Let’s be honest, dealing with an insurance company can be a real pain in the glass. However, depending on your policy it may be most cost-effective to file a claim.
Want help deciding whether to make a claim? Try out our Claim Calculator to get a recommendation.
Collision Coverage vs Comprehensive Coverage
Understanding what type of coverage you have should be the first step in determining your plan. While Collision Coverage will only go into effect when your vehicle is in an accident, Comprehensive Coverage will cover damage regardless of the cause.
Due to its higher cost and in most cases not being required, make sure to check your policy and determine which one you have.
Check Your Deductible
In some cases, insurance deductibles can be as high as $500 or more. Hypothetically speaking, you could have a $750 deductible but your windshield replacement costs only $500. In this scenario, you would file a claim yet not receive any money towards it since you do not meet the deductible threshold.
On the flip side, some insurance companies such as Geico offer a zero-deductible for windshield repairs when you carry a comprehensive policy. Like us at Glassy, they understand that a pro-active repair job can save quite a bit of time and money instead of waiting until a full windshield replacement is necessary.
All policies are different, so take the time to refresh your memory before making decisions.
Will Your Premium Increase?
Most insurance companies view windshield damage as an ‘act of nature’, and by default are classified as ‘no-fault’ damages. Because of this, your premiums will likely not increase due to making a claim. However, it’s well worth a few minutes of your time to contact your agent and find out for sure before making a claim.