Unfortunately for many drivers, the days of the $150 windshield replacement are over.
Today, windshields can cost upwards of $1000.
Why the hike? There are several reasons.
First, more Americans have foreign cars, and foreign cars have foreign windshields. Their size, unique shape, and other features, such as embedded moldings for antennas, make them harder to obtain. Furthermore, installing them may involve extra services, such as using sealants.
Another reason that windshield prices are on the rise is the use of technology within windshields. For example, most newer cars today have sensors to detect rain, sleet, snow, and other precipitation. These trigger the windshield wipers to operate automatically. Naturally, replacing this sort of technology, which is already embedded within the windshield, is going to be pricey.
Will Auto Insurance Pay for Glass Damage?
Fortunately, there is some good news where glass damage and, in particular, windshield breakage, is concerned: If someone else was not at fault (so their property damage liability insurance didn’t cover the repairs), most Comprehensive Coverage will cover glass damage. Keep in mind, however, that your Comprehensive Coverage Deductible is generally going to apply.
Certain insurance companies go a bit further with glass coverage. It’s not uncommon (especially in areas where glass damage on vehicles is common) for “Full Glass Coverage” to cover one complete windshield replacement per year without a deductible. Alternatively, Full Glass Coverage may cover a yearly windshield replacement with a deductible that is simply lower.
Even if you have to pay for your windshield replacement out-of-pocket, you’re likely still going to get the benefit of not having your premiums increased. Most of the time, insurance providers will not increase premiums because of glass claims. If you are making glass claims frequently — every other month, for example — this may not be the case. Speak to your agent to learn more about the ins and outs of your personal glass coverage.
Repairing Your Windshield
If your windshield’s recently taken a beating and has damage, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. While some people believe that leaving a crack alone is a good idea, it’s almost always not. Either get it fixed or replace it if the damage is bad enough. It’s generally just a matter of time before a chip or crack in your windshield gets worse.
Next, decide whether to repair or replace your windshield. Large issues will require replacement. However, you may be able to simply make repairs if the issue is small. A service repairman will simply clean out the chip and inject resin into the indentation.
Prevent Windshield Cracks in the First Place
The real key to avoiding cracked windshields and other glass damage is to prevent them in the first place. You can do this with a few key travel tips:
- Avoid trailing behind vehicles who are carrying dirt, gravel, or rocks.
- Avoid trailing behind large semis that kick up dirt and rocks.
- Slow down. When you have to be behind one of these vehicles, hang back, and put distance between you and them.
- Avoid traveling on back roads or dirt roads.
- Avoid driving on the dirt shoulder.
- Watch the weather. Some windshield and glass cracks can be caused by hail, fallen branches, and other weather-related events.
Car owners also know that stress cracks are a common hazard. With drastic drops in winter temperatures or sudden hikes in summer temps or barometric pressures, windshields can crack completely out-of-the-blue.
Allow Heinen Insurance to assist you with your glass claim or insurance questions. We’re always here to help. Contact us today to learn more.