Should I Claim Insurance or Repair It Myself When the Rear Windshield Shatters?
2 Answers
If the rear windshield shatters and you have purchased standalone glass breakage insurance with significant damage, filing an insurance claim would be more cost-effective. Detailed insurance information: Avoid duplicate insurance: When purchasing insurance, avoid duplicate coverage. Even if a car owner duplicates coverage for a specific type of insurance, they will not receive excess compensation for claims. Avoid over-insurance or under-insurance: Over-insurance or under-insurance does not provide effective protection. According to Article 39 of the Insurance Law: The insured amount shall not exceed the insured value. If it exceeds the insured value, the excess portion is invalid. If the insured amount is lower than the insured value, unless otherwise stipulated in the contract, the insurer shall bear the liability for compensation in proportion to the ratio of the insured amount to the insured value. Carefully review insurance documents: Check whether the third copy is printed on white carbonless paper with light brown anti-counterfeiting background patterns, whether the upper left corner is printed with the words "Supervised by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission," and whether the upper right corner is printed with the words "Limited to sale in ×× province, city, or autonomous region."
When I see the rear windshield is shattered, I usually take a moment to calm down and avoid rushing to decide whether to claim insurance or pay for repairs myself. The key is to compare the costs, as money matters. If paying out of pocket, the cost for rear windshield replacement, including materials and installation, typically ranges from 500 to 1,500 RMB, depending on the car model—budget cars may cost around 500-600 RMB, while premium models can go up to over 1,000 RMB. But if the insurance includes glass coverage, what’s the deductible? If the deductible is low, say under 400 RMB, filing a claim to cover part of the cost might save some money. However, if the deductible is high, like over 800 RMB, paying out of pocket is more economical, as it avoids a potential premium increase of a few hundred RMB next year, which wouldn’t be worth it. I’d also ask friends or check online for quotes to find an affordable auto repair shop. Safety comes first—broken glass should be cleared promptly to avoid cuts or rainwater leakage. In the end, saving money means paying yourself, while convenience favors using insurance.
