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:
- We will contact your insurance provider directly to begin a claim online or over the phone.
- We will provide detailed specifics about the extent of the damage and any additional information we can provide about what caused the damage.
- 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.
- 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.