If you have a car, chances are throughout the years, your windshield might break due to a storm or debris on the road. That’s why to prepare for this situation, you need to ask, ‘Does my insurance cover a broken windshield?’ To help you out, here we will tell you how to determine if your policy will cover this damage and how to file the respective claim.
In this regard, the first thing we need to do is determining if your car insurance covers a broken windshield. As you might know, depending on the company you choose, you could get different coverages. In general, every driver has to get liability protection since it is required by the law. However, that policy won’t help you fix a broken windshield. For that case, you will need to purchase additional comprehensive coverage.
What is comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional policy you can buy as an addition to your auto insurance. Usually, this protection comes in a package along with collision insurance. Both, of these coverages, take care of your car, in case it gets damaged, but they apply in different situations. For instance, if you get into a car accident, collision coverage will pay for all the repairs. However, if your car breaks due to a storm, then the comprehensive coverage will kick in.
That’s why if you wonder, ‘Does insurance cover broken windshield?’ You only need to check if you purchased comprehensive coverage. If you have this protection here, are some instances in which your insurance will pay for your windshield.
- If a tree branch falls over it.
- In case the windshield is broken due to vandalism.
- When an animal crashes into your windshield.
- Your windshield gets broken because of road debris.
- If your windshield gets damaged due to weather conditions such as snow.
- In case it gets broken by a flying baseball.
To make sure you get the proper coverage for these situations, you need to find the best policy in the market. That’s why if you are looking for car insurance in Calgary, you should visit Surex website to find the best affordable plans.
What happens if I don’t have comprehensive insurance?
As we explained in the section above, having comprehensive coverage is the only way in which your insurance company will pay for the damages. Otherwise, you will have to cover the costs out of your pocket. However, there are only two cases where liability coverage will repair or replace your broken windshield.
- If you get into an accident with another driver and that person is found responsible. That way, their liability protection will kick in, and you won’t have to pay for the repair of your windshield.
- In case you have proof that somebody was responsible for breaking your windshield, you can file a claim. In this regard, they will have to pay for the damage through their homeowners or renters insurance.
What is full glass coverage?
You can think about it as broken windshield insurance. The great thing about this coverage is that you won’t have to pay a deductible to repair your windshield. Depending on your insurance company, you can purchase this broken windshield insurance as a part of your comprehensive coverage. Overall, this is the best option since you will ensure you have enough protection in case something happens to your vehicle.
After you purchase broken windshield insurance or check if you have comprehensive coverage, you need to decide whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced.
Broken windshield: Repair or Replace
If you notice a crack in your windshield, but it hasn’t shattered, you can file a claim to get it repaired. A great rule of thumb that you can use, is that any crack that is smaller than a one-dollar bill, can be fixed by the right specialist. In case it needs to be replaced, the first thing you need to know is that is going to cost you more.
A windshield replacement could cost anywhere between $100 and $400 if you drive a regular model. But, if you purchase a high-end vehicle, the cost could go as high as $1000. Keep in mind, that if you don’t have full glass coverage, you will have to pay a deductible for either the repair or replacement. That’s why if your deductible is higher than the overall cost, you should not file a claim.
Filling a claim for a broken windshield
When you file a claim for your broken windshield, the process is not different than the one you will follow for any other situation. There are insurance companies that allow you to file these claims online, but for others, you will have to call an insurance agent. Either way, it is essential to notify your insurance company right away.
Once you submit the claim, chances are you will get a call from your provider, and they will tell you where to take your vehicle for an inspection. Then, they will tell you where you can get it repaired. Some companies are more flexible and give you the option to choose where you would like to go.
What happens if my car was vandalized?
In case your windshield was broken due to vandalism, then you will have to call the police. As a part of the process, they will file a report. You will need to get a copy of that report that you will have to attach when you file the claim to your insurance company. If you call, you might be directed to a special division, but don’t worry they will take care of it.
Does my insurance cover a broken windshield?
If you are still wondering, ‘Does car insurance cover broken windshield?’ The best way to find out is by asking your insurance agent. But, in this article, we have given you some easy guidelines to follow. For instance, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay for the damages. If you want to purchase some extra protection, we recommend getting full glass coverage. Finally, consider all the costs before filing a claim.
