My Windshield is Cracked; Should I Use My Insurance?

It happens so fast. A chip in your windshield that goes unnoticed or unattended … crack! An instant line forms across your windshield in wild fashion. And half the time it seems like it is right at eye level.

A friend of mine just called me the other day about this. He had a chip in the glass that wasn’t seen from the inside. One day, while driving down the highway he got a long crack in the glass. He called me to ask if he should claim it on his insurance. Here is my advice about that:  As a general rule we don’t recommend making small claims on your policy, since they could affect your premium.  However, if a chip has spread and can’t be treated to keep it from worsening to a crack, then the windshield needs to be replaced.

Comprehensive coverage (if your vehicle has that coverage) is what would cover a new windshield. The comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible that is usually $500 or $1000. Most windshields cost less than your deductible, so we recommend that you call an auto glass company to get a quote before you report a claim to your insurance company. 

If the cost of the new windshield is substantially more than your deductible, you may want to file a claim. Many insurance companies insurance have special glass claim units that will handle these claims, so do not have the windshield replaced until your claim has been approved by the adjuster.