Archive for November, 2011

Does Our Car Insurance Cover Windshield Repair or Replacement?

Our windshield can get damaged in so many ways like small crack or pits, tiny spider crack or even super big hole. If the damage is so small and it is located in the corner or edge, any place that is not so visible, then we can repair it. However, if the damage is quite big and it is located in the center area of the windshield, then the only way is replacing the whole windshield. Since we have to spend quite a lot of money, then the first thing in our mind would be: does our insurance cover this damage?

Well, it depends on so many things. First, if our windshield damage is in a form of many small chips and it does not really disturb our driving, then we should not count on the insurance to replace it. Such damage is “aging sign”. It occurs when we have driven our car for years. Second, if we are using comprehensive insurance and our windshield has some abnormal damage, then make sure to check our insurance policy. The coverage on auto glass is usually right under the comprehensive label. Usually when the damage is not too big, the insurance company will give windshield repair. However, if it needs replacement, then the insurance might cover several percents of the replacement cost.

Last, but not least, if our windshield is damaged due to an accident and the damage is quite big, then we can file a claim and ask for replacement to the insurance company. Of course, the insurance won’t cover our windshield replacement if it is broken due to our own mistake like when we are trying to park, but we hit the tree.