Does Your Car Insurance Cover a Broken Windshield?

Filing a Windshield Repair Claim

A shattered windshield is expensive to repair or replace. In such circumstances, don't be reluctant to file claims with your insurer. Declare the damage to the insurer and submit a claim for windshield replacement. Either a written application or an online claim can be submitted. You should first call the police, get a FIR, and then file a claim with your insurer if the windshield of your automobile is damaged as a result of vandalism.

Next, bring your automobile to a cashless garage where your business has a relationship to use the cashless service. The specialists on hand in the garage will examine the damage and make a repair or replacement recommendation to you. The specialists might advise a repair if the windshield is cracked or partially broken. However, a replacement might be suggested in the event of complete damage. In all situations, the insurer will cover the costs if the circumstances that caused the damage are covered by the insurance.

You can select a separate repair shop if you don't want the job done at a network garage. If you decide to use another garage, be sure to give the insurance company the receipts when you make a claim for compensation. The documentation that the insurer has requested must also be submitted.

Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage for Windshield Damage

If you are in confusion whether your car insurance policy covers the damages caused to the windshield or not, the answer is 'yes', but only if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. Any damage caused to your car's windshield can be fixed without any out-of-pocket expense if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. However, damages caused to the windshield of your car will not be covered by the insurer if you own a basic third-party liability insurance mandatory for every car owner in India.

Even if you don't have a comprehensive insurance policy, in a situation where your car is accidentally hit by another third-party vehicle causing damages to the windshield, the insurer of the other car involved in the accident is liable to pay for the repairing cost of your car's windshield. You can file a claim with the third-party vehicle owner in such cases. If your claim is found to be valid, the cost of repair or replacement of your windshield will be borne by the third-party insurer.

Windshield Repair Costs Covered under a Comprehensive Policy

The costs related to the repair and replacement of a chipped, cracked, or shattered windshield are covered by a comprehensive car insurance policy. However, only if the source of the damage is covered by your policy are you able to file a car insurance claim with your insurer in such circumstances. While some insurance policies only pay for repairs, others pay for both repairs and replacements. Depending on the conditions of your insurance, you might be able to get the repair done for free at a cashless garage or you could have to pay something out of pocket.

However, if you don't own a comprehensive car insurance policy and the damage to your windshield is not caused by any third-party vehicle you will have to pay for the repair or replacement on your own. The cost will not be borne by your insurer.

You can select a separate repair shop if you don't want the job done at a network garage. If you decide to use another garage, be sure to give the insurance company the receipts when you make a claim for compensation. The documentation that the insurer has requested must also be submitted.

Consider Deductibles Before Filing a Claim

When you file a claim, you may have to pay compulsory and voluntary deductibles as per the percentage chosen at the time of policy purchase. In case it is required, compare the cost of replacement/repair with your deductible amount. If the estimated cost of your windshield repair is less or slightly more than the deductible then it is not worthwhile to make a claim. However, there are certain car insurance companies which offer windshield repair without the payment of a deductible. Confirm this with your insurer before you proceed.

It not safe to drive with a broken windshield as may impact your driving skills. Your front visions may appear unclear and while driving on bumpy roads the broken pieces may fall off. Hence, as soon as you notice a broken windshield, use your comprehensive car insurance policy to repair or replace it. If you don't have one apply for it online. It will safeguard you and your car against any damages resulted due to natural and man-made calamities. However, before going for a windshield repair check the policy terms and confirm all the details with your insurer. This will give you a clear idea and you won't end up paying anything unexpected towards the repair.