Does Car Insurance Cover Cracked Windshield?

There are tons of ways your car’s windshield can get cracked or break. While you’re driving on the road, small rocks and debris may hit your car’s windshield and damage it. Or you may accidentally hit a pothole, and the impact can damage your windshield.

In worst case scenarios accidentally colliding with another vehicle or object can also cause substantial damage to your windshield causing it to crack. With all these possibilities of your windshield getting damaged, you may be wondering whether your auto insurance covers it. 

The good news is that car insurance may cover a cracked or damaged windshield, depending on what caused the damage and the coverage included in your policy. Read on to learn when car insurance covers windshield damage and which type of coverage may apply.

When Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

Typically, car insurance covers windshield damage for various accidental damages which is covered by specific types of car insurance coverage. When it comes to windshield damage, there are mainly 4 types of auto insurance that provide coverage depending on the situation and how the accident happened, as follows.

Collision With Another Vehicle, or Object

Collision with another vehicle or object is one of the most common ways for windshields to crack. Regardless of whoever is at-fault, if your car’s windshield gets damaged due to accidental collision with another vehicle or object, your collision auto insurance coverage will pay for its repair and replacement costs. Moreover, if you accidentally hit an animal while driving, such as a deer causing your windshield to crack, it will be covered by your comprehensive auto insurance coverage.

Weather or Road Debris

While you’re driving, or when your car’s parked somewhere, your windshield can get damaged due to severe weather conditions such as storms, floods, and hurricanes. In these situations, your windshield can get hit by flying rocks, or a tree branch may break and fall directly on your windshield causing minor or severe crack. In these situations, comprehensive auto insurance will apply to cover your windshield’s repair and replacement expenses.

Vandalism or Theft

If your car’s windshield gets damaged due to vandalism, or theft, its repair and replacement costs will be covered by comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive auto insurance is designed to cover damages for unexpected events that are beyond your control, which includes vandalism or theft. In case of theft, you can claim insurance for windshield damage immediately after spotting windshield damage after your stolen car gets retrieved.

At-Fault Accident

If another driver is at fault for an accident that cracks or damages your windshield, the other driver’s liability auto insurance may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident and Michigan’s insurance rules. Your own collision coverage may also help pay for the damage, depending on your policy and deductible. 

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough applicable coverage, you may need to rely on your own collision coverage or pay some costs out of pocket.

Should You Use Insurance for Windshield Repair or Pay Out of Pocket?

Whether you claim auto insurance for windshield repair or pay out of pocket entirely depends on the accident and the extent to which your car has been damaged. Typically, after an accident it’s not just the windshield that gets damaged, other parts of your car can get damaged too.

So, it would be more feasible to apply for either collision, or comprehensive auto insurance to cover your car’s repair or replacement costs along with the windshield. However, if it’s only the windshield that got damaged, and if it’s within your deductible amount, then you should pay for it out of pocket instead of claiming insurance.

For example, if the cost to repair or replace your windshield is less than your applicable deductible, filing a claim may provide little or no insurance payment. If the repair or replacement cost is significantly higher than your deductible, using your coverage may make more financial sense, depending on your policy. 

Windshield damage isn’t the only type of repair your policy may cover. Read our guide on when car insurance covers repairs to understand how coverage may apply to other types of vehicle damage.

Windshield Replacement Cost: With and Without Insurance in Michigan

The cost of replacing a windshield can vary significantly depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the type of glass used, labor costs, and whether the vehicle has cameras or other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that require calibration after the windshield is replaced. 

If your auto insurance covers the damage, the amount you pay out of pocket will depend on your deductible and the terms of your policy. Without applicable coverage, you’ll generally be responsible for the full repair, replacement, and any necessary calibration costs.

To stay on the safe side, it’s always best to ensure that your windshield is covered with auto insurance. So, if you’re located in Michigan, you should explore a reliable auto insurance agency offering coverage that protects windshields at a cheap rate.

Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Replacement Cost

When it comes to replacing your car’s windshield, you’ve two options, either you can go for OEM, or aftermarket windshield. So, what’s the difference in terms of quality and cost?

