Picture this situation:
You’re driving from Clear Lake to Minneapolis when just outside the city, you get caught behind a large semi in a traffic jam. After 20 minutes of waiting, your lane finally gets going.
But as the truck in front of you takes off, it leaves a cloud of dust and dirt in its wake. A stray rock from this cloud hits your windshield, causing a huge crack directly in front of the driver’s vision.
So, what are your options at this point?
Many drivers erroneously assume that they’ll just have to pay out-of-pocket for windshield repairs. But is this true? Will your auto insurance cover vehicle glass damage?
The short answer is, most of the time.
It all depends on whether you chose to include comprehensive coverage or full glass coverage on your auto insurance policy when you first purchased it. So, first thing’s first: It’s time to check your policy.
How to Check Your Auto Policy for Windshield Damage Coverage
Whenever you are uncertain about coverage on your auto insurance policy, it’s important to reference it directly.
Naturally, this means it’s a good idea to have a copy of your policy where you can easily find it at home. However, if you don’t have one on-hand, you can always speak to your agent about getting your own copy and double-checking the coverage.
You will want to look out for two types of coverage:
Comprehensive Coverage
This type of coverage will come with a deductible. Whether you remember it or not, you probably chose this deductible amount when you first signed up for your plan. The lower your deductible, the better off you’ll be as you’ll have to pay less out-of-pocket for windshield repairs.
Not everyone has comprehensive coverage with their auto insurance plan. It is, however, required for most vehicles that you are currently financing or leasing. If your vehicle is paid off, you may not have chosen to include it.
The core role of comprehensive coverage is to protect you in the event of non-collision-related damage (like a stone hitting and breaking your windshield).
Full Glass Coverage
This is an optional type of coverage, which takes care of all glass claims without a deductible (or with a smaller deductible). If you’re considering updating your auto plan, ask your agent about adding this coverage. It’s a good idea to have it.
Premiums After a Glass Damage Claim
The majority of insurance agencies will avoid increasing your premium rates for minor and infrequent windshield damage claims. Still, it’s always a good idea to talk to your insurance agent to make sure your premiums won’t go up.
“My Windshield Was Damaged, but I’m Not Sure When It Happened.”
This is quite common, and in regards to making an insurance claim, there’s no need to definitely know the reason your windshield broke. More often than not, a random crack was caused by a sudden drop or increase in air pressure or temperature — also known as a stress crack.
Most other windshield damage is caused by:
- Debris from large trucks or fast-driving vehicles on the road
- Debris from driving behind vehicles hauling gravel or rock
- Debris from the road’s shoulder or back/dirt roads
- Falling objects from trees
- Hail or other inclement weather
Getting Your Windshield Fixed
Modern-day windshields on new (and especially foreign) vehicles can be up to $1500. This is because windshields aren’t just pieces of glass anymore. They’re high-tech gadgets embedded with technologies of their own (like special coatings and sensors).
If you can, have your windshield repaired instead of replacing it. This will cost less, the process is easy and straightforward, and the results look great.
Concerns About Your Windshield Damage Claim?
Let our experienced agents at Lillie-Couch help! Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive auto plans and coverage options.
