Will My Insurance Go Up If I Replace My Windshield?

When a vehicle’s windshield sustains damage, drivers often wonder if filing an insurance claim will lead to increased costs for their coverage. Understanding how insurance policies handle such incidents can help in making informed decisions about repairs.

The Impact on Your Insurance Premium

A windshield replacement covered by insurance typically falls under comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage addresses damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions, such as falling objects, vandalism, or weather. Generally, a single comprehensive claim for windshield damage is less likely to cause a significant increase in your insurance premium compared to an at-fault collision claim.

Insurance companies often view these incidents as “no-fault” events, meaning the damage was beyond the driver’s control. While a claim is a record of an incident, the direct impact on your premium for a single glass claim is often minimal or none. However, filing a claim could affect eligibility for certain claims-free discounts offered by some insurers.

Key Factors Determining Premium Changes

Windshield damage is almost always covered by comprehensive insurance, which is distinct from collision coverage. Comprehensive claims are typically viewed more favorably by insurers as they do not indicate driver fault.

Your policy’s deductible is a significant factor in your out-of-pocket cost. For windshield claims, some insurance policies or state regulations may include “glass waivers” or offer a $0 deductible for repairs or even replacements. This means that depending on your policy terms, you might not pay anything out-of-pocket for covered glass damage.

While a single glass claim generally has little effect on rates, a history of multiple claims, regardless of type, can eventually signal higher risk to an insurer. If several claims are filed within a short period, it might lead to higher premiums at renewal. The type of damage also matters; a minor chip that can be repaired is often treated differently than a full windshield replacement, with some policies waiving deductibles for repairs to encourage immediate action.

How to Handle a Windshield Claim

When deciding to use your insurance for windshield damage, contact your insurance provider to report the damage. This can typically be done via phone or online.

Be prepared to provide essential information, including your policy number, the date and time the damage occurred, a description of the incident, and details about your vehicle such as its make, model, and year. Some insurers may request photos or videos of the damage to support your claim.

Your insurer may have a network of approved repair shops or allow you to choose your own. Once the repair or replacement is scheduled, you will typically pay your deductible directly to the shop, and the insurance company will cover the remaining cost. It is important to keep all documentation related to the claim, including receipts and communications from your insurer.

Deciding Between Filing a Claim and Paying Out-of-Pocket

Deciding whether to file an insurance claim or pay for windshield damage yourself involves a financial assessment. A primary consideration is comparing the repair or replacement cost to your comprehensive deductible. If the cost of the repair is less than or close to your deductible, paying out-of-pocket may be more economical. For example, small chip repairs often range from $50 to $150, while a full windshield replacement can range from $200 to over $1,000, especially for vehicles with advanced features.

Many insurance companies prefer that minor chips be repaired quickly to prevent them from spreading, and some even waive the deductible for these smaller repairs. Opting to pay for minor repairs yourself can also help maintain a clean claims record, which may be beneficial for future rates or eligibility for claims-free discounts.