Anytime your car gets damaged, it’s like a blow to the gut. Car repairs can be expensive and inconvenient. Windshield damage is no exception. But there is some good news. Windshield repair is frequently covered by insurance, even if damage is not the result of an auto accident. With insurance, there are certainly no promises, but when you know a few tips, you have a fair shot at getting your insurance to pay for your windshield repair. That can take the sting out of the problem and leave you with a good windshield in the end.
Check Your Policy
This is always the first step. If there are clear exceptions to windshield repair in your policy, you’re likely on your own for the repair cost. That said, windshield repair exceptions are uncommon.
In general, comprehensive coverage includes the windshield. If you only have liability insurance, then no repairs are covered.
While those are the general rules, every policy is unique. You need to read through it to get a clear idea of what is definitely covered, what might be an exception, and what you can do about it. It all depends on the fine print.
Start Early
The smallest chip in a windshield can eventually become a giant crack. Windshields are very strong and tempered, but they take a lot of stress and abuse. A chip undermines the structural integrity and eventually becomes a vulnerability that spreads and leads to cracks and damage throughout the windshield.
Because of this, you’re actually more likely to get your insurance to cover small repairs than large ones. They see it as heading off trouble and saving themselves money. So, at the first sign of damage, contact your insurance company and try to get them to pay for the repair.
Get an Estimate
If you’ve missed the window for a cheap and easy repair, that’s OK. There are still steps to take to try to get the insurance company to pay. One of them is to get a free estimate. If a qualified windshield specialist diagnoses your windshield, you can include that in your claim to help your cause.
One of the most important parts of this step is that the repair expert will assess if you need repair or an entire windshield replacement. That will depend on the extent of the damage, and insurers tend to listen to qualified experts. Even with a large repair, they would rather eat some or all of this cost than be stuck paying for a full replacement.
Compare the Deductible
This is where things get a little more complicated. Despite having comprehensive insurance, you have a deductible. That’s the amount you have to pay for any repair before your insurance kicks in to help. Windshield repair is an area where the cost of the service is often less than the deductible. In those cases, you’ll be paying for the entire thing out of pocket.
Do you remember how insurers like to prevent major problems that occur later? This is in your favor. You can try to negotiate with your insurer. A smaller repair now might save them money later, and many will consider waiving or partially waiving your deductible to this end. There are no guarantees with this strategy, but it’s a conversation worth having. They certainly won’t waive the deductible unless you talk to them first, so give it a try. Remember that there is no harm in you dropping the claim even if the insurance ultimately won’t cover the repair.
Look at Additional Coverage
It may be too late this time around, but if your insurance doesn’t cover windshield repair, it may be time to look for another insurer. You can at least save yourself the headache in the future. Insurance is competitive. You can research additional coverage options. Windshield and window coverage plans exist for these exact types of situations. Having such coverage can virtually guarantee that you aren’t paying out of pocket for the repair. But you have to decide whether the extra coverage is worth the cost. Ultimately, there are always more options with your insurance. If you have the patience to explore them, you might find a good solution.
Here’s the bottom line. No matter what your insurance says, it’s always better to repair your windshield. Leaving a crack or damage is a safety issue, and as you just read, it’s a problem that can get worse over time. When it comes to getting your windshield fixed or replaced, Advanced Auto Glass is here to do the work. We’ll make sure that your windshield is strong and safe so you won’t have to worry about it degrading over time. Call us today at (817) 595-3200 in Fort Worth or (817) 596-7676 in Weatherford. You can also reach us online.
