Is it cost-effective to claim insurance for windshield replacement?
3 Answers
Claiming insurance for windshield replacement is not cost-effective. Calculation of insurance premium: Insurance premiums are related to the number of claims made in the previous year. The commercial insurance premium is calculated using the commercial insurance discount formula, which is: Commercial Insurance Discount = No Claim Discount (NCD coefficient) x Underwriting Coefficient x Channel Coefficient x Traffic Violation Coefficient. While filing a claim for windshield replacement can cover the repair costs, the increased premium in the second year may exceed the repair expenses, making it not worthwhile. Purchasing glass insurance: Glass insurance is offered as a separate add-on coverage. Only by purchasing glass insurance separately can you claim for damages to the car's glass. However, after the insurance law reform in 2020, glass insurance was incorporated into the vehicle damage insurance. As long as the owner has purchased vehicle damage insurance, they can enjoy the protection services that were previously only available with glass insurance.
Last time my car's windshield was cracked by a flying stone, my first thought was to file an insurance claim. However, it turned out not to be cost-effective. My comprehensive insurance policy has a 1,000 yuan deductible, while getting the windshield replaced at a repair shop only cost 800 yuan. If I had filed a claim, I would have had to pay the 1,000 yuan deductible first, and the insurance company would only cover the remaining amount, meaning I would have ended up paying 200 yuan more. To make matters worse, my premium increased by 300 yuan at renewal due to the claim record. My advice is to do the math: if the repair cost is lower than the deductible, it's better to pay out of pocket. But for major damages costing over 2,000 yuan, filing a claim is worth it. Also, don’t overlook the glass material—OEM glass is more expensive but safer, while aftermarket options are cheaper but may affect visibility, which is crucial for driving safety. To reduce the risk of flying stones, keep a safe distance from large trucks while driving. Choosing an insurance policy with a dedicated glass clause can also save you hassle. In short, weigh the costs before deciding—don’t rush into filing a claim and end up losing out.
As a seasoned driver, I've replaced my windshield three times, all due to stones hitting it on the highway. Whether claiming insurance is worthwhile depends on your deductible and premium impact. Once, my deductible was 500 yuan, the repair cost 1,500 yuan, and after filing a claim, the insurance company covered 1,000 yuan, saving me money. However, the next year my premium quietly increased by 10%, effectively costing me more over two years. Experience tells me that if a small crack or partial repair can fix it, spending a few hundred yuan out of pocket is more economical. If the entire windshield is shattered and requires major repairs, then consider insurance for the higher costs. You should check your policy for specific glass coverage, as some policies specialize in this. Also, don't delay repairs, as cracks can grow and become dangerous. My neighbor didn't file a claim and instead spent 600 yuan at a trusted small shop for an aftermarket windshield replacement, which works just fine. Safety comes first, but don't waste money either.
