Does my Insurance Cover Auto Glass Replacement?
Besides an unexpected inconvenience and expense, having a broken windshield on your vehicle is also dangerous. Considering that the average car owner now travels much more on highways than ever before, it comes as no surprise that 1 in 5 cars end up with a chipped windshield at some point, while on the road. Left untreated, that small chip can spread across the windshield, putting your life at risk as it limits your visibility when driving.
Now, depending on the auto glass insurance company you have chosen, you may be sent to a network that will take your windshield repair insurance claim (or replacement) and refer you to the closest shop according to you postal code, or you get to choose the auto glass repair company you prefer. In the first case, you’ll be prompted to have your windshield glass repaired or replaced not based on your insurance company’s choice of the repair facility, rather than a network, which is unfair to you.
As for the million dollar question “Does my insurance cover the cost of auto glass replacement?” we can say for sure that if you have comprehensive coverage, you will most likely have the auto glass replacement covered. In general, most broken glasses, be it a window or windshield, fall under the Comprehensive Physical Damage section of your auto insurance coverage. There are also cases, though, where you will be required to pay a deductible (amount of out-of-pocket money you’ll owe before the insurance funds what’s left of the cost) prior broken glass replacement or repair. The average deductible can be anywhere between $250 and $1000. So, if your deductible is, for example, $300, this means you’ll need to pay $300 before your insurance covers any extra replacement or repair costs. However, there are auto insurance companies that will cover the repair cost AND waive your deductible, too.
Things to Note when Considering of Filing a Claim for Windshield Replacement or Repair
Windshield replacement or repair may be significantly less costly than vehicle replacement or repair. Many insurance companies offer a smaller deductible amount for broken glass replacement that can range from $100-$300. You can identify this loophole in the policy of an insurance company if you look at its policy’s terms and conditions under Special Windshield Coverage or something similar.
In some cases, repairing a cracked windshield (if damage is minor) can also be available at zero cost. In addition, some auto insurance policies offer FULL glass coverage, which is different that providing comprehensive insurance as there is zero deductible and the insurance will pay full glass coverage for windshield replacement upfront. So, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance’s glass breakage policy, in full detail, before paying cash to your local windshield repair company.
Note: If you are faced with a high deductible on auto glass coverage that cannot be negotiated, it may be best to pay the replacement or repair costs yourself and keep your record free from unnecessary claims that could affect your insurance rates. That aside, you may find a less expensive auto glass repair facility that will do the job for you just fine.
Damage to Windshield Covered by Insurance Companies in Canada
According to research conducted in 2013, some of the insurance providers that scored best in regards overall customer satisfaction with the process of their claims were RBC Insurance, TD Insurance, and State Farm. However, when talking about auto insurance policies, Geico also has a share (8.5% of the US car insurance market), coming third behind State Farm (18.7%) and AllState Corp (10.2%).
- GEICO – Their comprehensive coverage on their policy offers windshield repair services, weaving the deductible for the repairable damage. For minor cracks (smaller than a dollar bill) and chips (smaller than a quarter) in the windshield, they can send a technician to you. If the glass breaks, the Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage will determine whether windshield replacement is covered by insurance.
- State Farm – They don’t waive deductible for repairs. To cut a long story short, if you have Comprehensive Coverage in the state of FLORIDA (and not elsewhere), you aren’t liable to pay any costs related to windshield replacement or repair. For the rest of insurance policyholders, their Comprehensive Coverage has a deductible they must meet prior the insurance pays for vehicle damages, such as windshield replacement.
- TD Insurance – Their Comprehensive Coverage protects your car from windshield damage, among others, requiring replacing or repair. If the windshield can be repaired, no deductibles are applied. If it needs to be replaced, there may be applicable deductibles applies, providing you have glass coverage.
- RBC Insurance – Although not clearly stated on their website, they may waive the deductible for windshield repair, as long as you haven’t claimed any other damage (“Glass Only claim”). If the windshield needs to be replaced, your Comprehensive RBC policy will make the deductible not applicable (if it carries an auto glass endorsement). In any other case, if there are any deductibles, they will be applied for windshield replacement. For those unsure whether their policy includes the endorsement mentioned before, it’s best to call the company and take the required steps.
- INTACT – Their AutoSaver package covers you from windshield repairs, if the glass has minor damage (small chips and cracks). So, no deductible applied. You can extend your coverage to include replacement cost, though.
- Progressive – If you have Comprehensive coverage and the windshield can be repaired, you pay no deductible to have it fixed. That is if your policy covers the damage done to the windshield.
Safety is what’s most important so having a broken windshield repaired or replaced should be performed to factory specifications and only by certified trained technicians. It is also paramount the glass used (replacement) meets all vehicle standards. Needless to say, the auto glass repair facility should be recognized by the vast majority of insurance companies, if not all of them and strive for customer satisfaction.
This is why you need Auto Glass Pro Located at 1170 Eglinton Ave E #2b. Telephone: (905) 282-1102. We work directly with your auto insurance company. Contact us or call us now and let our service staff and specialists help you research your needs for windshield replacement or repair. And, when the time comes, we will pay up to 100% your deductibles!