Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
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There’re two main types of insurance that a windshield would be covered by. Knowing more about both will help purchase the right policy and will also help you know what to do when it’s needed. Both comprehensive and collision insurance are the types of coverage that your windshield is likely to be covered under.
With comprehensive coverage you’ll be covered in non-collision related accidents like hail storms, that pesky highway stone, or vandalism. Collision coverage is the one that will kick in when your vehicle has had a collision with other vehicle or inanimate object like a telephone pole.
Many insurers will offer special glass riders like Full Glass Coverage. While your windshield may be covered under the other types, with this option in your policy you may not be subject to paying your deductible.
To recap quick, if a stone flies up on the highway and cracks your windshield the comprehensive coverage in your plan will likely replace the windshield but you’ll need to pay your deductible. If you’ve got full glass coverage added to your plan, you may not have any out of pocket expenses.
Sometimes a cracked windshield will warrant a full replacement, and sometimes a small chip or other minimal damage could just simply be repaired. If the crack is small (under six inches or so) the insurer of your policy may prefer to repair it. In most cases your comprehensive coverage is what will kick in for this repair just like it would for the replacement.
While a brand-new windshield may seem attractive, consider that your insurer may cover the repair in lieu of a replacement because it’s less expensive. That’s attractive for them so they may pass on a benefit to you of not requiring that you pay your deductible.
In the event that the windshield is cracked so badly that it can’t be repaired, a full replacement will be needed. If you’re already been wondering is windshield replacement covered by insurance, then you’ll be pleased to know the answer is typically yes. The determination here will be based on your comprehensive coverage.
This might also be determined by which state (in the U.S.) your policy is held. For example, some states like Florida and Kentucky require insurers under certain policies to offer zero-deductible windshield replacement.
If you only have liability coverage in your policy, windshield replacement would likely not happen with your insurer.
It’s natural for a vehicle owner to wonder about what’s covered in their policy. If you already have a policy, the best place to find the answers you’re seeking about windshield replacement are right in your policy documents. If you’re shopping for a new policy and are concerned about windshield coverage, be sure and pay attention to the comprehensive parts of the policy you’re comparing. Also consider looking to add a full glass rider.
The next time you’re in a scenario forced to wonder, “Does car insurance cover cracked windshield damage?” you’ll be in a better position to feel confident once you’ve checked the type of coverage in your policy.
Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.
