Will auto insurance cover a windshield crack?

Windshield cracks and chips are quite common. While there isn’t specific windshield insurance, the correct coverages may cover repairs.

Depending on how your windshield is damaged, you may need collision or comprehensive coverage to cover the repair. However, claims may increase insurance rates. So, you might be better off paying for the repairs yourself.

Most insurance companies have a specific claims process for windshield repairs. For example, State Farm windshield coverage manages repairs through LYNX Services, while Progressive windshield coverage allows you to use any glass repair company.

Learn more about insurance coverage for a windshield crack here. In addition, learn which coverage applies to windshield repairs and replacements.

Will insurance cover a windshield crack?

Insurance covers a cracked windshield if you have collision or comprehensive coverage in place. If you have liability-only coverage, you must pay for repairs yourself.

However, your state determines if you must meet your deductible for glass repairs. According to carwindshields.info, every state decides on costs and replacement parts.

For example, drivers in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina don’t pay a deductible for windshield repairs or replacement.

In addition, in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, insurance companies must offer a $0 deductible full glass coverage policy.

Drivers in all other states pay their deductible for windshield repairs. However, regardless of the state, Geico drivers don’t pay a deductible for repairs, just replacements.

Your auto insurance company determines the repair process. While some companies allow you to pick your repair company, others use specific providers.

For example, Safelite is the recommended glass company for Geico and Progressive windshield replacement or repairs. On the other hand, State Farm uses LYNX Services for glass repairs and replacement.

How do you file a windshield repair claim?

If your windshield is damaged, you should first determine the extent of the damage. If your windshield is leaking, make sure your vehicle is out of the elements. Park it in a garage, under a covering, or cover the glass with plastic to prevent damage to the car’s interior.

Next, let your insurance company know. Discuss any costs and who performs the repairs. Some insurance companies use their own providers, but some allow you to choose the repair company.

Finally, schedule your repairs. Many glass repair companies come to your home or business to repair windshields. However, you may have to make a trip to the repair facility for severe damage or windshield replacement.

Does insurance cover windshield replacement?

As with windshield repairs, your state determines what you pay for a windshield replacement. However, windshield replacement only occurs if the damage is extensive.

Does Geico cover windshield replacement? Yes, Geico covers windshield replacement if a technician can’t repair the damage. The crack must be larger than a dollar bill or in the driver’s line of sight.

Should I use insurance to replace a windshield?

If your state requires you to pay a deductible to repair or replace a windshield crack, consider paying for the repair yourself. Glass repairs or replacements are generally inexpensive and may be cheaper than your deductible. In addition, in some cases, your rates increase with a repair claim.

Find out how much a windshield repair or replacement is for your vehicle to determine if filing a claim is worth it.

How much is auto insurance that covers cracked windshields?

Although most states require car insurance, collision and comprehensive coverages aren’t mandated. Full coverage auto insurance covers your vehicle in most circumstances.

What is considered full coverage auto insurance? Full coverage consists of liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and other state-mandated coverage like personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

While liability coverage handles bodily injuries and property damage done to others if you cause an accident, your vehicle isn’t protected.

Collision covers damage from an accident. So, if your windshield gets cracked during an accident, collision coverage kicks in.

Comprehensive covers damage unrelated to an accident. For example, covered damages include theft, vandalism, and hail.

Full coverage car insurance is more expensive since it provides more protection. In addition, it covers windshield damage from a variety of causes.

For comparison, this table shows average rates from top auto insurance companies based on coverage type.

Full coverage costs around $30 a month more than liability-only coverage. However, rates vary by driver. So, if you have accidents or tickets on your driving record, expect higher rates.

How can drivers save on full coverage auto insurance?

Because full coverage is the most expensive, finding the cheapest full coverage auto insurance is critical. We’ll share some tips to help you find great coverage with low rates.

First, take advantage of discounts. Most auto insurance companies offer various discounts, and drivers usually qualify for more than one. So, bundle all your eligible discounts to save the most.

This table shows discounts from top auto insurance companies. The discount amount is listed if it’s known.

Next, keep your driving record clean and avoid filing claims. Accidents, tickets, and DUIs significantly increase car insurance rates. Drive safely and obey traffic laws to get the lowest rates.

Finally, shop around for full coverage auto insurance. Since each company offers different rates, compare multiple companies for the best deal.

Insurance Covers A Windshield Crack: The Bottom Line

Auto insurance covers a windshield crack if you have collision or comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for repairs if an accident damages your windshield. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your windshield, such as hail or vandalism.

While some states require auto insurance companies to repair and replace windshields at no charge, others require you to pay your car insurance deductible.

In addition, rates may increase if you file a claim. Consider whether it’s cheaper to pay to repair your cracked windshield yourself.

Full coverage offers the most protection for your vehicle since it combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Save money on full coverage car insurance by adding discounts and shopping around for coverage. Compare rates and coverage to find the lowest rates with the best coverage.