Does Car Insurance Cover A Cracked Windshield?

According to the Insurance Journal, about 30% of all car insurance claims are for cracked windshields. With such prevalence, consumers should be aware of whether their car insurance provides coverage and in what situations. Fortunately, most car insurers will pay to repair or replace cracked windshields, providing you have the appropriate coverage.

Like all claim situations, there are nuances that customers should be aware of. I’ve been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and can break it down for you. Keep reading to learn about when car insurance will cover cracked windshields.

Comprehensive is the coverage on your policy that typically pays for glass damage, but if your glass was damaged due to a car accident, collision coverage would pay for the repair. Depending on the state you live in and your insurance company, your policy may have full glass coverage, which provides coverage for glass at a low deductible or no deductible at all.

What to Do if You Have a Broken Windshield

Once you notice damage to your windshield, regardless of the cause, you should follow the steps below.

• Inspect the Damage – Review the damage on your windshield and determine whether it is safe to drive. Cracks that spread along the driver’s side of the windshield and could impair your line of sight should be addressed prior to driving.
• Try to Prevent Further Damage – According to a Motor Industry Research Association study, cracks are 60% more likely to spread in 32-degree weather and lower, and 80% more likely when the temperatures drop to 14 degrees. To prevent further damage, try to keep the car out of extreme temperatures, and away from other cars or objects that could worsen the crack.
• Call Your Insurer – If you think the crack needs to be repaired or the windshield replaced, your next step is to contact your insurance company. Your carrier will be able to tell you if you have coverage and what your deductible is, if any.

Should I Use Insurance to Replace My Windshield?

Just because your insurer will cover windshield replacement, doesn’t necessarily mean you should file a claim. There are certain factors you should consider before using your insurance to replace your windshield.

First, consider the cost. The average cost to replace a windshield is about $325, which is below most consumer’s comprehensive deductible. If full glass is not offered by your state or insurance company, your insurer will not cover the cost of replacement unless it exceeds your deductible amount.

You should also consider the cause of damage to the windshield. If it was from a car accident, the replacement of the windshield will be included in the cost of the other repairs to the car. In these cases, it’s definitely worth the insurance carrier paying for the replacement.

Should I Repair or Replace my Windshield?

To determine whether to repair or replace a windshield, you should look at several factors. First, consider the extent of the damage. Minor chips and cracks, typically smaller than a dollar bill, can often be repaired effectively without compromising the structural integrity of the windshield. However, if the damage is extensive, such as long cracks or multiple chips, replacement may be necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Next, consider the location of the damage. If the chip or crack is in the driver’s line of sight or near the edge of the windshield, it may impair visibility and compromise the strength of the glass, requiring a replacement. The size and depth of the damage play also play a significant role. If the chip/crack is too large or too deep, it may not be repairable, and replacement would be the safer option.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Windshield?

Windshield replacement costs between $250-$400 on average for most windshields. However, the cost can vary depending on the following factors:

• The extent of the damage
• The age of the vehicle
• The type of the vehicle
• Whether the vehicle has advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS

Cars with ADAS have safety technology such as forward collision, and lane departure warnings that can increase the cost of windshield repair. According to AAA, 92.7% of new cars in the US have at least one advanced driver assistance system. Customers with these vehicles can expect to pay $1,000 on average for windshield replacement.

Will Someone Else’s Insurance Replace my Windshield?

There may be instances where someone else’s insurance will pay to replace your windshield. This is usually in cases where another party is responsible for the damage. For example, if you are in an accident and the other vehicle is at fault, their insurance would pay for the damage to your car, including any glass breakage.

Will I Have to Pay a Deductible to Fix my Windshield?

Deductibles may apply for windshield repair and other glass claims, depending on your state and your insurance company. Some states offer full glass coverage, which means glass can be repaired or replaced with no deductible. If you don’t live in a state where full glass is offered, you will be subject to your comprehensive deductible, which is what typically covers glass.

What to Do If Insurance Won’t Replace My Windshield

In cases where your insurance won’t replace your windshield, you should still consider replacement. Windshields help to absorb some of the forces in an accident. If the glass is chipped or cracked, it can shatter towards the interior of the vehicle, injuring you or your passengers. They also help to maintain the structural integrity of the car in rollover accidents and prevent the roof from caving.

Driving with a broken or compromised windshield is not only a potential safety hazard, it is illegal in some states. Maine, for example, doesn’t allow cracks longer than six inches and Pennsylvania prohibits any defects in the center of the driver’s side windshield.