The windshield of a vehicle comprises laminated or solid safety glass; hence, it is a fragile part. It can get shattered or cracked during a collision with another vehicle. It is also possible for the windshield to get damaged when hit by a stone or tree branch while parked on the road under a tree or close to a construction site. Whether it is a small crack or total damage, you have to get it fixed immediately to avoid any accidents due to obstructed vision while still driving the vehicle in that condition. Before heading to a garage, check if your vehicle insurance covers windshield damage.
Does car insurance cover windshield damage?
If you have a doubt in your mind, “Is the windshield covered by insurance?” let’s find out the answer. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers all types of damages caused to a car’s windshield due to collision or non-collision. If you have taken only third-party liability coverage, it will not compensate for the damages to your car. However, comprehensive car insurance coverage includes both own damages and third-party liability coverage; hence damage to the car’s front glass gets covered under insurance if you opt for a comprehensive policy.
Are there any deductibles while filing a damaged windshield claim?
A deductible is the amount an insurance policyholder must pay toward an insured loss before the insurer starts paying for the covered expenses. When you file a damaged windshield insurance claim, you may have to pay a compulsory amount as a deductible. It gets calculated according to the percentage you chose at the time of policy purchase. Only some vehicle insurance companies charge a deductible to the car owners when they file a claim against a car’s windshield damage, i.e., if it gets stated in the policy. However, certain insurers do not make the policyholders pay the deductible for a windscreen repair if the policyholder hasn’t agreed to the deductible clause. If required, compare the total charge for repair or replacement of the windshield and the deductible amount before raising the claim for damage. If the cost of maintenance or renewal of the windscreen is less or slightly greater than the deductible amount, then it is not worth filing a claim.
Types of windshield damages that your car insurance covers
A comprehensive car insurance policy covers the cost of repairing or replacing a chipped, cracked, or shattered windscreen only if the damage gets caused by specific sources listed by the insurance company. The common sources of damage covered under a car insurance plan are listed below.
- Collision with another vehicle
- Tree branches falling on the glass
- Rocks, pebbles, or any other debris hitting the windscreen while driving or when parked on the side of the road.
- Hail falling on the glass during a hailstorm
- Animal colliding with the car’s windscreen
- Plant pots, coconuts, or any other heavy items falling on the glass
- A ball hits the car’s windscreen
- During vandalism, if someone breaks the car’s windshield with a stone or stick
How to file a claim for a damaged windshield?
After an accident, contact your insurance provider immediately to initiate the claim process. Here we have listed the steps on how to claim insurance for car windscreen damage.
- Immediately after the accident, inform the police and file an FIR.
- Declare the damage to the insurance agency and file a claim for windshield damage.
- Take your vehicle to a garage where your insurer has a tie-up to get a cashless service.
- You can also get the vehicle serviced at any repair shop other than a network garage; you need to file for reimbursement later. Remember to produce the receipts to the insurance company when claiming reimbursement.
- The insurer will pay for the expense if the insurance plan covers the circumstances that caused the damage.
Conclusion
Now you have the answer to your doubt — is the front glass of the car covered by insurance? Repairing or replacing a car’s damaged windshield is expensive maintenance work. So, when an unfortunate event that shatters or cracks your vehicle's windscreen happens, immediately inform the police about it. Then proceed with the insurance claim process without any delay. You can raise the claim by submitting a written application at the insurance company’s office or filling up an online form on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my car insurance policy cover my car's damaged windshield?
Yes, if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy in hand, it will cover the expense of repairing or replacing a damaged windshield. The only condition is that the source of the damage should get covered under the policy to get compensation.
2. When should I avoid filing for a damaged windshield?
If the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen is slightly higher or lower than the deductible amount, then it is not ideal to make an insurance claim.
3. Does filing for a claim increase my car insurance premium?
Yes, filing for a claim can increase the insurance premium. This is because an accident claim makes you appear a risky customer to the insurance company; hence your insurer will charge you a higher car insurance renewal premium.
4. Does third-party car insurance offer coverage against damaged windshields?
No, your third-party liability insurance does not provide coverage against windshield damage. You will need comprehensive car insurance to get compensation for the repair or replacement expense of the windscreen.
5. Will I lose my No Claim Bonus (NCB) for filing a claim?
A claim made for windshield damage won't affect your No Claim Bonus. If the accident was the other person's fault and the insurer gets all the money from that party's insurance company, then you won't lose your NCB. Even if it's your fault, you could still retain the NCB.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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