Does Making a Windshield Claim Increase Insurance?
Wondering if a windshield claim impacts your car insurance? Get clear insights into how it affects premiums and when to file.
When a vehicle’s windshield sustains damage, drivers often wonder if filing a claim will increase their insurance rates. This article explores the nuances surrounding windshield claims and their influence on automotive insurance, providing insights into this aspect of coverage.
Impact on Insurance Premiums
Filing a windshield claim falls under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, covering damage from non-collision events like falling objects or vandalism. Unlike at-fault accident claims, comprehensive claims are considered “no-fault” incidents and are less likely to significantly increase premiums. A single comprehensive claim for windshield damage typically does not cause a direct surcharge.
The specific impact can vary based on the damage. Minor, repairable chips might be treated differently by insurers than more costly full windshield replacements. Some providers may even waive the deductible for repairs, reducing out-of-pocket expense.
In certain jurisdictions, “full glass coverage” or “zero-deductible” laws prevent insurers from applying a deductible for windshield repair or replacement. This means policyholders in those areas might not pay anything out-of-pocket for glass claims. Even outside these laws, some insurers offer policies where a single windshield claim may not affect premiums.
Despite the general leniency for comprehensive claims, multiple claims within a short period, even for comprehensive incidents, could signal a higher risk to an insurer. This pattern might lead to a re-evaluation of your risk profile, potentially affecting future premiums. A single windshield claim may not directly increase rates, but it could lead to the loss of “claims-free” or “safe driver” discounts.
Windshield Coverage Details
Windshield damage is covered under the comprehensive component of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage protects against damage from non-collision events, including glass breakage, theft, fire, vandalism, or impacts with animals. This coverage is distinct from collision coverage, which addresses damage from crashes.
A deductible usually applies to comprehensive claims, including those for windshield damage. The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay for the repair or replacement costs. For instance, if a windshield replacement costs $400 and your comprehensive deductible is $250, you would pay $250, and the insurer would cover the remaining $150.
Deductible amounts can vary, commonly ranging from $250 to $1,000, or even higher. If the cost of the repair or replacement is less than or close to your deductible, it might be more economical to pay for the repair yourself. Some insurance policies also offer specific glass coverage riders or endorsements that provide a lower or zero deductible specifically for glass damage, even if the general comprehensive deductible is higher.
Deciding Whether to File a Claim
When faced with windshield damage, a primary consideration is comparing the estimated repair or replacement cost with your comprehensive deductible. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, or only slightly more, paying out-of-pocket is often the more financially prudent decision. Windshield repair for a chip can cost around $100 to $150, while replacement costs for a standard vehicle typically range from $210 to $500. However, for vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), replacement costs can be significantly higher, often ranging from $600 to $1,500 or more, due to the need for sensor recalibration.
The severity of the damage also plays a role in the decision. Minor chips, generally those smaller than a dollar bill or less than six inches, are often repairable at a lower cost, making out-of-pocket payment a viable option. Larger cracks or damage in the driver’s line of sight usually necessitate a full windshield replacement, which is more expensive and more likely to involve filing an insurance claim.
Filing any claim, even a comprehensive one, could potentially affect eligibility for certain “claims-free” discounts offered by some insurers. Policyholders should evaluate whether the potential loss of such a discount outweighs the benefit of filing the claim. If you decide to file, the general process involves contacting your insurer, obtaining an estimate for the repair or replacement, and then scheduling the service with an approved provider.