Does your insurance policy cover you in the event your windshield gets chipped or cracked? Windshields can become damaged if they are hit by flying debris, like rocks, twigs, and branches, and by large hail. If you don’t have the proper insurance policy, you could be stuck repairing your windshield from your own finances. Thankfully, here at Carrigan Insurance, we have policies that cover certain types of windshield damage.
Causes of Windshield Damage
While having an object completely penetrate the glass of your windshield is unlikely, flying and falling objects can still cause chips and cracks. Common ways windshields get damaged include:
- Flying rocks thrown by other vehicle tires
- Items falling off construction trucks or trash trucks
- Falling branches and flying debris from severe storms
- Hot windshields coming into contact with extremely cold water
Reducing Your Risk of Experiencing Windshield Damage
To reduce your risk of experiencing windshield damage, it’s important to always give enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Our insurance agents recommend at least two car lengths or about 40 feet. Most dump trucks have signs on the back with a recommended distance. Most defensive driving courses recommend between two and 10 seconds, depending on road conditions, but their recommendations are based on average human reaction times and distance to safely stop a vehicle, not necessarily the distances that help avoid road flying road debris. When parking at your home or place of employment, make sure not to park under any trees, especially if there is severe weather in the forecast. When possible, always park your car inside a garage or under a carport.
Average Windshield Replacement Costs
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover windshield replacement or you choose to replace the windshield via your finances, you could be looking at a bill of between $200 and $400. However, if you drive a luxury car or an extremely expensive car, you could be looking at a much larger bill. The same goes for windshields with special features, like heating elements inside the glass. Thankfully, if you have the right type of insurance coverage, you may not have to pay anything for the replacement of your car’s windshield.
Getting the Right Insurance Policy for Windshield Damage
Windshield damage caused by flying rocks, road debris, and falling objects are typically covered under a comprehensive insurance policy. Comprehensive insurance policies are designed to pay for damage that was not caused during an auto accident, and this includes windshield damage that occurred via a flying road or road debris and impacts with falling branches. If you are not sure is you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you can check your policy or call our insurance agent. If you do not have comprehensive insurance, you can get a quote and pay for your new policy immediately. Upon activation of your new comprehensive policy, you may not have to worry about paying for glass damage from your own pocket. Instead, you’ll simply have to file a claim and wait for approval. Once your insurance policy claim has been approved, most or all of your glass repairs may be covered.