Understanding Auto Glass Insurance

If you own a car, chances are that you’ve had to deal with a cracked or broken windshield at least once. Auto glass damage is common, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful they are on the road. However, the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can be quite high, which is why it’s important to have auto glass insurance.

What is Auto Glass Insurance?

Auto glass insurance is a type of coverage that pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your car’s windshield or other damaged glass. It’s typically included in comprehensive coverage, which is an add-on to your basic car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage protects your car against damage caused by events such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, in addition to covering auto glass damage.

Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but it’s a good idea to have it to protect yourself against unforeseen events that could cause expensive damage to your car. If you’re financing your car, your lender may require you to have comprehensive coverage as part of your loan agreement.

How Does Auto Glass Insurance Work?

When you have auto glass insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance company if your windshield or other auto glass is damaged. The insurer will then work with you to determine the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs or replacement.

Depending on the terms of your policy, you may be required to pay a deductible before your insurer covers the cost of repairs or replacement. Deductibles can range from $0 to $1,000 or more, depending on your policy.

Once the deductible is paid, the insurer will pay the remaining cost of repairs or replacement up to the limit of your policy. Most auto glass insurance policies have a limit of $500 to $1,000 per claim.

What Does Auto Glass Insurance Cover?

Auto glass insurance covers any damage to your car’s windshield or other auto glass caused by events such as:

Event
Example
Collision
Your car is hit by another vehicle
Vandalism
Someone breaks your car’s window
Theft
Someone steals your car’s window
Natural disaster
A hailstorm damages your windshield

It’s important to note that auto glass insurance does not cover damage to other parts of your car or injuries sustained in an accident. For that, you will need liability insurance, which is a separate type of coverage.

How Much Does Auto Glass Insurance Cost?

The cost of auto glass insurance varies depending on several factors, including:

  • The make and model of your car
  • The age of your car
  • Your driving record
  • The level of coverage you choose

Generally, auto glass insurance is not very expensive. It’s often included in comprehensive coverage, which can cost as little as $20 to $50 per month on top of your basic car insurance premium.

FAQ

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $500 and you file a claim for $1,000 in auto glass repairs, you will be responsible for paying $500 and your insurer will pay the remaining $500.

Is auto glass insurance required by law?

No, auto glass insurance is not required by law. However, if you’re financing your car, your lender may require you to have comprehensive coverage as part of your loan agreement.

What if I don’t have auto glass insurance?

If you don’t have auto glass insurance, you will have to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement out of pocket. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be quite expensive.

Will filing an auto glass insurance claim raise my rates?

It depends on your insurer and the terms of your policy. Some insurers will not raise your rates for filing an auto glass claim, while others may. Check with your insurer to find out their policy on rate increases.

Can I choose where to have my auto glass repaired?

It depends on your insurer and the terms of your policy. Some insurers have preferred auto glass repair shops that they work with, while others may allow you to choose your own shop. Check with your insurer to find out their policy on auto glass repair shops.

Does auto glass insurance cover tinted windows?

It depends on your policy. Some auto glass insurance policies cover tinted windows, while others do not. Check with your insurer to find out if your policy covers tinted windows.