Windshield breaks and other vehicle glass damage are quite common. Still, there are a lot of questions surrounding whether insurance will cover this type of damage. Below, we’ll go over the most common questions related to this topic.
Common Questions About Windshield Repair and Auto Insurance
1. My windshield is broken, but I don’t know how it happened. What are the top causes of windshield cracks and breaks?
It is not uncommon to be unsure how your windshield or car window got broken. Most of the time, if there is no point of impact, you can assume it was a stress crack. These can happen from time to time if the temperature or air pressure changes rather suddenly. In Oakdale, where winters can be harsh and winter storms can come on suddenly, these types of cracks are common.
Here are the other top reasons why most windshields break. Keep in mind, windshields may not show the actual cracks right away after these events happen:
– Following too closely behind trucks while driving
– Following too closely behind construction vehicles or those hauling small materials (like produce or rock)
– Driving back roads that aren’t paved
– Going too fast on the shoulder of the road
– Parking beneath trees
– Leaving your vehicle out during a storm
2. What type of insurance covers glass damage?
Most often, comprehensive coverage takes care of glass damage claims. This type of coverage helps you after incidents of theft, natural disasters, vandalism, falling objects, fire, and other situations that damage your car but don’t involve collisions.
This may be an optional type of coverage. It is required for vehicles that are being leased or financed, but if you own your vehicle outright, you have the option of not purchasing it.
At the time of purchasing your comprehensive coverage, you’ll choose a deductible amount. If you experience glass damage and make a glass damage claim under your comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket to cover your deductible before your insurance coverage will kick in and pay the remaining balance for the repair or replacement.
3. What is “full glass coverage”?
Some auto insurance policies come with “full glass coverage.” This is an optional type of insurance coverage that you can add to your basic plan. It usually doesn’t cost much each month, but it can be extremely useful if you need to replace an expensive windshield.
4. What if someone else caused the damage?
If you know for certain that someone else caused the glass damage to your vehicle, you can talk to them about having their property damage liability insurance pay for your repairs.
5. How much will a new windshield be?
The cost of windshields is increasing. Years ago, you probably could have replaced your windshield for about $150, but this is no longer the case. Many consumers are upset at the increasing prices of windshields — especially when they have to pay for the replacement to go toward their deductible or out-of-pocket from the start because they don’t have glass coverage.
The real reason why the price of windshields is going up is an increase in embedded technology within windshields. “Smart Glass” is now being used on some windshields to detect excess sunlight and limit how much can enter the vehicle and affect the driver. Other windshields are made extra strong and durable with unique coatings. Some windshields are “panoramic” while others have sensors in them to tell the windshield wipers went to turn on for precipitation.
All of this costs money and makes each car’s windshield specific and often hard to replace.
6. Will my premiums go up after a glass damage claim?
Unless you’re making frequent claims for glass damage, most of the time, insurance agencies do not raise premiums for these types of claims.
Contact Andreotti Agency for More Information
When residents want convenient and comprehensive auto insurance, they turn to Andreotti Agency. Stop in today to sit down with one of our experienced agents and discuss your options.
