Does a Glass Claim Raise Insurance Rates?

Vehicle owners often wonder if filing a glass claim will increase their auto insurance premiums. The impact of a glass claim is not always straightforward, as various factors influence auto insurance policies. This article explains how glass claims are handled and their effect on insurance costs.

Auto Insurance Coverage for Glass Damage

Glass damage to a vehicle is covered under auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage is the primary type that addresses non-collision incidents, such as damage from falling objects, vandalism, severe weather, or hitting an animal. This coverage is distinct from collision coverage, which addresses damage from an accident with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage generally covers the cost to repair or replace a cracked or broken windshield, minus any applicable deductible.

Collision coverage applies when your windshield is damaged as part of a larger car crash. If another driver is at fault, their property damage liability insurance may cover the repair. Some policies offer specific glass coverage or a “full glass coverage” option, which can waive the deductible for glass repairs or replacements.

Processing Your Glass Claim

When glass damage occurs, report the claim to your insurer as soon as possible. File the claim before any repairs are made, as delays could lead to further damage. Insurers often have processes for reporting glass-only claims, sometimes through a dedicated phone line or online portal.

Deductibles apply to glass claims under comprehensive coverage, meaning you pay a set amount before your insurance covers the rest. However, many insurers will waive the deductible for minor glass repairs, such as small chips, to prevent them from spreading and requiring a more costly full replacement. For a full windshield replacement, a deductible applies unless specific policy features or state laws waive it. Insurers work with a network of approved glass repair or replacement providers, though you may choose your preferred shop if approved by your insurer.

How Glass Claims Affect Premiums

Whether a glass claim raises insurance premiums is complex, depending on several factors. Glass claims fall under comprehensive coverage, often viewed differently by insurers than at-fault collision claims. While a single comprehensive claim is less likely to significantly increase premiums compared to an at-fault accident, multiple comprehensive claims over a short period may signal a higher risk to insurers and could lead to premium increases.

Some states have regulations regarding glass claims that influence premium impacts. For instance, some states mandate that insurers cannot apply a deductible for windshield replacements if the policyholder carries comprehensive coverage. This means that in these areas, the out-of-pocket cost for a covered windshield replacement could be zero. Even in states without such mandates, some policies allow for separate glass coverage with a reduced or waived deductible.

The frequency and amount of claims are considerations for insurers. Filing multiple claims, even for non-at-fault incidents like glass damage, can lead to higher premiums or even non-renewal of a policy. The cost of the repair or replacement plays a role; while glass claims are often smaller, very expensive replacements, especially for high-tech vehicles with advanced sensors, might be viewed differently.

A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report records an individual’s claims history, including glass claims, for up to seven years. This report is accessible to insurers and can influence future rates, particularly when seeking new insurance. Insurers use this data to assess risk, and a history of claims, even for glass, can indicate a higher likelihood of future claims. Each insurer has its own underwriting rules and risk assessment models, meaning the impact of a glass claim can vary.

Deciding Whether to File a Claim

After experiencing glass damage, compare the cost of repair or replacement out-of-pocket versus your policy’s deductible. If the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, paying out-of-pocket might be more economical than filing a claim. For example, if a windshield replacement costs $400 and your deductible is $250, using insurance means you pay $250, with the insurer covering $150. If the repair cost is below your deductible, there is no benefit to filing a claim, as the insurer pays nothing.

Consider your recent claims history. A single glass claim may have a minimal impact if you have a clean record. However, if you have filed multiple claims recently, even comprehensive ones, another claim could increase your premiums or affect your policy renewal. Understanding state laws regarding glass claims, such as those that waive deductibles, can inform your decision.