Does My Auto Glass Replacement Fall Under Items That Have a Deductible?

If something such as debris thrown up from the roadway causes you to need auto glass replacement, it is important to know whether your auto insurance deductible will be a factor. It is a valid question, and the answer may be more complex than you think.

Facts About Auto Glass

Depending on the type of incident, your auto glass provides between 45 and 60 percent of the structural integrity of your vehicle. But your windshield doesn't have to be cracked or broken to become an insurance red flag. That is why it is important to clean your windshield often and resist the urge to plaster cute bumper stickers on your window glass. It is very important that you can clearly see where you are going and what is behind you.

Auto Insurance for Windshields

Some insurance companies offer special windshield replacement insurance that has a lower deductible or none at all. Other companies include windshield replacement coverage as part of your comprehensive auto insurance policy. The point is, auto glass replacement is available from your insurance company, although how beneficial the coverage will turn out to be is based on individual insurers and state laws.

Insurance Companies Differ

It is rare for PIP or gap auto insurance policies to provide free windshield replacement. Instead, you would need to have comprehensive auto coverage-- commonly referred to as "full coverage." And even companies that provide windshield replacement may require you to pay a deductible or even carry specialized windshield replacement coverage. Finally, some companies allow you to pay a special deductible for a windshield replacement that is not affected by your regular policy deductible. This allows you to replace faulty auto glass at a lower cost than if you had to pay for it out of pocket, but not exactly free of charge.

Auto Glass and State Laws

State laws affect how auto glass replacement is handled by insurance companies. In Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina windshield replacement is included for free in a comprehensive policy. In half a dozen other states you can purchase a separate, non-deductible windshield policy. Everywhere else you will have to meet your policy deductible before insurance kicks in-- and it may be a better idea to simply replace the glass out of pocket.

Talk to your insurance provider before scheduling windshield repair or replacement. If it is covered on your policy, your auto glass company will take care of billing the insurance portion of the cost, and all you will have to pay is the deductible.