Car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, home insurance—chances are you pay hundreds of dollars monthly to protect yourself from freak accidents and mishaps.
However, when an accident eventually impacts your vehicle, it’s good to know that you are protected against unexpected costs and repairs.
Many people are surprised to learn that minor damage to their windshield is actually covered under comprehensive car insurance policies, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
However, it’s essential to understand what situations are covered, when to file a claim, and whether or not it’s even worth it to file a claim when you will have to pay a deductible.
While auto glass shops like Northeast Auto Glass will help you process claims with your insurance company, it’s still good for drivers to understand these circumstances so they can plan in advance.
Will Filing a Claim for Windshield Repair Impact My Rates?
Many drivers are hesitant to use their insurance carrier to cover auto glass repairs for fear of raising their rates.
However, in most instances, filing an auto glass damage claim will not impact insurance rates, especially if the source of damage was outside of their control.
The only instance where your insurance coverage might be impacted is if the driver has filed multiple claims in a short period of time. Nevertheless, something minor like rock chip repair or a rear windshield replacement probably won’t be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, and your insurance rates shouldn’t be affected.
When to File a Claim for Windshield Repair
Comprehensive coverage policies are designed to cover instances where a foreign object damages your auto glass, such as a kicked-up rock or a direct collision with another vehicle.
However, it’s always important to document such damage and file a claim before getting your auto glass repaired to ensure your policy covers the cost of said repairs.
Northeast Auto Glass have a process for this to avoid hiccups with your carrier.
This is one reason we caution against DIY windshield kits. We’ve seen countless instances of these adhesives failing, voiding any insurance coverage for future repairs by a professional shop.
Is It Worth It To File an Insurance Claim for Auto Glass Repair?
In most cases, filing a claim with your insurance company to cover your auto glass repairs makes sense.
The only instance where it might not make financial sense is if you carry a high-deductible policy, and the deductible will greatly outweigh the cost of repairs.
Nevertheless, if both figures are similar, it still makes sense to file a claim, as you can save money on future claims during the coverage period if you need to use your deductible again.
What Insurance Policies Cover Windshield Repair?
Auto insurance policies typically offer full coverage for windshield damage under comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage protects against damage from head-on collisions in addition to damage caused by road debris, theft, fires, etc.
In general, there are two types of insurance coverage that will protect you against unexpected windshield damage:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers your vehicle against head-on collisions and damage from theft, foreign objects, and fires. Drivers will have to pay a deductible to cover expenses.
- Full Glass Coverage: Optional policy designed to cover auto glass expenses. This low-monthly cost policy can cover the full cost of auto glass repair without a deductible.
If you only carry liability insurance, which is the minimum requirement in Pennsylvania, windshield damage will not be covered unless another party is at fault and their insurance pays for the repairs.
What to Do If Your Windshield is Cracked
If you notice a crack in your windshield, take these steps to correct the situation as soon as possible and save money on repairs.
- Assess the damage. Determine whether the crack is small enough for repair or a full replacement. Your local auto glass repair shop can make this determination for you.
- Determine whether to file a claim. Look at your comprehensive coverage, deductible, and whether you have full glass protection. If the deductible is smaller than the cost of repair, then file a claim.
- Schedule repairs immediately. Don’t wait! Delaying can cause a crack to worsen, leading to a more expensive replacement.
What If My Auto Glass Repair Isn’t Covered By Insurance?
Even if your auto glass repairs aren’t covered under your insurance policy, do not delay scheduling repairs. Pennsylvania law forbids drivers to operate a vehicle with a cracked windshield that impacts the driver’s visibility, which may cause them to earn traffic citations and fail state inspections.
In some cases, your auto glass provider can offer payment plans, and others, like Northeast Auto Glass, offer full warranties on repairs. These warranties ensure that you are covered for repair costs if damage occurs in the future.
FAQs
Does Pennsylvania require insurers to offer free windshield repairs?
No, Pennsylvania does not mandate insurers to offer free windshield repairs. However, full glass coverage can waive the deductible for repairs.
Will my insurance cover windshield damage from a falling tree branch?
Yes, comprehensive insurance typically covers damage from falling objects, including tree branches.
How long do I have to file a windshield damage claim?
Most insurance companies have a time limit, typically within 30 to 60 days. Check with your provider for specific deadlines.
