Insurance Can Help Pay for Auto Glass Replacement

Your comprehensive auto insurance has what's called a "deductible"—the amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in. To lower your premiums, you can bump your deductible up to $1000. In general terms, that means that if you make an insurance claim on your damaged vehicle, and the repairs are $1500, you pay $1000 and your insurance pays $500. Obviously, if your comprehensive deductible is $1000, it won't pay for a windshield replacement. But if you deductible is lower, such as $100, it could certainly help.

So if you need a new windshield and it's going to cost you $350, if your comprehensive deductible is $100, it will only cost you $100 if you go through insurance. Of course, if your deductible is $500, insurance can't help you pay for a $350 windshield. If you don't remember what your comprehensive deductible is, take a look at your policy. Make sure you're looking at the comprehensive deductible rather than the collision deductible-they're two different things.

Many people don't want to make an insurance claim for auto glass replacement, as they're afraid their rates will go up. A cracked windshield, however, is usually not your fault. It's what the insurance companies call a "no-fault" claim, and as such won't raise your premiums. It does depend on how your car window was damaged and which insurance company and kind of policy you have.

Ask your Glass.net auto glass company about insurance. Check the company's profile on Glass.net to find out if they're insurance-ready and can process auto glass replacement insurance claims for you. Usually, all you have to do is let your installer know your insurance company and policy number, and they'll talk to your insurance company for you.

If you live in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, or South Carolina, you live in what's called a "Zero Deductible State." That means that your insurance company is required by law to allow you to purchase a windshield replacement using insurance with no deductible—as long as you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. If you live in one of these states, and have comprehensive insurance, it makes sense to use your insurance to pay for your auto glass replacement. Florida and Massachusetts only fully cover windshields, but Kentucky and South Carolina cover all glass replacement.

Here's how it works. You let your installer know what insurance company you use and what your policy number is, and they contact them to arrange payment. You may have to get on the phone for a brief moment to confirm with your insurance company that you're using Glass.net (this is something insurance companies often require). Then the auto glass replacement company takes care of everything—billing, paperwork, the whole enchilada. You can even bill your credit card for the amount of your deductible. Please note that some insurance companies, such as GEICO, require the customer to speak with the claims department directly, and then the insurance company will contact the glass shop.