Broken Windshield Repair
Replacing a broken windshield can cost anywhere between $60 to $1,500 without insurance. This can change depending on if you have a broken windshield or just have a small crack. Surprisingly, many drivers don’t know they can use their car insurance to cover broken windshields. This article explains everything you need to know about using your insurance to repair a broken or cracked windshield, and how that affects your insurance.
How Much Does Broken Windshield Repair Cost?
Depending on whether you have a chip or crack, your options might change. To save more money on a broken windshield, drivers should attempt to fix their windshields as soon as they notice a small crack. This will help keep the costs of a broken windshield down.
According to AAA, a small chip only costs $60 to $100 to repair. However, the same study also revealed that depending on your car’s type, the cost of replacing your windshield can change. To replace a cracked windshield, drivers can expect to pay:
- $250 to $300 for low-end cars
- $350 to $450 for high-end cars
- $1,500 or more for cars with recalibrations
If your car’s windshield has technical features and needs to be recalibrated, you could be looking at a very expensive replacement for your broken windshield. Thankfully, you can use your car’s comprehensive insurance to replace your broken windshield. There are some other things to consider if you are using your insurance to cover a broken windshield.
Also Read: How Long Does A Car Insurance Claim Take To Settle?
Using Car Insurance To Cover Broken Windshields
Comprehensive coverage is optional, but will cover any damage to your vehicle you don’t have control over, such as theft, fires, falling objects, and animal collisions. This means you can also use your comprehensive insurance to also cover the cost of broken windshield replacements.
When you make a comprehensive claim, you will pay a deductible, or an out-of-pocket cost. Deductibles for comprehensive claims can range from $250 to $1,000. This means that when you go to replace your broken windshield, calculate how much your deductible costs in comparison to fixing your windshield.
For example, let’s say you have a $500 deductible for your comprehensive insurance. If you had a low-end car, making a claim might not be worth it since replacing the windshield is less than the deductible. However, if you need your windshield recalibrated, or you have a luxury vehicle, the $500 deductible is worth it.
Some insurance companies will allow a $0 deductible on your comprehensive coverage for glass replacement. This may cost you a little extra, but will save you money if you need to make a glass claim. Most states won’t allow insurance companies to apply the deductible amount on glass claims, which means that depending on where you live, you can use your comprehensive insurance to replace or repair your windshield without worrying about the deductible.
To talk to an insurance company to see what options you have for glass replacement, call Quote Purple. We’ll connect you with a partner who can help you with your broken windshield.
When To Replace Or Repair Your Broken Windshield
Drivers have two options when it comes to their broken windshields: repairing or replacing the broken windshield. This section will go over what to expect with both options, and will help you decide what option is better for your broken windshield.
Repair
When repairing a windshield, your current windshield will remain in your car. This option is best for small cracks less than the size of a quarter. The crack shouldn’t impact your vision, or be directly in front of the driver’s view.
It only takes around 30 minutes to fill the cracked windshield, and costs $60 to $100. Most insurance companies won’t cover windshield repairs. Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for windshield repairs, and how making a claim affects your premium.
Replace
If you have full glass coverage on your comprehensive insurance, you may not have to pay a deductible. This also changes depending on where you live, as some states regulate deductible amounts on glass claims.
When replacing a windshield, you’ll need to make an appointment with an autoglass specialist. Check with your insurance company to see if they have a preferred specialist. The glass specialist will then:
- Remove the old trim and windshield.
- Clean and prepare the pinched weld.
- Apply urethane to the weld.
- Install the new windshield.
This process only takes a couple hours to complete, and your insurance company may even be able to process your payment if they have a direct relationship with your insurance company.
Also Read: 5 Money Saving Tips insurance Companies Wish You Didn’t Know
Should You Use Insurance To Cover Your Broken Windshield?
It’s more common for drivers to notice more cracks in their windshields during the winter months. Not only do drivers need to deal with more road debris, any small chips can turn into big cracks as the weather gets colder and wetter. This means that small cracks often to turn into big problems when they’re not handled right away.
If you want some help calculating the costs of your broken windshield, call Quote Purple to speak with a partner. We can connect you with someone who can tell you what deductible you’d pay, and how your broken windshield affects your premium. To connect with a partner now, call the number at the top of the page.