Does a Cracked Windshield Raise Insurance?
Demystify whether a cracked windshield claim leads to higher auto insurance premiums. Understand the nuances affecting your rates.
A cracked windshield raises concerns about safety and auto insurance premiums. Understanding how insurance handles this damage and factors influencing premium adjustments is important for policyholders. Filing a claim for windshield repair or replacement involves several considerations beyond the immediate cost.
How Windshield Damage is Covered by Auto Insurance
Windshield damage is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage addresses damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions, such as falling objects, vandalism, fire, theft, or severe weather. If your windshield is damaged in an accident involving another vehicle, collision coverage applies instead.
When a comprehensive claim is filed for windshield damage, a deductible applies. This deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the remaining costs. For instance, if a windshield replacement costs $400 and your comprehensive deductible is $250, you pay $250, and the insurer pays the remaining $150. Some policies may waive the deductible for minor chip repairs, recognizing that early repair prevents more costly full replacements.
Claim Impact on Insurance Premiums
Filing a windshield claim under comprehensive coverage has a different effect on insurance premiums compared to at-fault collision claims. Comprehensive claims are considered “no-fault” incidents by insurers, meaning the damage was due to circumstances beyond the driver’s control. A single comprehensive claim for windshield damage is less likely to cause a significant premium increase than an at-fault accident claim.
However, several factors can influence whether a premium might increase. The frequency of claims is a primary consideration; filing multiple comprehensive claims within a short period could signal increased risk and lead to a rate adjustment. The total cost or severity of the claim also plays a role, with an expensive full windshield replacement having a greater impact than a low-cost chip repair. An insurer may also consider your overall claims history. A policyholder with a long history of no claims may experience little to no change, while someone with a recent history of other claims might see a premium increase. Some insurance companies offer a “claims-free discount,” which could be lost even after a single comprehensive claim, effectively raising the premium.
Considerations for Windshield Damage Claims
Certain state laws can alter the financial implications of a windshield damage claim. Some states have “full glass coverage” or “zero-deductible” laws. These laws mandate that if a policyholder has comprehensive coverage, their deductible for glass repair or replacement is waived. This means the insurer covers the entire cost without any out-of-pocket payment from the policyholder. These laws encourage prompt repair of windshields for safety reasons.
Before filing a claim, compare the estimated cost of repair or replacement with your comprehensive deductible. If the repair cost is less than or only slightly more than your deductible, paying out-of-pocket might be a more financially prudent option. For example, if a repair costs $150 and your deductible is $250, paying the $150 yourself avoids filing a claim on your record. Minor repairs, such as fixing a small chip, are less expensive than a full windshield replacement, which can range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on the vehicle and its advanced features.