Does AAA Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Getting your windshield replaced can be an expensive proposition, with costs typically ranging from $200 to $1000 depending on the make and model of your vehicle. That’s why many drivers rely on their auto insurance to help cover windshield repair and replacement costs. But what about AAA insurance specifically – does it cover windshield replacement?

The short answer is yes – AAA auto insurance does cover windshield replacement, with some caveats. Keep reading to learn more about AAA windshield coverage, replacement costs, and tips for saving money.

Overview of AAA Auto Insurance Windshield Coverage

AAA auto insurance policies cover windshield damage and replacement under the comprehensive portion of your policy. This means that if you have comprehensive coverage, windshield repair and replacement will be covered, subject to your comprehensive deductible.

Here are some key things to know about AAA windshield coverage:

• Coverage applies to both windshield repairs (fixing cracks/chips) and full windshield replacement.

• You will need to pay your comprehensive deductible, which is typically $100-$500. Some states require deductible waivers for windshield repair/replacement.

• Coverage has no effect on premiums or policy rates. Getting your windshield replaced through AAA insurance won’t raise your rates.

• AAA offers policyholders a nationwide network of preferred vendors who will handle the replacement for you.

So in short, if you have AAA insurance with comprehensive coverage, windshield repairs and replacement will be covered similar to filing any other comprehensive claim, minus your deductible.

AAA Windshield Replacement Costs

How much you’ll pay out of pocket for a AAA windshield replacement depends on several factors:

• Your comprehensive deductible amount – $100 vs $500 deductible makes a big difference.

• Your vehicle make/model – Luxury and specialty vehicles have higher glass costs.

• Glass type – OEM vs aftermarket, acoustic glass, etc. impact price.

• Additional services – Calibrating ADAS systems after install adds cost.

Deductible: As mentioned above, expect to pay your comprehensive deductible for any windshield replacement claim filed through AAA insurance. If you carry a $100 deductible, that’s likely all you’ll pay. With a $500 deductible, you’d pay the first $500 and AAA insurance would cover any remaining costs.

Vehicle type: Windshield replacement costs vary widely by vehicle. Complex curvature, specialty glass materials, and features like heat grids and ADAS integration increase costs significantly. A standard replacement for an economy car may cost $200-300, while a luxury sedan or SUV could run $800-1,000 or more.

Glass type: Most AAA network shops use quality aftermarket glass, which is less expensive than OEM. You can request OEM glass, but will pay the difference in cost. There are also specialty windshield options like acoustic glass to reduce sound. Upgrades will increase your out-of-pocket expense.

Additional services: Many modern vehicles require ADAS system calibration after a windshield install. This specialized service can add $50-150 or more to your bill.

With all those factors, your out-of-pocket cost through AAA insurance could be as little as $100 if you have a low deductible and basic vehicle. On the other end, you could pay $500 or more for an expensive vehicle with OEM glass and calibration. The average cost to the policyholder is around $200-300.

Tips for Saving Money on AAA Windshield Replacement

To help minimize expenses, here are some tips on saving money with a AAA insurance windshield replacement:

• Choose aftermarket glass – OEM is typically 2-3x more expensive, provides no extra benefit.

• Waive “extras” – Things like rain sensors and heated wiper areas add cost.

• Use your AAA discounts – You may get 10%+ off as a member at AAA shops.

• Get quotes beforehand – Know the pricing landscape for your specific vehicle.

• Raise comprehensive deductibles – Increasing deductible to $500+ brings down monthly premiums.

• Review glass coverage – Some states mandate $0 deductibles for windshield replacement.

• Repair minor damage – Small chips and cracks can be repaired vs full replacement.

• Pay out-of-pocket – For older cars, it may be cheaper to pay yourself vs a claim.

With some smart moves, you can reduce the costs of a AAA insurance windshield replacement claim and get your vehicle back on the road safely.

The Windshield Replacement Process with AAA Insurance

Filing a windshield replacement claim with AAA insurance is straightforward. Here are the typical steps:

1. Call AAA insurance – Notify them of damage and file a comprehensive claim.

2. AAA will contact a glass vendor – A shop in their network will call you to schedule repair/replacement.

3. Take your vehicle for service – The shop will examine your windshield and perform the necessary repairs or full replacement.

4. AAA insurance pays the shop directly – You only pay your deductible portion to the shop.

5. Get an itemized invoice – Review charges to ensure there were no errors or issues.

That’s it! AAA insurance handles contacting the glass shop, estimating repair costs, and paying the shop directly for everything except your deductible. This makes it a smooth, hassle-free process compared to paying out-of-pocket.

Key Takeaways on AAA Windshield Coverage

Windshield damage is inevitable for most vehicles. Cracks and chips can happen anytime, anywhere. With comprehensive auto insurance from AAA, you can get your windshield repaired or replaced affordably and easily. Here are some key takeaways:

• AAA insurance covers windshield replacement under your comprehensive policy, less any deductible.

• Costs vary widely based on your deductible, vehicle type, glass used, and if calibration is needed.

• Paying your deductible is typically your only out-of-pocket expense.

• AAA provides a nationwide network of quality glass shops to perform the work.

• The windshield replacement process is straightforward – AAA handles the claims process for you.

So if you’re a AAA member and need a windshield repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to file a claim. Your AAA insurance policy has you covered. With a few smart moves, you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs and get back on the road quickly and safely.