In most cases, you should have comprehensive coverage for your car insurance policy to cover a broken or cracked windshield and other types of glass damage. The key to ensuring coverage is to have comprehensive insurance, which is an optional addition to your policy that is not required by law in any state. It is usually combined with collision insurance and covers any damage that may occur to your vehicle due to what are called fortuitous events. Collision insurance pays for losses and repairs to your vehicle that occurred during an accident.
If your windshield cracks after hitting another vehicle or hitting a pole, collision insurance will likely cover windshield damage minus the deductible amount you chose for this coverage. If you pay out of pocket, repairing your windshield instead of replacing it may save you money. However, if you're in a position where you need to repair the glass, your car insurance could help. If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, it will cover damage to windows regardless of whether you need to repair or replace the glass.
Comprehensive coverage applies when the damage is not the result of an accident, such as when a rock hits the windshield or someone damages it in an act of vandalism. Protects your car from any damage that is not caused by another vehicle, also known as “acts of God”. Whether your insurance rates increase after a glass claim depends on the type of claim you make. There are two important exceptions where liability insurance alone will be sufficient to repair the vehicle.
You won't have to pay the deductible if you use your comprehensive coverage to replace your windshield. The first step in fixing the crack is to find out if your car insurance covers the windshields. In fact, collision coverage protects your car from any damage that results from an accident you caused, either with another driver or with a stationary object, such as a tree. If you were involved in an accident that damaged your windshield and the accident was the fault of another driver, the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) would have to pay their expenses with their liability insurance policy.
Insurers subtract your deductible from the total amount claimed, so if your deductible is greater than the price to repair or replace your windshield, you won't receive anything from your insurance company. However, insurance companies may consider the high frequency of windshield claims as one of the factors in determining future premiums. Cracks that are more than six inches long are considered irreparable and need a complete windshield replacement. Your insurance agent should be able to provide you with a network of auto glass repair shops for you to choose from.
According to Value Penguin, if you decide to file a claim for a cracked windshield, there's a relatively easy process you need to follow. An independent Tennessee insurance agent can prepare all the home and car insurance you need in any case. For example, Virginia rejects any vehicle with a pit, splinter, or star-shaped crack greater than 1.5 inches in diameter or length that is 3 inches above the bottom of the windshield. After filing the claim, your auto insurer may ask you to take the car to a garage of your choice to inspect for damage.
If you were involved in an accident and another driver was at fault, you can file a claim against their liability insurance.
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