Replacements Impact Insurance Premiums?
Sometimes motorists are hesitant to contact their auto insurance provider to file a windshield replacement or repair claim because they do not want their premium to increase. Concerns over costs are understandable, but most insurance companies do not consider these types of claims as surchargeable incidents, so they will not cause your premium to increase.
Windshield Repair Process
Filing a claim and the repair process is simple and easy. Here are the steps you should take when your windshield is damaged. Always follow these steps before having a repair completed. It will help ensure that you are not paying more than you need to.
Step 1
When you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, contact your insurance agent immediately to file a claim. They will need information from you about the incident, what type of damage is present, and when it occurred.
Step 2
After filing the claim with your provider, you will need to select an approved auto glass repair shop from the insurance companies’ network to schedule an appointment. Some auto glass shops, like Glass Inc., offer mobile repair services so they can come to your home or work for an appointment.
You may also have the option of specifying what type of glass you would like to have installed at the time of repair. Replacement windshields will either be OEM glass or aftermarket glass. OEM glass is manufactured by your vehicle's manufacture, and aftermarket glass is outsourced to glass manufacturers. OEM glass is usually more expensive, and it is not uncommon for insurance companies to only cover aftermarket glass. In some cases, you may be able to opt for OEM glass, but you will need to pay the difference. All insurance companies have different policies so check with your agent to see what type of glass is covered.
Step 3
Once your repair is complete, the last step in the process is to pay your policies deductible if you have one. Remember to keep your receipt for your records. If you had a repair completed before filing the claim, you will need the receipt to request reimbursement from your insurance company.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
One final thing to consider if your windshield is replaced or repaired is recalibrating any of your vehicle's impacted advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These systems include:
- Collision warnings
- Auto emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross-traffic alert
- Parking assist
For these systems to work correctly, they will need to be recalibrated. This can be done either at your car dealership or at auto glass repair shops with the necessary equipment. There may be an additional cost for recalibration, and your insurance provider may or may not cover these costs. Make sure you speak with your agent about your vehicle’s ADAS when filing your claim.
Comprehensive auto insurance coverage commonly covers a windshield replacement or repair, so do not worry if you get a chip or crack while driving. With that being said make sure you speak with your agent whenever you purchase a policy or as soon as possible so you can confirm that you have comprehensive coverage. That way, you will have peace of mind in the event that you need a windshield repair, and you can save some money. Glass Inc. is here to help, and we accept insurance, so speak with our staff about our auto glass services today!
#WindshieldReplacement #WindshieldRepair #WindshieldClaim #AutoGlass #GlassInc.
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