Does my Insurance Cover a Broken or Cracked Windshield?

A broken or cracked windshield is one of the most common forms of damage to a vehicle and if left unchecked, they can be pretty dangerous.

Most of the time, a cracked or damaged windshield is only covered if you’ve opted for comprehensive coverage. 

Even though 4 out of 5 drivers opt for this coverage, comprehensive coverage is technically optional. “Comp,” typically covers damage to your car from factors OTHER THAN a collision (the other optional coverage), like more unexpected incidents, such as damage from animals, vandals, natural disasters, or fire. Check your specific policy to see if auto glass repair is covered. If you see that it is, it might be worth taking a minute to inquire further as sometimes only your back and side windows are protected.

So, your windshield has been cracked and you want to have it repaired. First check your insurance policy to see if the damage is covered and whether it’s covered or not, there are a few things to consider:

• Replace or Repair? – It used to be said that replacement should always be considered over repairs, but that isn’t the case anymore. The National Windshield Repair Association says “The average crack repair is around $99, while the average replacement in the United States is around $350.” So if your windshield isn’t severely damaged, repair may be the best route for you.
• The Cost – Because the cost of replacing or repairing a windshield is relatively low in terms of auto repairs, it’s important to consider both your deductible and your premium before making a decision.
  • Deductible – Windshield repair or replacement can generally range from $100-350. For example, if you have a $100 glass deductible on your policy, a $120 repair cost would hardly be worth making a claim.  Comprehensive coverage on auto policies offered through RogersGray provide a $0 glass deductible – meaning you would have a $0 glass deductible and won’t be paying out of pocket for any glass damage.
  • Premium – Because your deductible may be just barely above your repair costs, you’ll want to think about your premium before deciding to file. Filing a claim for the $20 difference in a windshield repair shouldn’t cause your premium to go up by the one claim alone, however it does add a claim to your policy. The more claims you file, the higher your premium can get, so be aware of the risk before you file a low-reward claim.