Month: November 2024

Windshield repair is rarely one of those life expenses many of us budget for, and it can be frustrating to search for a quote knowing that the damage is most likely not even your fault.

Luckily, Oregon drivers with comprehensive insurance coverage can often negotiate the cost of their windshield repair by paying for it with their deductible.

In addition, there are several options that drivers can explore to shield against unexpected windshield damage without getting full comprehensive coverage.

This guide will explore the many different options that drivers in Northeast Oregon have when it comes to paying for windshield repair and replacement using their insurance coverage and what options they have when insurance doesn’t cover expenses.

Does My Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement or Repair?

One of the most common questions we get at Island City Glass is whether or not your windshield damage is covered under your insurance policy.

The good news is our team will always do a prospective search with your insurance carrier to see what options we have to cover your windshield repair under your deductible.

Figuring out whether or not your windshield damage is covered depends on your policy. The most common policies and options that cover windshield repair include:

1. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage offers the widest protection against windshield damage and will usually cover damage caused by:

• Vandalism or theft
• A rock chip caused by kicked-up rocks and debris
• Natural disasters (e.g., hailstorms, tornadoes)
• Falling objects, like branches
• Animals hitting the vehicle

In most cases, if any of these events damage your windshield, comprehensive coverage will pay for repairs or replacement, although a deductible may apply.

It’s recommended that drivers file a comprehensive coverage claim as soon as the damage is spotted. However, Island City Glass will always contact your insurance to help you file a claim so that you can offset the cost of your repair.

2. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage will cover any damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.  Although collision coverage primarily addresses major damage to your car, it can also cover windshield damage if it’s part of an accident and requires extensive repair or replacement. However, unlike comprehensive coverage, collision policies may have higher deductibles.

3. Full Glass Coverage

Some insurers offer full glass coverage as an add-on or separate policy, covering any windshield repair for a small monthly premium. This specialized coverage is designed specifically for glass damage, including windshields, side windows, and rear windows. Full glass coverage typically has no deductible, making it a long-term, cost-effective option for drivers in Northeast Oregon.

4. Road Hazard Protection

Road hazard protection will cover some types of damage caused by falling or flying debris on the road. This type of coverage is often an add-on with certain insurance providers and can cover various damages, including windshield chips or cracks from rocks or gravel. However, it usually does not cover full windshield replacement unless explicitly specified.

Does Your Deductible Apply to Windshield Replacement?

In most cases, you can expect to pay a small sum for windshield replacement under your deductible. However, this depends on your specific policy and its term limits.

For comprehensive coverage, insurers in Oregon require you to pay a deductible before the coverage kicks in for windshield replacement. If you have a low deductible or additional damage to your car, you will often pay less using your deductible than paying for the complete repair out of pocket.

Other policies like full glass coverage and collision coverage often may not require a deductible depending on who caused the damage or the policy’s specific language.

Filing a Windshield Replacement Claim

Island City Glass works with all drivers to file a windshield repair and replacement claim. The process typically looks like this:

1. We will contact your insurance provider directly to begin a claim online or over the phone.
2. We will provide detailed specifics about the extent of the damage and any additional information we can provide about what caused the damage.
3. If the insurance agent requires an inspection, we will work with them to provide a thorough inspection to provide all relevant details for your claim.
4. If your insurance carrier chooses to cover the claim, you can offset the total or partial payment amount using the policy and the deductible.

Does Windshield Damage Impact My Insurance Rates?

In most cases, if the windshield damage is not through any fault of your own, any subsequent claims should not impact your coverage, especially if you have comprehensive coverage.

However, if the windshield damage is caused by an accident you are responsible for, you should expect your rates to increase if you file a claim under your insurance.

What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Cost of My Windshield Repair?

Even if your insurance carrier does not cover the cost of your windshield repair, we highly recommend getting any cracks or chips repaired as soon as possible. Windshield damage can impair your vision and the structural integrity of your vehicle.

Furthermore, small cracks and chips that cost little money out of pocket can soon spread and require full replacement, adding hundreds of dollars to your bill.

Island City Glass saves customers money on out-of-pocket repairs by backing every service with our 100% guarantee and offering mobile replacement services at no additional cost.

For more information about whether or not your windshield damage is covered by insurance, contact our team at Island City Glass.

FAQs

Does my liability insurance cover windshield replacement?

No, liability insurance does not cover windshield replacement, as it only pays for damages to other people and property in accidents where you are at fault.

Can I get my windshield repaired instead of replaced?

