
If a rock hits your windshield, you'll want to know if your insurance will cover the damage. Most car insurance policies include comprehensive coverage, which covers damage from non-collision events like a rock hit.
Comprehensive coverage typically requires a deductible, which can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on your policy.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus the deductible.
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What to Do After a Rock Hits Your Windshield
If a rock hits your windshield, pull over as soon as you can and report your claim immediately. This is crucial to ensure you don't wait too long to file a claim, which can cause the chip or crack to spread.
You should file a comprehensive claim as soon as possible, before you proceed with repairs. This is because the longer you wait, the more likely the damage will worsen.
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Comprehensive coverage may cover the cost to repair or replace your windshield if it's damaged due to falling debris, such as a rock. This is a key point to understand, especially if you're not sure what caused the damage.
If your windshield can be repaired instead of replaced, you might not have to pay anything in most cases. This is a common scenario, so it's essential to know your options.
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Insurance Coverage and Claims
Insurance companies typically cover windshield damage under comprehensive coverage, which is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. You can file a claim online, over the phone, or by visiting your local insurance agent.
To file a claim, you'll need to provide photos or measurements of the damage to your claims adjuster. You may also need to choose a glass and windshield specialist from the options provided by your insurance company. If you have a deductible, you'll need to pay that amount before your insurance will start paying for the repairs.
Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage caused by natural disasters, fires, theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, and other non-collision events. However, if you don't have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to have your windshield replaced if the damage was caused by another driver's fault, but you'll need to pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance add-on that protects against damage not related to a collision. It's not typically required by law, but it's often coupled with collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by natural disasters, fires, theft, vandalism, and other non-collision events.
You'll need comprehensive coverage to have your windshield replacement or glass repair covered by car insurance. This includes damage caused by flying road debris, a stray baseball, or an animal. Some common causes of cracked windshields that comprehensive coverage protects you from include falling tree branches, snow, and hail.
Comprehensive coverage typically comes with a deductible that you'll need to pay before your insurance kicks in. However, some insurance companies offer separate windshield deductibles or no-deductible options for glass damage. In some states, it's even mandated that insurance companies cannot apply a deductible to windshield repair.
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Here are some common occurrences that comprehensive coverage protects you from:
- Falling tree branches
- Flying baseballs
- Road debris
- Animals
- Vandalism
- Snow
- Hail
Keep in mind that if you can't afford your deductible, you may want to consider finding a private glass company that's willing to waive part of your deductible. They may be more willing to work with you since they can still profit from the repair.
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Liability
Liability insurance can be a lifesaver if you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault. If the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage pays for your expenses, you won't have to worry about a thing.
This type of coverage is particularly useful if you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage, but were still involved in an accident. The at-fault driver's insurance would cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Liability insurance typically only covers damages to other people's property, not your own. So, if you're involved in an accident and your own vehicle is damaged, you'll need to rely on comprehensive or collision coverage, or pay out of pocket.
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Repair Costs and Options
Repairing a cracked windshield can be a relatively affordable process, depending on the size of the damage and your location. In California, repairing a cracked windshield costs between $60 and $150.
If the crack is larger or compromises the seals, the cost can add up. Most windshield repair companies offer mobile services for an extra charge, which can meet you at home, your office, or even when you’re stuck on the side of the road.
In general, repairing a windshield is a good option if the damage is small, and you can get it done quickly. A small chip can easily turn into a large crack, so it's best to get it repaired as soon as possible.
Repair Tips
If your windshield is cracked, it's essential to fix it as soon as possible to avoid further damage. A small chip can easily turn into a large crack if you don't address it promptly.
To prevent further damage, stay out of extreme temperatures while waiting to repair or replace the glass. Just as you shouldn't store certain objects in a hot car, you should keep a cracked windshield out of extreme heat or cold.
Inspect the damage carefully to determine if you can still drive safely. A small chip in the glass on the passenger side of the window may not be noticeable when driving, but a long crack right across your line of vision may make it difficult to drive the vehicle safely.
If the cost to repair a windshield is just slightly more than your deductible, it's probably better to pay out of pocket rather than notify the insurance company. This can help you avoid the hassle of filing a claim and potentially increasing your insurance rates.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with a cracked windshield:
Repair Costs
Repairing a cracked windshield can cost anywhere from $60 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle's make, model, and location. In California, repairing a cracked windshield costs between $60 and $150.
If the windshield crack compromised seals or caused other damage, this can add to the cost of repairs. Most windshield repair companies offer mobile services for an extra charge.
The cost of repairing a cracked windshield varies depending on the size of the damage. Smaller chips or windshield cracks might be repairable without completely replacing the glass. Any crack smaller than a dollar bill can be repaired.
Replacing the entire windshield can cost between $200 and $2,500. If the windshield incorporates technology like HUD, object sensors, or heating, the replacement cost is at the higher end of the range.
Here's a rough estimate of the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked windshield:
Keep in mind that these estimates may vary depending on your location, vehicle make and model, and the size of the crack.
Impact on Your Car and Insurance
A rock hit your windshield can be a frustrating and unexpected expense. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield.
You'll still need to pay your comprehensive deductible, which can range from $250 to $1,500 or more, depending on your policy. Some insurance providers, like Plymouth Rock, offer a waiver of deductible for glass repairs at no extra cost.
If you have full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance, your windshield may be covered. However, if you only have minimum coverage, you may not have insurance that pays for windshield repairs or replacements.
It's essential to review your policy and contact your insurance company to determine the extent of your coverage and any potential impact on your premiums.
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Car Damage?
Car damage can be a hassle, especially if it's not covered by your insurance. If you have a cracked windshield, you might be able to get it repaired or replaced through your insurance, depending on your coverage.
Plymouth Rock offers a waiver of deductible for glass repairs for Assurance Plus customers at no extra cost. This means you'll have no deductible for simple glass breaks, chips, nicks, and cracks resulting from a covered loss.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance provider may be able to help you get your cracked or chipped windshield repaired by a professional. Wawanesa, for example, can help with this if you have comprehensive coverage.
You'll need to consider your policy's deductible, claim history, and the potential impact on your premiums before deciding whether to file a claim for your broken windshield.
Passing State Inspection
In most states, vehicle safety inspections are required, but they can be very specific.
Some states, like Virginia, reject vehicles with certain types of windshield damage. If your windshield has a pit, chip, or star crack larger than 1.5 inches in diameter or length that's 3 inches above the bottom of the windshield, you won't pass inspection.
Even if your vehicle passes inspection, it's still a good idea to get any damage fixed.
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