Does Mercury Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Getting a cracked or broken windshield repaired or replaced can be an inconvenient and expensive hassle. That’s why many drivers rely on their car insurance to cover windshield damage. But does Mercury Insurance pay for windshield replacement?

The short answer is yes, Mercury Insurance does cover windshield repair and replacement – as long as you have comprehensive coverage.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about making a windshield claim with Mercury, including:

• What comprehensive coverage is
• What comprehensive covers
• Do you need comprehensive insurance?
• Does Mercury pay for windshield replacement?
• Will you have to pay a deductible?
• How to file a windshield replacement claim
• Windshield replacement cost
• Alternatives if Mercury won’t pay

What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on that you can purchase along with your car insurance policy. It covers damage to your vehicle that occurs from non-collision events, like:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Weather events (hail, floods)
• Fire
• Falling objects (tree branches)
• Glass damage

So if your windshield gets cracked by a stray rock on the highway, is shattered by hail, or broken into by vandals, comprehensive insurance will cover the repair or replacement cost.

Comprehensive is usually sold with a deductible, typically $250, $500 or $1,000. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums.

What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?

To recap, a comprehensive auto insurance policy covers your vehicle for damage from:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Weather (hail, flood)
• Falling objects
• Fire
• Glass damage (windshields)

Comprehensive does NOT cover:

• Collision damage
• Mechanical breakdowns
• Wear and tear

Collision coverage pays for accident-related damage from a crash with another car or object. Mechanical breakdown coverage pays for repairs due to mechanical failure.

Do You Need Comprehensive Insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is an optional coverage, but there are a few instances when you may need it:

• You have an auto loan or lease: Most lenders and leasing companies require you carry comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their asset (the car).

• You own an expensive or new car: Comprehensive coverage protects against theft and damage. If your car is totaled, comprehensive insurance will pay to replace it.

• You can’t afford repairs/replacement: If paying $1,000+ out-of-pocket to repair or replace your car would be a financial hardship, comprehensive coverage is a good idea.

• You live in an area with severe weather or high crime: Comprehensive claims from weather events and vandalism/theft are common. If you live in these conditions, comprehensive coverage provides peace of mind.

If you own your car outright, comprehensive is optional depending on your situation. Weigh the value of your car versus the potential repair costs.

Does Mercury Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage with Mercury Insurance, windshield repair and replacement is covered. Comprehensive policies specifically include protection for glass damage.

However, you may need to pay your deductible. State laws and your policy details will determine if the deductible applies to windshield replacement.

Will You Have to Pay a Deductible for Windshield Replacement?

Whether you’ll pay a deductible for a windshield replacement claim depends on your state’s regulations and your specific Mercury Insurance policy.

Here are a few scenarios:

• States requiring $0 glass deductible: In Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, insurers cannot charge a deductible for windshield repair/replacement.

• States allowing $0 glass deductible: In AZ, CT, MA, MN, and NY, insurers must offer $0 deductible glass coverage. Mercury customers in these states can choose this option.

• Your policy may include $0 glass deductible: Some Mercury policies include windshield coverage with no deductible. Check your policy documents.

• Deductible applies: If the above situations don’t apply, you’ll likely pay your standard comprehensive deductible.

• At-fault accident: If you damaged your windshield in an at-fault accident, the collision deductible would apply.

• Not-at-fault accident: The at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover the windshield damage.

Bottom line: Call Mercury at 1-800-503-3724 and check your specific state laws and policy to see if a deductible applies for windshield replacement.

How to File a Windshield Replacement Claim with Mercury

Filing a windshield claim with Mercury Insurance is straightforward:

1. Call Mercury’s claims number at 1-800-503-3724 to start your claim.

2. Provide details on what caused the windshield damage. This helps determine if it falls under comprehensive or collision coverage.

3. Take photos of the windshield damage to document the incident.

4. Get a repair estimate. Mercury will direct you to an approved glass shop who can assess if the windshield needs repair or replacement.

5. Mercury will approve the estimate for repair/replacement based on your coverage.

6. The shop will bill Mercury directly – you just pay any applicable deductible.

Tip: If you’re unsure if the damage will require a deductible, have the shop bill you directly instead of Mercury. That way, you can submit the paid receipt to Mercury and get reimbursed if no deductible is required.

How Much Does Windshield Replacement Cost?

The cost to replace a windshield runs $100-$400, varying based on:

• Car make and model
• Type of glass
• Accessories like rain sensors
• Local repair costs

Luxury and newer cars with advanced features tend to cost more. Windshield repair averages $50-$75 and is cheaper than full replacement.

What if Mercury Won’t Pay for Your Windshield Replacement?

If you file a windshield claim but Mercury denies it, here are some potential reasons:

• You don’t have comprehensive coverage
• Your deductible is greater than the repair cost
• It was damaged in an at-fault accident (collision deductible applies)

If you don’t have comprehensive insurance or Mercury won’t cover the windshield for some reason, you have a few options:

1. Pay out-of-pocket. This is the cheapest option but can cost $100-$400+ depending on your car.

2. File with your collision coverage. If the damage occurred in an accident you caused, file a collision claim instead. But the collision deductible is usually higher.

3. File with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Their liability coverage should pay if it was their fault.

4. Use your credit card’s rental car insurance. Some premium cards cover rental vehicles – call yours to check.

5. Buy separate windshield insurance. Windshield policy deductibles are usually less than $50.

6. Add comprehensive coverage. Then file the windshield claim. Shop rates to find the cheapest Mercury comprehensive insurance you qualify for.

The easiest option is paying for comprehensive coverage and having Mercury handle the windshield replacement. But if that’s not possible in your situation, you have alternatives to cover the costs.

The Bottom Line

Replacing a damaged windshield isn’t cheap – but comprehensive insurance from Mercury can save you hundreds of dollars.

Key takeaways:

• Mercury Insurance does cover windshield repair and replacement if you carry comprehensive car insurance.

• Some states prohibit deductibles on glass claims. Check your state laws.

• Review your Mercury policy details – some policies include $0 glass deductible coverage.

• Without comprehensive insurance, you’ll need to pay the windshield costs out-of-pocket or through other insurance policies.

• Comprehensive insurance is required for leased/financed vehicles and recommended if you want to avoid paying for repairs yourself.

Cracked or broken windshields happen. Make sure you have the coverage in place to save you money when they do. Getting a free car insurance quote from Mercury only takes a few minutes!