Claiming Insurance on Your Cracked Windshield

by Ryan Ruffcorn

Windshields are a safety mechanism. They protect the inside of the vehicle from water, wind, and debris, as well as reduce injuries from the impact of a collision. The large piece of glass in front of you and behind you (rear of the vehicle) protect you and your passengers in the event of a rollover.

Debris from Trucks

I know that we have all been there: driving down the road when the dreaded rock hits your windshield creating a massive crack right down the middle.. Then you notice that rock came from a truck without a tarp!

The truth is, many states have zero laws forcing truck drivers to use a tarp to keep debris from causing damage. If you have comprehensive and/or full glass insurance coverage on your vehicle, you can submit a glass claim to get that glass repaired or replaced.

Tips and Considerations on Making a Glass Claim

The following states have zero laws requiring tarps: Oregon, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware, New Jersey, Maine, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama.
A crack in your windshield can break/damage the factory seal creating the risk of water damage so, it is important to address the damage as soon as possible.
The general rule of thumb for repair versus replacement: is the damage is smaller than the size of a dollar bill- it can be repaired instead of replaced.
You may have to pay your deductible.

If you have a deductible, you may consider getting an estimate for the repair and/or replacement of your windshield. If your deductible is higher than the cost to repair/replace, it may not be worth filing a claim. You will be obligated to pay the amount of your deductible toward the cost of the repair/replacement. If your deductible is $250 and the replacement of your windshield is $175, your insurance will not cover any of those costs because your deductible wasn’t met.

What Companies Consider Regarding Your Deductible

If your windshield just needs a repaired, it may not require a deductible. If it needs to be replaced, it will require a deductible.
If you added “full glass coverage” to your comprehensive insurance coverage, it may not require a deductible.
If you live in a state that has zero deductible for glass damage (Kentucky, Florida, Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, and South Carolina have zero deductible for glass damage laws), it will not require a deductible.

Handle Your Claim Immediately

If you are submitting a claim to your insurance carrier, doing so right away is necessary. Depending on your insurance carrier, you may need to go through them to repair or at least let them see the damage to approve the reimbursement of the repair. If you are repairing on your own and seeking reimbursement, saving your estimate, photos of the damage, and receipts is very important. Your insurance carrier will need documentation for reimbursement approvals.

The windshield repair process involves injecting a polymer resin into the damaged area, allowing it to dry, and then smoothing the surface to make the damage barely noticeable, if noticeable at all. The outcome depends on the quality of the tools and resins, and the skill of the technician doing the work. There are several do it yourself glass repair kits available; however, having the repair done by an expert is highly recommended. Technicians are equipped with better tools and advanced resins that help ensure a quality repair.