Is It Worth Using Insurance for Windshield Replacement?

Experiencing a cracked or damaged windshield can be an annoying and disruptive surprise. Beyond compromising the structural integrity of your vehicle, it also obstructs visibility and could lead to a ticket or failed vehicle inspection.

Replacing a windshield is expensive, often costing $200-$800 depending on the vehicle make and model. Using your car insurance to pay for a new windshield may help alleviate the sudden cost burden. But is filing an insurance claim truly worth it for windshield replacement?

This article examines the pros and cons of using insurance versus paying out-of-pocket, key factors to consider, effects on premiums, and steps for getting the maximum value from your auto policy.

The Potential Benefits of Using Insurance

Filing an auto insurance claim provides the following potential benefits for windshield replacement:

Significant cost savings – Windshield replacement costs can be high. Having insurance pay significantly reduces your immediate out-of-pocket payment.

Convenience – The insurance claim process is relatively fast and easy for windshield claims when using a reputable glass company. The shop handles claim filing details.

Peace of mind – Claim settlement provides certainty that the windshield gets fixed promptly with no lingering cost concerns.

Access to quality workmanship – Insurers often require using premium glass and OEM or specialized sealants for safety and proper fit.

Potentially no effect on premiums – Windshield claims are minor claims that may not impact policy rates or renewal eligibility in many states.

The Potential Drawbacks of Using Insurance

There are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of when filing an insurance claim:

Meeting the deductible – If your deductible is high, the out-of-pocket cost savings become negligible.

Future rate hikes – Excess claims of any type can open the door for premium increases at renewal time.

Claims history – Too many claims may cause non-renewal or prompt switching insurance companies.

Losing no claims discount – Some insurers reduce premium discounts after a certain number of claims are filed.

Dealing with adjusters – Extra time spent justifying or disputing claim amounts.

Policy drops – Insurers can legally cancel policies after too many minor claims.

Glass coverage limits – Some insurers impose annual claim or dollar limits for windshield coverage.

Weighing the pros and cons helps determine if using insurance makes sense based on your situation. Cost savings, maintaining eligibility for policy discounts, and avoiding premium hikes are key factors to evaluate.

Key Factors to Consider When Using Insurance

Several important considerations help determine if filing an insurance claim for windshield replacement is your best option:

Cost of replacement vs. deductible – If the windshield cost exceeds your deductible substantially, insurance saves you money upfront. If the cost is at or below the deductible, you gain little benefit from filing a claim.

Past claims – Review your recent claims history. Too many other recent minor claims could jeopardize eligibility by filing another windshield claim.

No claims bonus – Check if your insurer offers a ‘no claims’ premium discount or bonus. Filing a claim may forfeit this money-saving benefit at renewal time.

Policy limits – Verify if your policy has annual claim filing limits or dollar caps on windshield coverage. Exceeding these voids coverage.

Cancellation policies – Know the claim thresholds that could prompt non-renewal or cancellation from your insurer.

Insurer reputation – Research which insurers increase premiums least for windshield claims in your state.

Analyzing these factors indicates whether the financial upside of filing a claim outweighs potential policy downsides.

Does a Windshield Claim Affect Your Insurance Premiums?

Whether filing a windshield insurance claim will increase your rates depends on several elements:

• State regulations – Some states prohibit rate hikes or losing discounts due to windshield claims. Others allow increases after a certain number of glass claims. Know your state’s rules.

• Insurers – Companies also differ in how they handle rate changes. Some raise premiums automatically while others review multiple factors first.

• Policy type – Filing under collision vs. comprehensive coverage can impact your rates differently.

• Discounts affected – Know if windshield claims violate eligibility for safe driver, accident-free, or other discounts.

• Claims history – Previous at-fault accidents or claims for other damage types may result in steeper rate hikes, even for minor windshield claims.

• Deductible – Higher deductibles may reduce the rate impact of filing lower cost windshield claims.

While windshield claims present less risk for increases than at-fault accidents, they can still influence your premiums negatively in some cases. Understanding your insurer’s policies is key.

Steps for Getting the Most from Your Auto Insurance Policy

Follow these steps to ensure you maximize the value of your insurance coverage if using it to replace a damaged windshield:

• Review your policy – Verify you have comprehensive coverage with a deductible amount that makes filing a claim worthwhile.

• Check state laws – Know the claim filing rules and rate increase regulations in your state.

• Research insurers – Compare company rate increase policies for windshield claims. Switch insurers if yours raises rates excessively.

• Analyze discounts – Confirm a claim won’t jeopardize safe driver discounts at renewal time.

• Ask about OEM glass – Inquire if your insurer mandates or offers a reduction for factory glass. It’s safer but costs more.

• Use reputable shops – Ask insurer for a list of approved vendors known for quality work and minimizing claim issues.

• Bundle services – If your glass company handles the claim process directly, it saves time and ensures accuracy.

• Keep receipts – Retain all documentation showing costs in case the claim settlement amount needs verification.

• Avoid delays – File promptly before additional damage occurs. Delayed claims often get reduced benefit.

Taking these proactive steps lets you make an informed decision on using your insurance coverage for replacement while getting the maximum claim value.

Is It Worth Filing an Insurance Claim for Windshield Repair?

In addition to replacing entirely, windshield damage can sometimes be repaired depending on the size, type, and location of cracks. Does it make sense to use insurance for simple repairs?

Windshield repairs cost much less than full replacements, averaging $50-$100. With low costs, it’s generally not beneficial to use insurance:

• Small repairs may fall below your deductible amount, so the insurer pays nothing.

• The time spent filing a claim often exceeds the repair cost savings.

• Too many small claims could still prompt rate increases or policy non-renewal.

Paying out of pocket and preserving your insurance benefits for larger repairs or replacement is usually the wisest option for small windshield repairs. However, some states prohibit any glass claim from affecting your policy or premiums. Know your state’s specific regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does windshield replacement affect insurance premiums?

It depends on your insurer, policy type, state laws, discounts, and claims history. Some states prohibit increases for glass claims. With others, windshield claims present lower rate impact than at-fault accidents.

Is it worth using insurance if the windshield cost exceeds my deductible?

Yes, you should generally file a claim anytime the replacement cost substantially exceeds your comprehensive deductible to take advantage of the upfront cost savings.

How many windshield claims until I’m cancelled?

Cancellation thresholds vary by insurer. Most allow 1-2 glass claims over a 12 month span but may non-renew policies with 3+ claims indicating a risk pattern.

Can I pay the glass company out-of-pocket and submit the invoice to insurance?

Yes. But letting the glass company handle the claim filing guarantees accuracy and compliance with your insurer’s claim processes.

Does windshield replacement raise premiums for commercial auto policies?

Yes, glass claims can influence premiums for commercial auto policies. However, rate impacts are generally minimal for a single small claim.

The Bottom Line

Windshield damage is annoying and disruptive. While insurance can significantly reduce replacement costs, it also comes with drawbacks like potential rate increases or policy cancellation. Analyzing key factors makes determining the best way to pay for a new windshield easier. For minor repairs, paying out of pocket is typically the wisest choice.