Car Insurance and Windshield Damage
If you're involved in an accident, will your car insurance policy cover the cost of replacing your windshield? There tends to be a lot of confusion when it comes to car insurance policies and what exactly they cover. If this is you, you're not alone. Because this is such a common phenomenon, Magic Windshields has put together this guide to help clear things up.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
There's no definite answer to this question. In most cases, yes, your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if it is damaged in an accident. However, it depends on both your insurance policy and the severity of the damage. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage, then your policy should cover any damage done to your windshield, no questions asked. If you only have liability coverage, however, then your policy may not cover the damage done to your windshield.
What's the Difference Between Comprehensive and Liability Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is sometimes also called "full coverage." This is because it covers a wider range of perils than liability coverage. In addition to covering your vehicle in the event of an accident, comprehensive coverage will also cover damage done to your vehicle by vandalism, theft, weather, or animals. It's important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover any damage done to other vehicles involved in an accident that you are at fault.
Liability coverage is the most basic type of car insurance. It covers the damage that you do to other vehicles or property with your vehicle. It does not cover damage done to your vehicle, regardless of the cause. This means that, if you only have liability coverage and damage your vehicle, you will have to pay out of pocket for things like windshield repair or replacement.
Do I Need Both Types of Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but liability coverage is. This means that you can technically get by with just liability coverage if you want to. However, we do not recommend this. Comprehensive coverage is what will cover your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as you will not be responsible for paying out of pocket for any damage done to your vehicle.
It's also important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money. They're not in the business of giving away free repairs, so they're going to do everything they can to avoid having to pay for your damage. One way they do this is by classifying the damage as "cosmetic" and not "structural."
What's the Difference Between Cosmetic and Structural Windshield Damage?
The difference between cosmetic and structural damage is pretty simple. Cosmetic damage is any damage that does not affect the integrity of the windshield. This includes things like cracks, chips, and scratches. Structural damage is any damage that does affect the integrity of the windshield. This includes things like cracks that run through the windshield or big chunks that are missing from the windshield.
Most insurance companies will cover cosmetic damage because it doesn't pose a danger to you or your passengers. Structural damage, on the other hand, is a different story. This type of damage can affect your visibility and put you and your passengers at risk. Because of this, a lot of insurance companies will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if the damage is classified as structural.
This is why it's so important to get your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible if it's damaged. If you wait too long, the damage could become structural and then you'll be stuck paying for it yourself.
Deductibles and Windshield Replacement
Another thing to keep in mind is your deductible. You'll probably have a deductible that you'll need to pay before your insurance company will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. The amount of your deductible will depend on your insurance policy. Some policies have a $0 deductible, which means that your insurance company will pay for the entire cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, no matter how much damage there is. Other policies have a deductible that ranges from $50 to $1,000.
Before you file a claim with your insurance company, you'll need to know how much your deductible is. It's important to remember that you usually get what you pay for. If you have a high deductible, then you'll pay less for your insurance premiums. But if you need to file a claim, you'll have to pay more out-of-pocket. On the other hand, if you have a low deductible, then you'll pay more for your insurance premiums. But if you need to file a claim, you won't have to pay as much out-of-pocket.
It's up to you to decide how much risk you're willing to take. If you're the type of person who rarely files insurance claims, then you might want to opt for a high deductible. This will keep your premiums low. But if you're the type of person who frequently files insurance claims, then you might want to opt for a low deductible. This will keep your out-of-pocket costs low.
Should You Get Windshield Replacement Coverage?
Windshield replacement coverage is a type of insurance that pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield if it's damaged. This coverage is typically offered as an add-on to comprehensive and collision coverage. It's not required by law, but some states do require insurance companies to offer it. Even if it's not required, it's still a good idea to get this coverage. That's because the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can be expensive. If you're concerned about these costs, then you should consider getting windshield replacement coverage.
Keep in mind that there are usually limits on this coverage. For example, some policies will only pay up to $500 for the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield. So, if the damage exceeds this amount, you'll have to pay the difference yourself. Windshield replacement coverage is typically pretty affordable. It usually costs less than $50 per year. So, if you're concerned about the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, this is a great coverage to have.
What Should You Do If Your Windshield Is Damaged?
The first thing you should do is call your insurance company and find out what your policy covers. If your policy covers the cost, then all you need to do is find a reputable company to do the work for you. It's best to use insurance-preferred companies like Magic Windshields. We offer mobile repairs and replacements so we can come to you, no matter where you are.
If your policy doesn't cover the total cost, then you'll need to pay for it yourself. In this case, Magic Windshields is still one of the best options. We offer competitive prices and high-quality workmanship so you can be sure your windshield is repaired or replaced correctly.
For More Information
No matter what your insurance policy covers, companies like us are here to help. We offer free quotes and no-obligation consultations so you can get the information you need to make the best decision for your situation. Contact us today to learn more.
