Does my auto insurance cover cracked windshields?
A cracked windshield is serious. Does auto insurance cover cracked windshields? Windshield cracks can be covered by comprehensive, collision, or full coverage auto insurance. A windshield repair or replacement can cost $120 at the minimum. You can file a claim or pay out-of-pocket depending on your deductible.
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Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Jeffrey Johnson
Updated July 2023
- A windshield crack can be covered by comprehensive auto insurance
- A cracked windshield will cost at least $120 to repair
- Depending on your premium, your deductible, and the cost of repair or replacement it can be better to pay out of pocket rather than filing a claim
Will auto insurance cover cracked windshields?
Yes, insurance does cover windshield replacement. Windshield replacement falls under comprehensive insurance which covers any disaster that is not considered a collision. Comprehensive coverage is generally a component of standard coverage which is included in your auto insurance rate. However, if your policy does not have comprehensive auto insurance, that coverage can be added for an average of approximately $11 per month to your monthly rate.
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Should I use insurance to replace my windshield?
Although a crack in a windshield is covered by comprehensive coverage there are other options. Based on how much damage was done to the windshield and your auto insurance premium, paying out-of-pocket can be more cost effective. The cost of windshield repair or replacement can range from $100 to $1,000. A repair of a crack that is six inches or less will be approximately $120 regardless of the type of vehicle. A repair of a larger crack or complete replacement starts at $300. If you have an auto insurance deductible that is higher than the cost of the repair or replacement, paying out of pocket can be an option for you as well.
Collision Windshield Insurance vs. Comprehensive
A windshield crack is usually included in comprehensive insurance, but it can fall under collision insurance as well. The difference between comprehensive and collision insurance is the inclusion of another object or vehicle. For example, if a rock hits the windshield because there is debris in the road, your windshield repair will be covered under comprehensive insurance. If the same rock hits your windshield as in the course of an accident between your vehicle and another, the windshield repair will become part of a collision claim. Collision auto insurance can be tricky especially if more than two parties are involved. Learning auto accident law to help you select the right coverage and claims to file is extremely important..
What type of windshield insurance is best?
When asking the question, “Does insurance cover a cracked windshield?” The simple answer is “Yes.” There are a few different ways to pay for windshield repairs:
- File a cracked windshield claim through comprehensive auto insurance
- File a broken windshield claim through collision auto insurance
- Pay out of pocket to repair or replace your windshield if you don’t feel your auto insurance is cost effective
The option depends solely on the policyholder. Comprehensive and collision auto insurance are available through any auto insurance provider. You can pay separately for coverage if it’s not offered in a standard policy, or you combine them for full-coverage auto insurance. Find auto insurance that covers cracked windshields in your area by typing your ZIP code in the free tool below.
Case Studies: Auto Insurance Coverage for Cracked Windshields
Case Study 1: John’s Comprehensive Coverage
John experienced a cracked windshield due to a flying rock while driving. Fortunately, John had comprehensive auto insurance coverage. He filed a claim with his insurance company and had his windshield replaced at a cost of $200. After paying his deductible of $100, the insurance company covered the remaining $100.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Collision Coverage
Sarah’s windshield was damaged in a parking lot accident. Since she had collision coverage, she was able to file a claim with her insurance company. The cost of replacing her windshield was $150, and her deductible was $250. As her deductible was higher than the repair cost, Sarah decided to pay for the repair out-of-pocket.
Case Study 3: Mark’s Full Coverage
Mark had full coverage auto insurance, which included both comprehensive and collision coverage. When his windshield cracked due to a fallen tree branch during a storm, he filed a claim. The total cost of the windshield replacement was $300, and his deductible was $200. Mark paid his deductible, and the insurance company covered the remaining $100.
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