Does my Insurance Cover Auto Glass Replacement?
A damaged windshield on your car is not only an inconvenience and a financial burden, but it is also a danger. With the average car owner now travelling more on highways than ever before, it is no surprise that 1 out of 5 cars ends up with a chipped windshield at some point during a journey. Leaving that small chip untreated can cause it to spread across the windshield, which can limit your visibility while driving, putting your life at risk.
Depending on the auto glass insurance company you choose, you may be assigned to a network, which will refer you to the nearest shop based on your postal code, or you can select your own windshield repair company. The first case is unfair to you since you are prompted to have your windshield glass repaired or replaced based on the repair facility your insurance company chooses to use rather than a network.
Regarding the million-dollar question, “Is auto glass replacement covered by my insurance?”, the response is that as a rule of thumb, if you have comprehensive insurance, your auto glass replacement will most likely be covered. Generally, broken glass, be it a window or windshield, falls under the Comprehensive Physical Damage section of most auto insurance policies. However, there may also be cases where you will be required to pay a deductible (the amount of money you will be required to pay out-of-pocket) before your insurance company covers the remainder of the cost of the replacement or repair. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $1000. In other words, if you have a $300 deductible, you will need to pay $300 before your insurance covers any extra replacement or repair costs. There are, however, some auto insurance companies that will cover the repair costs AND waive your deductible as well.
Things to Note When Considering Filing a Claim for Windshield Replacement or Repair
Replacing or repairing a windshield is much less expensive than replacing or repairing a car. However, you should still know how your insurance company will handle auto glass replacement and repair. In many cases, insurance companies will offer a smaller deductible amount, ranging anywhere from $100 to $1000 for broken glass replacements. Generally, you can find this caveat in an insurance contract under the Special Windshield Coverage section (or something similar).
In some cases, repairing a cracked windshield may also be free of charge if the damage is minor. Alternatively, some auto insurance policies provide FULL glass coverage, which differs from comprehensive coverage in that there is no deductible, and the insurance pays the total glass coverage amount upfront. It is, therefore, imperative that you are aware of the terms and conditions of your insurance policy before paying cash to a windshield repair firm.
***Please note that if you face a high deductible on auto glass coverage that can’t be negotiated, it may be best to pay for the replacement or repair costs yourself to avoid unnecessary claims that could adversely affect your insurance rates. Furthermore, you may find that a less expensive auto glass repair facility can do the job just as efficiently for you.
Windshield Damage Covered By Canadian Insurance Companies
Research conducted in 2013 indicated that RBC Insurance, TD Insurance, and State Farm were among the best-rated insurance providers in overall customer satisfaction with claims processing. But when it comes to auto insurance policies, Geico has a share (8.5% of the US market), coming third after State Farm (18.7%) and AllState Corp (10.2%).
GEICO
Comprehensive coverage on GEICO's policy provides windshield repair services, waiving the deductible for repairable damages. In the case of minor cracks (no larger than a dollar bill) and chips (no larger than a quarter) in the windshield, they will be able to send a technician directly to you. Should the glass break, the Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage will determine if the insurance policy covers windshield replacement.
State Farm
Repairs are not exempt from deductibles with State Farm. In short, if you have comprehensive coverage in the state of Florida (and not elsewhere), you are not responsible for any windshield repair or replacement costs. However, the rest of the insurance policyholders have a deductible that they must pay before their insurance covers vehicle damages, such as a windshield replacement.
TD Insurance
TD Insurance's comprehensive policy covers the replacement or repair of your windshield, among other things. In the event the windshield can be repaired, there will be no deductible. If your auto glass needs to be replaced, there may be applicable deductibles, provided that you have glass coverage.
RBC Insurance
Despite not clearly stating it on their website, they will waive the deductible for windshield repair as long as you don't claim further damage ("Glass Only" claims). A comprehensive RBC policy, which carries an auto glass endorsement, will not apply the deductible if the windshield needs to be replaced. Otherwise, if there are any deductibles, they will apply to windshield replacement. If you are unsure whether your policy includes the endorsement mentioned above, you should contact your insurance provider to find out.
INTACT
With Intact Insurance's AutoSaver package, windshield repairs are covered if the glass has minor damage (small chips or cracks), in which case a deductible is not required. However, you can extend your coverage to cover replacement costs.
Progressive
You do not have to pay a deductible when you have Progressive's comprehensive coverage, and the windshield can be repaired. That is if your policy covers the damage to the windshield.
In order to ensure safety, it is essential to have any broken windshield repaired or replaced according to factory specifications and only by qualified technicians. Additionally, any replacement glass must meet all vehicle standards. It goes without saying that the auto glass repair facility you choose should be recognized by the great majority, if not all, of insurance companies.
That’s why you need Auto Glass Pro located at 1170 Eglinton Ave E #2b. Call us at 905-281-2022. We work directly with your auto insurance provider. Contact us or give us a call right now to discuss your needs for windshield replacement or repair. Moreover, we will pay up to 100% of your deductible!