Check with your car insurance policy to see what coverage is included for windshield replacement. Glass is eligible for repair or replacement coverage only if you have comprehensive insurance coverage and it is specified as glass coverage. Also, check your deductible as that will need to be paid first. In other words, you’ll have to meet your deductible. Some carriers will cover glass repair or replacement outside of the required deductible. With these carriers, you will not be required to meet your deductible, and repair or replacement will be paid in full at no expense to you. Just be sure to check if this will be considered a claim.
If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage and you have already met your deductible from a previous repair, then the answer is Yes, it is worth using your insurance coverage to pay for your windshield repairs or replacement. Using your insurance glass coverage for replacement will not raise your rates affecting your premium cost or increase the coverage cost. Check with your insurance company if windshield replacement or repair would have any effect on the renewal of your coverage. If you replace your windshield multiple times, your insurance carrier may deem your use of the glass coverage option as excessive and increase your premium or increase the glass coverage option. In addition, any ‘at fault’ damage will likely increase your premium as the insurer may consider you, as the driver, a greater risk to the insurance company, itself. If the damage was caused by another vehicle or driver, then it is best to file a claim against their insurance carrier, regardless of whether they carry comprehensive, collision or liability coverage. Some insurance carriers will cover windshields with damage caused by vandalism and weather, and other non – collision damage such as falling tree limbs and falling rocks and debris. Also, beware of switching carriers, they too can impose a higher premium or increase glass coverage cost.
Some insurance deductibles can be more than the cost of replacement. In this case, you can claim the cost of repair against your deductible, but it will be considered a claim. You’ll then pay for the windshield replacement as an out-of-pocket expense. This will help in meeting your deductible for any minor future repair claims. Remember, this is only if you have glass coverage on your comprehensive policy. Either way, the cost for replacement will be out of pocket. Check with your state insurance commissioner’s office for its regulations on the insurance industry. In some states, insurers are restricted from applying any deductible for windshield repairs or replacements. Others are required to offer glass coverage with a $0.00 deductible.
While not having comprehensive coverage, and if you only carry liability, which is the minimum coverage required but law, or if you have a collision policy, glass coverage is not an option with these types of policies. Meeting your deductible is not a factor here. Any windshield replacement costs will require 100% out-of-pocket costs. If you only carry collision coverage, and if you were in an accident, you may file a collision claim. If you carry liability insurance only and are not at fault, then you can file a claim against the” at fault” driver’s carrier.
If you have to pay out of pocket and have a common make and model such as an American make or Japanese make vehicle, the cost can be between $200.00 and $400.00. For any luxury car, foreign-made, such as German or French, the price of a windshield replacement can be between $400.00 and $800.00. A customized vehicle can cost between $600.00 and $1,000.00.
Also, check with APEX Auto Glass company and ask if they offer OEM windshields, Original Equipment Manufactured windshields or aftermarket windshields. With your glass coverage on your comprehensive insurance policy, most carriers will only insure OEM windshield replacement, that is, only windshields from that specific make and model manufacturers. Installers of OEM windshields must adhere to strict handling and installation guidelines. OEM windshields will be more expensive than aftermarket windshields. With either an OEM windshield or aftermarket windshield, the installation will require calibration of the technology embedded in the windshield, such as the antenna, camera and heating, defrosting elements, and wiper assembly.
Contact APEX Auto Glass today and inquire about your car or truck’s insurance policy and its coverages. When you need a windshield repaired or replaced, call APEX Auto Glass. APEX Auto Glass services the greater New Orleans area.