Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement?

It costs $100 to $400 to replace a windshield without car insurance. The exact amount you will have to pay to replace your windshield will vary based on a number of factors including the year, make, model, and trim of your car.

Replacing the windshield of a new, luxury vehicle loaded with features could cost twice as much as replacing the glass of an older, economy car. The type of glass used is another factor that greatly influences your final price.… read full answer

Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Windshield Replacement Cost

Aftermarket windshields cost around $100 less than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass. But AAA warns that using lower-quality parts might be a risk. Bargain windshields may create optical distortions that make it harder to drive.

Another safety concern with aftermarket parts is fit. Your windshield helps to support the roof and structure of your car in an accident and plays a critical role in airbag deployment. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, you’re less safe in the event of a crash.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Windshield?

It generally costs between $50 and $150 to repair a cracked windshield, but it could cost less in some cases. Usually, the smaller the chip, the cheaper it will be to repair.

Even without insurance, windshield repair or replacement should be pretty affordable. But if you do have insurance, it’s possible that you may not have to pay anything at all. Many insurers offer $0 or low deductible glass claims as part of comprehensive coverage.

When You Should Replace Your Windshield

In general, your windshield needs to be replaced if it has a fissure larger than a dollar bill or a chip that’s larger than a quarter. If the damage is small and falls out of the driver’s line of sight, it can usually be repaired rather than replaced.

A collision insurance deductible is the amount of money that a driver must pay out-of-pocket when filing a collision insurance claim. Collision insurance pays to repair or replace a car damaged in an accident, and a driver must pay their collision deductible before their insurance company will cover the remaining costs.… read full answer

Collision Deductible Example

Say you are at fault in an accident that causes $10,000 in damage and you have a collision deductible of $1,000. You are responsible for covering your $1,000 collision deductible out-of-pocket in order for your insurance company to pay the remaining $9,000.

Collision Deductible Amounts

Collision deductibles typically range from $100 to $1,000, and you select your deductible amount when you purchase your policy. The higher your deductible, the cheaper your premium will be. Although it’s tempting to get a higher deductible in order to pay less upfront, you should only choose a deductible that you can afford to pay if your car is suddenly damaged in an accident.

GEICO glass and windshield claims are subject to a $0-$1,500 deductible, depending on how the glass damage occurs, where it is on the car, and whether or not the policyholder has comprehensive coverage. If your glass or windshield is damaged in an accident that is not your fault, it should be covered by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If it is damaged in a collision caused by you, whether with another vehicle or an object such as a fence or a tree, it can be covered by GEICO collision insurance. This is optional coverage that you can get when you purchase your auto policy.… read full answer

To make a claim for glass damage not caused by a collision, you need to have GEICO’s comprehensive coverage. This is also a choice you make when you buy your policy. In general, GEICO’s comprehensive insurance covers glass damage caused by:

• Fire
• Flood
• Theft
• Falling or flying objects
• Vandalism
• Animals
• Hail
• Windstorms
• Lightning
• Explosions
• Earthquakes
• Civil disturbances

GEICO will waive your comprehensive deductible for repairs to your windshield. Required by law in a few states, this $0 deductible coverage encourages drivers to fix a seemingly minor issue that can become a serious hazard if left unrepaired. However, your deductible will apply if other windows/glass areas are damaged in most states.

It’s important to repair any glass damage on your vehicle quickly, especially a damaged windshield. It’s unsafe to drive with a broken windshield, and the damage can spread over time.

As a rule of thumb, chips or cracks less than the size of your cell phone may be repairable. Anything larger probably calls for glass replacement. Either way, repairs and replacements aren’t time-consuming – most can be completed within the hour.