Does Insurance Cover a Cracked Windshield?

One of the scariest things that can happen on the road is the sharp cracking sound of something hitting your windshield. Even a bean-sized stone can have major consequences when it hits your windshield at a high speed. After you take a second to calm down, you’ll want to pull over and examine your windshield for cracks or chips. Flying rocks and other debris are one of the biggest causes behind cracked or damaged windshields.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a problem you can ignore, either. A crack can quickly impair your field of vision and make it unsafe to drive. Secondly, if left untreated, seasonal temperature changes may make the cracks worse. Moisture and dirt can also cause cracks to expand and spread. Naturally, you’ll probably want to get windshield cracks repaired—or your windshield replaced entirely—in a timely manner.

One question will probably be on your mind, though: Will your insurance cover windshield repair or replacement?

The answer, as with most insurance questions, is “it depends.”

Depending on your policy, insurance may help with windshield repair or replacement if it was damaged by a rock or other object. Many insurance companies include glass repair under comprehensive physical damage policies (commonly called comprehensive coverage), which covers damage that isn’t caused by a collision. If you’re not sure whether you have comprehensive coverage, or what your policy covers, check your declaration page or get in touch with your agent.

Regardless of whether you’re covered, you’ll want to get a damaged windshield replaced in a timely manner. As we mentioned before, fluctuating temperatures and water can cause cracks to spread and damage your windshield further.

Cracked windshields can also be a safety hazard. A windshield that’s already cracked tends to break more easily in a collision. This also increases the chance of the car’s frame becoming damaged. It also raises the likelihood of the driver and passengers getting hurt.

Fortunately, a crack in the windshield doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to replace the entire thing. A general rule of thumb is that if the crack is smaller than a dollar bill, it can be repaired. Sometimes, glass repair companies can hide the damage without even removing the glass while also preventing the crack from spreading. Repair is often the best case scenario for drivers, as it’s much less expensive than a full replacement.

Ready to find an insurance policy that covers all of your needs, including window repair or replacement? Quickly compare quotes with Auto-Savings and find your perfect policy today!