Yes, if the damage is minimal—like a small chip or crack—many insurance policies cover repairs instead of full replacements. Repairs are generally faster and less costly.

While many people budget for car repairs over the life of their vehicle, windshields are often viewed as a grudge purchase that many people are reluctant to make. This is especially true here in Oregon where we see this thinking often.

If the driver has comprehensive auto insurance, they are most likely covered for any expenses under their deductible. However, if the driver lacks proper coverage, they can be on the hook for an expensive repair.

In this scenario, many people often turn to the cheapest options available, and many auto shops are willing to oblige. However, the risks of a poor or improper windshield installation can range from an uncalibrated ADAS to a poor seal that invites moisture into the cabin.

It’s essential for your safety and wallet to invest in quality windshield repair from a reputable shop.

The Role of a Windshield in Vehicle Safety

Many people understand the importance of a windshield in terms of visibility, but few understand the role that a windshield plays in the structural integrity of your vehicle. In the event of an accident, the front windshield plays an important role in preventing the roof from caving in.

Poor installation or poor-quality windshields could result in shattering and the roof of your vehicle collapsing. On the contrary, a good quality windshield is made of two layers of laminate glass designed to prevent shattering so that drivers are protected from cuts.

Finally, a quality windshield replacement is important in regulating your vehicle’s safety features, such as lane assist and emergency braking, under your advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). A poor quality replacement can force these safety features to malfunction or even become inoperable without proper calibration.

The Importance of Quality in Windshield Replacement

Not all windshields are created equal, nor are the people who install them. When it comes to windshield replacement, you want to ensure that you are getting the highest quality windshield glass and using a trusted shop to get the job done right.

The benefits of investing in a quality windshield replacement from a trusted shop include:

1. Improved Driver Safety: A high-quality windshield adds strength to your vehicle’s frame. This protects you in the event of a crash and reduces the risk of shattering. A quality windshield replacement also ensures that your vehicle’s ADAS works according to factory standards.
2. Improved Driving Experience: A quality windshield replacement free of distortions makes for a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience. By choosing quality, drivers reduce the likelihood of glare, which can lead to eye strain and fatigue on long drives.
3. Avoids Potential Hazards and Increases Longevity: A poor quality windshield replacement can lead to a number of issues, such as a poor seal that invites moisture in, increases the risk of rusting, and makes the glass more vulnerable to cracks. A high-quality windshield replacement eliminates the risk of these hazards and also ensures your windshield will last longer and be more resilient.
4. Better Value Over Time: Spending a little extra upfront can save on future repairs and ensure a dependable, lasting replacement.

What to Look for in a Quality Windshield Replacement

To protect your peace of mind and get the best value windshield replacement for your money, it’s important to trust the right shop or provider.

Some things we recommend you look at when comparing different auto glass shops include:

• Professional Installation: Look for technicians certified by organizations like the AGSC, which trains professionals in safe installation practices. Poorly installed windshields may not protect effectively in a crash, so expertise is essential.
• Accurate ADAS Calibration: Ensure the installer can recalibrate any sensors or cameras after replacement. This process, necessary for safety and ADAS performance, requires specialized equipment and trained technicians.
• Warranty/Guarantee: Ask around for potential warranties or money-back guarantees that protect you in the event of a poor installation.
• Insurance Coverage: Many auto glass shops will work with your insurance coverage to save you money.
• Mobile Coverage: Island City Glass offers mobile windshield repair at no extra cost to customers and provides the same high quality as our Oregon shop.
• Certification and Standards Compliance: Always choose a replacement that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Check for certifications from reputable organizations like the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) to ensure the glass meets high standards.

Investing in quality windshield replacement is important for the safety of your vehicle and the longevity of your repair. At Island City Glass, we only work with the highest-rated auto glass and ensure all replacements conform to your vehicle’s ADAS sensors. We also back every replacement with our 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can be confident in your windshield replacement.

FAQs

Why is a cracked windshield dangerous?

Cracks compromise the windshield’s structural integrity and can obstruct visibility. They also risk further shattering in an accident, endangering occupants.

Can I drive with a minor chip on my windshield?

Minor chips can expand into larger cracks if ignored, especially in extreme weather conditions. It’s best to repair chips promptly to maintain windshield strength.

Is OEM glass better than aftermarket glass?

Many auto glass shops work with aftermarket glass that provides the same integrity and performance as OEM glass. Always ensure that your installer calibrates any aftermarket glass replacement to work with your vehicle’s ADAS.