Does Car Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

Your car window can be broken in a variety of ways, such as a car accident, hail, or vandalism. So what happens when you have a broken car window? Does car insurance cover broken windows? Or, do you have to pay for damages yourself?

It all comes down to the type of auto insurance coverage you have and where you live. While basic car insurance won’t cover broken windows, full coverage will.

In addition, some states have rules in place regarding how an insurance company can charge to repair windows.

Keep reading to learn more about how car insurance covers broken windows.

Does car insurance cover broken windows?

Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance. However, liability only covers property damage and bodily injury to others in an accident. It does not include any coverage for your vehicle.

Should I buy comprehensive car insurance? What about collision coverage? Do I need both?

Collision and comprehensive coverages handle damages to your vehicle, including broken windows.

Does insurance cover broken windows from a car accident? Yes, if you have collision coverage. Collision pays for damages to your vehicle from an accident. For example, your windows are often broken in a car accident, and collision covers windows in that instance.

Does car insurance cover vandalism damage? Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage kicks in if your vehicle damage is unrelated to an accident. This includes car window vandalism and window damage from hail, falling tree limbs, and other acts of nature.

Does glass coverage cover rear windows? Yes, any windows should be covered if you have the proper coverages in place.

Full coverage car insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages and protects your vehicle from damages.

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With full coverage, any window damage would be paid for by insurance. However, your deductible may still apply. According to CarWindshields.info, every state makes its own glass repair and replacement rules.

Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, require car insurance companies to repair or replace the glass at no charge. Other states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, require car insurance companies to offer a $0 deductible glass coverage.

Does auto insurance cover window replacement? Yes, but glass can be repaired instead of replaced most of the time.

In addition, some car insurance companies will repair glass damage at no charge but require a deductible for the more expensive glass replacement.

How much is full coverage car insurance?

While liability car insurance is the cheapest, it doesn’t offer coverage for your vehicle. Full coverage offers more protection, but it comes with a heftier price tag.

This table shows average annual rates based on coverage type from top car insurance companies. Check it out to get an idea of how more expensive full coverage is than liability-only coverage.

Average Annual Car Insurance Rates Based on Coverage Type

Although full coverage is around $30 a month more, it offers protection for your vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll be paying for damages to your car out of pocket.

How do you file a broken window car insurance claim?

If you find your car window broken, there are steps to take to get your glass repaired quickly and easily.

First, determine if your car was vandalized. Then, call the police, and file a report if you suspect vandalism.

Next, call your car insurance company. There will be a specific claims process to follow. You would need to submit your police report if you filed one.

The way your window was damaged will determine which coverage you will need. Your insurance company will verify you have the correct coverage.

Then, your insurance company will instruct you on repairs. Each company is different. Some may have specific service providers they want you to use. On the other hand, your insurer may allow you to use your own provider and submit the bill for reimbursement.

Remember, filing a claim can cause your rates to go up, and you may have to pay a deductible. So carefully consider whether it will be cheaper to pay for your broken window yourself.

How can you save money on full coverage car insurance?

If you want the protection full coverage car insurance offers, there are ways to lower your rates. You can keep your car, and its glass fully covered and pay less at the same time.

First, take advantage of car insurance discounts. Each car insurance company offers discounts based on different categories, such as driver, policy, and vehicle.

This table shows common car insurance discounts offered by top companies. The savings amount is listed if available.

Car Insurance Discounts

You can also significantly lower rates by shopping around. Compare multiple companies to find the coverage you want with the lowest rates for you.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Broken Windows

Case Study 1: John’s Accident

John was involved in a car accident where his vehicle’s windows were shattered. He had collision coverage included in his car insurance policy.

As a result, his insurance company covered the cost of repairing the broken windows, minus his deductible. The deductible amount was specified in his policy and he had to pay it out of pocket.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Vandalism

Sarah parked her car on the street overnight and woke up to find her windows vandalized. She had comprehensive coverage as part of her car insurance policy.

When she filed a claim for the broken windows due to vandalism, her insurance company covered the repair costs, subject to her deductible. She paid the deductible amount and the insurance company took care of the rest.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Hail Damage

Mark’s car was parked outside during a severe hailstorm, resulting in his windows being damaged. He had comprehensive coverage in his car insurance policy, which covered damages caused by acts of nature like hail.

When he submitted a claim for the broken windows, his insurance company covered the cost of repairs, minus the deductible he had chosen.

Does car insurance cover broken windows?: The Bottom Line

Car insurance covers broken windows if you have the correct coverages in place. Collision insurance covers windows broken in an accident, and comprehensive covers windows broken for other reasons, such as hail, vandalism, or a falling tree limb.

Full coverage car insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. In addition, it handles window damage.

Every car insurance company has its own claims process, and you may have to pay a deductible depending on where you live. Your car insurance rates may also go up if you file a claim.

Save money on car insurance covering broken windows by adding discounts and shopping around for coverage.