How To Deal With Your Insurance For Windshield Replacement

When you own a vehicle, one of the most sensitive components on the vehicle is the windshield. While the windshield is on the car to protect you from flying debris and other objects, it is not invincible. The thick piece of glass can be damaged by pebbles, birds, and falling objects that you simply cannot avoid while you are driving. If you have ever replaced your windshield, you know how expensive it can be. Waiting until a small chip starts to crack can end up costing you several hundred dollars. If you do not have the extra money to pay for windshield replacement, you may end up being cited for driving in an unsafe vehicle. If you need windshield replacement today, get the work done for free by using your insurance. Learn everything you need to know about filing a claim and never pay the glass company directly.

What Type of Coverage Provides Windshield Replacement on Your Policy?

Before you call a glass company for price quotes you should review your auto insurance declarations page. Auto insurance providers offer physical damage coverage that will pay for all of the unexpected damages you deal with. While some drivers assume that glass is not a covered component of the car, this is simply not the truth. Comprehensive cover will provide coverage for glass breakage that happens on and off the road. This means that you do not necessarily have to come out-of-pocket to pay for windshield replacement.

What Happens If You Have a Deductible?

All physical damage cover comes with a deductible. If you are lucky enough to have never filed a damage claim, you may not know how deductibles work. The deductible is the portion of the bill you have to pay when you file a claim. If you have a $100 deductible, the damage must be over $100 before you can file a claim. The deductible rules for glass damage may vary from company to company. If your insurance company has a special glass breakage policy, you may not have to pay your deductible at all. If you catch the chips and cracks early, you can go to a participating glass company and have the chip repaired for free. Make sure you visit a glass company that partners with your insurance company to deal with all of the paperwork.

Will Your Rates Go Up If You File a Windshield Replacement Claim?

If you have ever received a high bill because you filed a claim you may want to avoid filing a claim for your glass. If you are hesitant, do not be. Insurance companies cannot increase your rates when you file a glass breakage or any other type of comprehensive claim. Comprehensive claims are considered non-fault. They will not hurt your claims history records and they certainly will not increase your rates for three years. So if you are trying to save money on your insurance by paying out-of-pocket, think again.

How Do You Request Work?

If you have received price quotes and you want to know how to order windshield replacement, let the glass company do it for you. Companies can file the claim for you so the insurer will send the payment directly to the glass repair shop. This takes out all of the hassle so you can get your work done without sitting on hold.

Do not pay for your windshield replacement when you do not have to. Review your insurance company or meet with your glass company and ask them if they will file your claim for you. Fix that windshield and never worry about being cited because you have a crack obstructing your view.