Are you wondering if insurance coverage for windshield damage is available in the O’Fallon, Jefferson City, Wentszille & Kirksville, MO area? The good news is that there is insurance coverage available for glass damage. It’s called comprehensive insurance. To learn more about glass damage and how to get insurance coverage to help you repair or replace your windshield, keep reading.
Causes of Windshield Glass Damage
- Road Debris – The number one cause of windshield glass breakage is road debris, most often rocks. This can happen by following behind a vehicle hauling gravel or rock, but more commonly, the damage comes from gravel and small rocks that are unavoidable in the roadway.
- Stress Cracking – Stress cracks are caused by sudden changes in temperature on the windshield. For example, if you wash your car with cold water on an extremely hot day or use hot water to melt the ice on a frozen windshield, your windshield may crack.
- Weather Damage – The weather can also wreak havoc on your windshield. Strong winds can blow debris onto the glass, and large hail can cause chips and cracks.
Avoiding Windshield Damage
While not all windshield damage can be avoided, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing cracks and chips. When driving, avoid trailing vehicles hauling gravel or dirt, and do your best to avoid areas of construction. When parking your car at night, it’s best to park in a garage or under a carport.
Windshield Damage Insurance Coverage
Driver’s insurance policies that include comprehensive coverage may pay for damage caused to your windshield that isn’t the result of a car accident. This may include windshield damage that is the result of flying rocks, falling debris and certain types of weather damage. Typically, such repairs are subject to the comprehensive coverage deductible, which is a certain amount of money you pay towards the cost of the glass repair or windshield replacement. Our insurance company then pays the remainder of the glass repair or replacement bill.
The good news for drivers is that in general insurance companies do not consider an auto glass claim for premium increases as they do with other claims. However, some insurance companies may consider the number and frequency of windshield replacements as a policy rating factor.
Repairing or Replacing Glass Damage
If you have a small chip in your windshield, it may not need replacement. In most cases, chips can be repaired by cleaning the chip, then injecting it with a resin. Resin injection for windshield repair can be performed in the glass has three chips or fewer, cracks that are less than 6 inches in length, and/or glass damage that is not located in front of a sensor or digital camera.
Windshield Replacement Costs
Without insurance, the cost of replacing a windshield is typically between $200 and $400, including labor and materials, for non-luxury vehicles and vehicles that do not have technology embedded into the glass. For luxury vehicles with heads-up displays, heated glass, and other embedded technologies, windshield replacements can be as high as $1,000.
To get a quote for comprehensive insurance coverage, give us a call today. Our insurance agents would be happy to speak to you about your vehicle insurance needs.
