Does Safeco Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Getting a crack or chip in your windshield can be annoying and disrupt your daily commute. You may wonder if your car insurance policy from Safeco will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. The good news is that if you have comprehensive coverage with Safeco, windshield repairs and replacements are covered.

What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that pays for damage to your vehicle from causes other than collisions. This includes:

• Weather events like hail, floods, or falling objects like tree branches
• Theft or vandalism
• Fire
• Collisions with animals

Comprehensive coverage also pays for windshield repair and replacement in the event of damage. It’s important to note that collision coverage only pays for damage resulting from colliding with another car or object. Since a cracked windshield typically happens due to road debris, vandalism, or weather, you need comprehensive coverage for the repair to be covered.

Does Safeco Waive the Deductible for Windshield Repairs?

With most car insurance claims, you are responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible before the insurance provider pays their portion. However, Safeco waives your deductible if your windshield can be repaired rather than replaced.

This means small chips, cracks, and pits can often be repaired at no cost to you. Your windshield will be restored to safe driving condition without the headache of a claim.

When is the Deductible Waived for Replacement?

If the damage is too extensive for repair and your windshield requires full replacement, you will typically have to pay your comprehensive deductible. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina – State laws require insurers to waive deductibles for all windshield repairs and replacements in these states. Safeco customers here will not pay anything out of pocket.

• Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York – Insurers must offer “full glass coverage” policies with $0 windshield deductibles as an option. If you selected this coverage, replacements are covered in full.

• Not at-fault accidents – If windshield damage occurs in an accident caused by another driver, their liability insurance should cover the cost if they are determined to be at-fault.

If you’re unsure about your deductible, check your policy documents or call Safeco to confirm specifics for your policy.

How Does the Claims Process Work?

Safeco offers a streamlined windshield repair and replacement process through their preferred partner Safelite Solutions. Here are the steps if you need new glass:

1. File a Claim

You can start your windshield claim by:

• Calling Safeco at 1-800-332-3226
• Using Safeco’s online claims portal
• Contacting Safelite Solutions directly to arrange service

The Safelite mobile app also makes filing a claim quick and easy.

2. Schedule Service

Safelite has over 1,000 locations nationwide and can usually provide same-day or next-day service. You can choose to have the work done at one of their shops or have a technician dispatched right to your home or office.

3. Authorization

Safelite will contact Safeco to verify your coverage and get authorization to proceed with the repair or replacement.

4. Completion

A trained Safelite technician will perform the work and provide a warranty. Safelite locations also offer rental cars so you aren’t left without transportation.

5. Payment

Your deductible will be collected by Safelite if needed, while the remainder of the cost is billed directly to Safeco.

Using Safelite streamlines the insurance process but you also have the option to work with any auto glass shop of your choice if needed.

What Types of Windshield Damage are Covered?

Comprehensive insurance and your Safeco policy provide broad protection for windshield mishaps including:

• Chips and cracks – Minor chips and cracks up to 6 inches long can often be repaired. Larger cracks over 12 inches typically require a full windshield replacement.

• Bullseye or star damage – Circular bullseye cracks radiating from a point of impact can also be repaired if the damage is within 3 inches.

• Pitted windshields – Small dings and pits in the windshield less than 1/4 inch in diameter can be filled quickly during a repair.

• Full windshield replacement – If the damage is too widespread, Safeco will cover the cost of your windshield replacement after the deductible is met.

• Rear and side window glass – In addition to the front windshield, comprehensive insurance covers glass repairs and replacements for rear and side windows that are damaged.

• Rock chips – One of the most common causes of cracks are rocks kicked up while driving. Comprehensive insurance covers the cost of repairs.

• Vandalism – If your windshield is smashed by vandals, Safeco’s coverage will pay for the replacement cost after your deductible.

Are There Any Windshield Exclusions?

While Safeco provides broad windshield coverage, there are a few limitations to be aware of:

• Mechanical failures – Damages relating to a mechanical breakdown or electrical issue are not covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy.

• Wear and tear – Gradual damage to windshield glass over time due to regular use and aging does not qualify for repairs under your Safeco policy.

• Issues during installation – Any problems caused directly by errors during installation of the windshield would not be covered. The glass shop would be responsible for correcting these problems.

• Aftermarket parts or customization – Modified, specialty, or aftermarket glass that differs from the original factory-installed windshield is not covered.

• War, nuclear hazards, and racing – Damage from acts of war, nuclear events, or racing activities are excluded.

Will My Rates Go Up for Windshield Claims?

One concern customers have is whether their premiums will increase after making windshield claims. The effect is generally minimal, for a few reasons:

• Windshield claims are common, so insurers expect a number of repairs and replacements periodically.

• Comprehensive claims don’t impact your driving record or designation as an “at-fault” accident.

• Repairs are less expensive than major collision repairs.

Drivers with multiple windshield claims within a short period may see a small premium increase. But for most drivers, the convenience of having repairs covered by insurance outweighs the minimal effects on your rates.

Do I Need Glass Coverage on an Older Vehicle?

For newer vehicles with sophisticated safety systems and expensive glass replacement costs, paying extra for comprehensive coverage can make sense. But you may wonder about keeping older cars covered.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding on glass coverage for an older vehicle:

• Cost of replacement – While new Mercedes or BMW windshields could cost $1,000 or more, an older Honda or Toyota model may only run a few hundred dollars. The lower glass cost may make paying out of pocket feasible.

• Deductible amount – If your deductible is $500 or $1,000, you may end up paying the entire bill yourself anyway if the windshield costs less than the deductible.

• Likelihood of damage – City drivers may experience more cracked windshields over time due to road debris and parking lot accidents. Keeping coverage may save you money vs paying cash each time.

• Specialty glass – Some older cars have unique windshield glass that is expensive to replace. Coverage here can be worth the premiums.

• Budgeting – Even if you can afford the cash price, some drivers prefer the budget certainty of consistent insurance premiums vs variable out of pocket costs.

Consider your own driving patterns, risk factors, and budget to decide if dropping comprehensive insurance makes sense on an older vehicle.

What is the Safelite Windshield Warranty?

Safelite provides a warranty on completed windshield repairs and replacements performed on Safeco insurance claims. Here are the key details:

• Repairs – A lifetime warranty covers the repaired area. If a crack reoccurs in the same area, Safelite will fix it again free of charge.

• Replacements – Windshield installations come with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty. Any issues with leaks, damage, or defects in materials and workmanship will be corrected at no cost.

• Mobile service – The warranty covers repairs done at one of Safelite’s shops or via their mobile service.

• Transferable – The warranty transfers to future owners if you sell the vehicle.

• Exclusions – Damage from collisions, vandalism, or acts of nature are not covered under the warranty. Only defects in the glass replacement work itself are included.

• Manufacturer defects – In addition to Safelite’s warranty, any original manufacturer defects in replacement glass are covered by the parts maker rather than Safelite.

Make sure you receive full warranty documentation after any repair or installation work is completed on