In general, it's worth filing a claim for damage to the glass or windshield if the repair cost is greater than your car's insurance deductible. Whether a glass claim may affect your future car insurance rates depends on your insurance company. In general, a glass claim to repair or replace your windshield shouldn't have much of an impact (if any) on your car insurance rates. However, if you have multiple glass claims over a short period of time, it could affect your rates at the time of renewal.
For example, if you have more than three glass claims in a three-year period. Auto insurance covers windshield damage and replacement in most cases through comprehensive insurance. Any type of damage to the windshield or glass may not be safe to drive and should be addressed as soon as possible. Broken glass is generally handled under your Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage, which is usually subject to a deductible. However, in Florida, all drivers who have comprehensive coverage are not responsible for paying any deductibles to pay for their vehicle's windshield damage repair services.
Some insurance companies sell full coverage for glass or offer a “zero deductible” option for glass replacement, which is an option separate from your comprehensive deductible. Some auto insurers, such as Progressive, have comprehensive plans that don't require you to pay a deductible if your windshield can be repaired, so check to see if your comprehensive coverage doesn't apply the deductible for glass claims. Keep in mind that, depending on your state's requirements and auto insurance policy, if you file an auto glass claim, the most you'll have to pay is the deductible that your insurance must cover the rest of the bill if the damage qualifies for coverage. If your car insurance includes liability for property damage from uninsured or underinsured drivers, your insurance will pay for damage to windows caused by another person. If you contact a dealer to ask about windshield replacement, a service advisor will likely refer you to one of the third-party auto glass shops.
If you have comprehensive coverage, then you should have coverage for the repair of your car's windows, including full windshield replacement. Many of the auto glass shops work directly with major insurance companies and belong to their partner network. If you use an auto glass repair shop that is not in the insurer's network, the repair shop may ask you to sign an allocation of benefits (AOB). OEM glass refers to glass produced on the same production line that the manufacturer used to supply the original windshield that came with your car when it was new. If you purchased comprehensive motor vehicle insurance, then you have the right to have broken or damaged glass repaired or replaced under the motor vehicle insurance policy without paying a deductible for the claim.
Your insurance agent should be able to provide you with a network of auto glass repair shops for you to choose from. Some states have “zero deductible” mandates that say auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims.
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