Can I Claim Insurance for a Cracked Windshield?
2 Answers
You can claim insurance for a cracked windshield, but only if you have purchased the separate glass breakage insurance. The insurance company will then compensate according to the terms of the contract. Additionally, if the vehicle owner has purchased comprehensive car insurance but not the glass insurance, and the windshield is damaged due to a traffic accident with other parts of the vehicle also affected, the insurance company is required to cover the compensation. The separate glass breakage insurance is an additional coverage under car insurance, which covers damages only to the windshield and window glass (excluding headlights and mirror glass). For vehicles insured with this coverage, if the glass is broken independently, the insurer will calculate the compensation based on the actual loss.
Finding a cracked windshield is really a headache, especially since it affects visibility while driving, which is too dangerous. As someone who drives frequently, I suggest first checking your insurance policy to see if it includes glass coverage or additional clauses for vehicle damage. If it does, filing a claim can basically get you a free replacement; but be aware that the deductible might be a few hundred bucks, and your premium might increase a bit next year. If you don’t have the relevant coverage, replacing it yourself could cost over a thousand, making an insurance claim not necessarily cost-effective. In any case, safety comes first—don’t drive fast with a cracked windshield, and find a reliable repair shop to handle it. Getting into trouble on the highway is even worse. When parking, try to avoid areas where stones might hit the windshield to reduce such accidents.