Should I claim insurance or repair it myself for a broken windshield?
2 Answers
It is recommended to claim insurance for a broken windshield, provided that the owner has purchased separate glass breakage insurance. Only then can the claim be filed, and the insurance company will compensate according to the contract terms. Additionally, if the owner has purchased vehicle damage insurance but not 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. Separate glass breakage insurance is an additional coverage in auto insurance, which refers to situations where only the windshield and window glass (excluding headlights and mirrors) of the insured vehicle are damaged, and the insurance company is responsible for compensation. During the insurance period, if the insured vehicle's windshield or window glass is broken while in use, the insurer will compensate based on the actual loss. The policyholder can voluntarily choose to insure with either imported or domestic glass through negotiation with the insurer, and the insurer will bear the corresponding insurance liability based on the selection.
If your windshield is cracked, I suggest you first assess the economic cost. DIY windshield repair typically costs between 300 to 1,000 RMB, depending on the car model and extent of damage; for small cracks, a resin repair kit costing just tens of RMB may suffice. Insurance claims depend on your deductible—if it's low (e.g., 50 RMB), filing a claim makes sense; conversely, with high deductibles (e.g., 500 RMB), paying out-of-pocket is cheaper. Also consider potential premium hikes—long-term owners of older cars may find self-repair more economical. New or luxury vehicles may prioritize insurance-covered repairs. Don’t forget to shop around and compare repair shop quotes to save money—practicality matters most.
