Will Your Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

On average, replacing a damaged windshield of your car may cost you between $200 - $400. The cost may increase if you own an expensive car. Knowing whether your car insurance coverage includes windshield replacement can be helpful. This blog provides you with relevant details that you need to know about your car insurance coverage vis-à-vis windshield replacement. Read on to learn more.

Car Insurance Coverage for Windshield Replacement 

Depending on the cause of damage to your car's windshield, your insurance provider may cover the replacement costs if you have these in your car insurance coverage:

• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive insurance

Car Insurance Coverage for Cracked or Damaged Windshield 

Your car insurance coverage covers replacement costs for a cracked or damaged windshield in the following scenarios:

• Damage by at-fault accidents may be covered by collision insurance
• Damage by non-collision covered perils may be covered by comprehensive insurance

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? 

The comprehensive insurance in your car insurance coverage may cover windshield damage caused by:

• Falling tree
• Act of vandalism
• Animal damage
• Accidental damage by other covered perils

Does Collision Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? 

If you have collision insurance in your car insurance coverage, damage to the car's windshield may be covered if a collision with another moving vehicle or a stationary object causes it.

Can Third-Party Insurance Cover My Windshield Replacement Cost? 

The third-party's liability coverage may cover the costs and include:

• Accidents caused by others may be covered by their auto liability coverage
• Damage to the windshield on someone else's property may be covered by their homeowners/renters liability coverage

However, if the responsible party carries insufficient or no insurance, you may cover the expenses with uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance in your car insurance coverage.

When Must You File a Windshield Replacement Insurance Claim? 

Filing a windshield replacement insurance claim may benefit you only if the deductible is considerably less than the replacement cost. Otherwise, besides receiving negligible or no compensation, it may result in an increased premium instead.

Factors Affecting Repair or Replacement Cost of a Windshield

The repair or replacement cost of the windshield may depend on several factors, such as:

• Extent of damage
• Vehicle size
• Vehicle make and model
• Customized features
• Labor expenses

Impact of Windshield Replacement Claims on Insurance Rates

The type of claim determines whether it affects insurance rates. Let's see how.

• Collision Insurance: Covers at-fault damages and so may see an increase in rates.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Covers accidental damages beyond your control. You may not see an increase in your premium.
• Third-party Insurance: Covers damages that are not your fault and may not affect your insurance rate.

How to File a Windshield Replacement Claim?

You must take the following steps to file the claim:

• Inform your insurer at the earliest
• File a police complaint if damage is due to an act of vandalism
• Get the damage inspected at a shop certified by your insurer
• Get the replacement work done

Keep Your Car Secure with Ellis Jean Insurance

Benefit from our team's expertise and experience at Ellis Jean Insurance. Keep your vehicle secure with car insurance solutions from our professionals. Contact us today to get started. You can also call us at (512) 893-5727 for further assistance.