OEM basically stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM windshields are made by the original manufacturer, so the shape, size and quality will be exactly like the one that came with your car when it was brand new.Aftermarket replacement windshields are manufactured by third-party companies rather than the vehicle’s original manufacturer. Quality, fit, features, and price can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific windshield.

OEM windshields can cost more than aftermarket alternatives, but the actual price difference depends on the vehicle, glass specifications, and any technology built into the windshield. When choosing a replacement, consider compatibility, safety requirements, and whether features such as cameras or sensors require calibration.

Is it Better to Repair or Replace Your Car’s Windshield?

If it’s a small chip or crack, it may be repairable depending on its size, depth, and location. However, if the chip or crack is in the driver’s line of sight then it would be better to have it replaced. This is essentially because repairing a cracked windshield can somewhat distort its visibility, so that increases the chances of getting into an accident. 

If the crack is minor and located away from the driver’s line of sight, it may be possible to have it repaired. However, larger or more complex cracks may require windshield replacement. 

Glass is not easy to repair, and repaired glass can always have distortions which can hamper driving visibility. So, if it’s possible, it’s better to have it replaced rather than repairing it, unless it’s a tiny chip located in a spot that does not cover the driver’s line of sight. 

Also, cracks near the edges or corners of the windshield can weaken the structural integrity, which may also require a full replacement. On the other hand, you can have the windshield inspected by an auto repair mechanic, and if they say it’s safe to repair then you can consider that.

When it comes to glass repairs in Michigan, whether you have to pay an insurance deductible depends on your policy and the glass coverage you purchased. Some policies may offer glass coverage with a reduced or no deductible, while others apply a comprehensive or collision deductible.

Steps to Make an Insurance Claim for Windshield Damage

If you’re about to claim your comprehensive or collision auto insurance for windshield damage, here are the steps that you should follow for a smooth, and hassle-free claims process.

• Contact your insurer and inform them that your windshield has been damaged due to an accident.
• Describe the incident and provide details that you’re asked to provide. 
• Express your desire to claim your car insurance for windshield damage. 
• Follow the guidelines, submit necessary documents and complete necessary paperwork to officially make the claim. 
• Wait for your insurance company to inspect your car’s windshield and validate the legitimacy of the claim. 
• Once everything checks out, your insurance company should cover the expenses of the windshield repair or replacement costs.

Typically, car insurance claims process is really quick and easy. You can even get it done over a phone call, or by submitting an online form, and get covered within the same day, or a week.

Although many insurers in Michigan offer zero deductibles, there are some insurers that don’t. So, before you claim insurance, it is first important to make sure whether you’ve to pay deductibles, and if so, how much.

If the cost of repairing/replacing your car’s windshield is within the deductible amount, then you will have to pay it out of pocket, as your insurer won’t cover it unless it exceeds the deductible amount.

The Bottom Line: Your Windshield is Covered by Car Insurance

The best part is, whether you’re in Michigan, or anywhere in the U.S. windshield damages are covered by multiple auto insurance coverages mainly comprising of, collision auto insurance, and comprehensive auto insurance. If another driver is at fault, their liability insurance may pay for the repair or replacement cost of your windshield.

Typically, these auto insurance coverages are often bundled together, commonly known as full coverage. So, if you have full coverage insurance, you will be financially covered against windshield damage.

If you’re interested in ensuring windshield coverage in Michigan, you can contact us to get a free quote, and consultation with one our insurance experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth it to use insurance for a cracked windshield?

If your insurer allows zero deductibles then it is worth it to use insurance to repair/replace a cracked windshield. On the other hand, if deductibles apply, and if your windshield’s replacement cost exceeds your deductibles then it is worth it to use insurance.  

Do you report a cracked windshield to insurance?

Yes. If you want to use your auto insurance to cover windshield damage, you’ll need to report the damage and file a claim with your insurer. However, if the repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worthwhile.

Will my insurance go up if I claim a cracked windshield?

Not necessarily. Whether a windshield claim affects your insurance rate depends on factors such as your insurer’s rating rules, your claims history, the type of claim, and your overall driving record. 

How urgent is a cracked windshield?

A cracked windshield should be repaired or replaced promptly, especially if the damage affects your visibility. Even a small chip or crack can spread over time, potentially making the windshield unsafe and more expensive to fix.