When your windshield is damaged, you can’t see the road clearly. Also, windshield damage lowers the value of your vehicle. For this reason, most vehicle owners want to repair this damage as quickly as possible. Below is some information about windshield damage and what you can do to fix it.
Causes of Glass Damage
The most common cause of damage to the windshield is impact with debris from the road. In most cases, a rock from a vehicle in front of you is hurled into the windshield by a vehicle in front of you. You may be able to avoid this type of damage by not following vehicles carrying rocks. This type of damage may also occur if you drive on the shoulder of the road, or if the glass in the windshield is exposed to stress.
Do I need a replacement windshield?
Depending on the extent of the damage to your windshield, you may or may not need a full replacement. If the damage is only a small chip, the windshield can usually be repaired. However, more extensive damage will require a replacement in most cases.
How Insurance Applies
If you have car insurance, it may cover damage done to your windshield. However, the exact coverage will depend on the specifics of your policy. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage, your policy should cover any damage to your windshield, including chips and cracks. Before your insurance policy will begin paying expenses, you will first need to pay the comprehensive coverage deductible.
If someone else is at fault for the damage to your windshield, it may be covered even if you don’t have comprehensive coverage. If the driver at fault has property damage liability insurance, this policy should cover any damage to your car, including windshield cracks and chips.
Purchasing Extra Coverage
As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the cost of windshields is increasing. Modern windshields often include sensors and other embedded technologies that raise the price of repairs and replacements significantly. While you may have been able to replace your windshield for as little as $150 in the past, these expenses may now be as much as $1,200 to $1,500. The exact cost you will pay to replace a windshield varies greatly based on the model of your vehicle.
In light of these rising expenses, some vehicle owners may be interested in purchasing extra coverage for their windshields. Many car insurance companies now offer full glass coverage, which is a policy add-on that will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield with little to no deductible.
Do Windshield Claims Affect Policy Rates?
When you file any type of insurance claim, it is natural to worry that the claim may cause your insurance rates to increase. However, in general, auto insurance companies don’t consider glass claims when calculating your premiums. Some companies may raise your rates if you have made windshield replacement claims on a regular basis.
To learn more about protecting your windshield or to discuss your specific insurance needs, please contact Burstad Insurance today.
