Will car insurance cover a cracked windshield?

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about filing an insurance claim is having an accident. While many people use their insurance to help pay for damages sustained in an accident, there are other scenarios where your auto insurance can help you protect your finances.

If you have a broken windshield, your insurance may cover it.

Cracked and broken windshields are only covered when you carry physical damage coverage on your policy.

Since physical damage coverage is optional, not all policies provide coverage for cracked auto glass claims. If you want to build a policy that provides you with glass coverage, here’s what you need to know.

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What does a basic auto insurance policy cover?

Buying a basic auto insurance policy may save you money when you don’t file a claim.

However, selecting minimum coverage requirements puts you at risk of having to pay for your own repair bills.

Under state law, you’re only required to buy third-party coverage that pays for damages that you cause when you’re in an accident. Common state requirements include:

• Bodily Injury Liability – pays for third-party medical bills and funeral expenses
• Property Damage Liability – pays to repair property that you don’t own in an at-fault accident

What is physical damage coverage?

Physical damage coverage is an optional form of coverage that you can add to your insurance policy for an added premium.

The coverage will pay to either repair or replace your covered auto if you have a covered loss. Physical damage coverage consists of the following:

• Comprehensive – pays for damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, explosion, flood and other non-collision perils
• Collision – pays to repair damages sustained in a collision with one or more objects

How much does full coverage cost?

The average premium for a full coverage policy in the United States is around $841.00 per year. It costs around $297 per year for collision coverage and $138 per year for comprehensive coverage.

The actual cost for full coverage is based on the vehicle type, your region, your driving record, and other rating factors.

Which coverage pays for windshield damage?

If you’re specifically worried about buying coverage for your auto glass, you need to be sure to add comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Not only does comprehensive pay when your car is stolen or vandalized, but it also pays for glass breakage that’s sustained in different scenarios.

If a rock flies into your windshield while you’re driving or your car is parked or something falls from a tree, your comprehensive coverage will help cover the cost to get your windshield repaired.

It will even help cover the cost to repair other auto glass if it is damaged in a covered loss.

Is there a deductible to file a glass claim?

Glass claims are unique. Some companies will cover the entire cost to repair a windshield and others will charge you your comprehensive deductible before they will pay.

It is important to check with your insurer to see if your comprehensive deductible applies to glass claims before you select a high deductible.

Most companies do charge a deductible when you need a full windshield replacement. You may be able to get your deductible waived if you have a chip that can be repaired using resin. This kind of repair is an exception because it saves the company money in the end.

See if there is an endorsement that you can add to your policy to coverage glass claims in full.

If you’re not happy with your current insurer, you should shop for car insurance that will cover all of your needs.

You can easily compare the cost of insurance with different deductibles by using an auto insurance comparison tool. Enter your personal information, select your coverage, and compare quotes instantly.

Start comparing insurance quote today. Just enter your zip code into your free tool below.