Did you know damaged vehicle windows and windshields generate more auto insurance claims than any other vehicle component?
It’s true – so if you’ve chosen an auto insurance policy that covers auto glass repair or replacement, you’ve made a smart decision. That said, in the event that your vehicle requires a new windshield or window glass repair, filing a claim may not always be your best option.
Why not? Our Only 1 Auto Glass team explains below.
Filing an Auto Glass Claim May Impact Your Insurance Rate
Any time you file an auto insurance claim – even for auto glass repair or replacement – your insurance provider has the option of increasing your rate. While a single claim may not generate a rate spike, several may. Generally, the more claims you file, the greater your chances of incurring a higher monthly bill.
If the damage was your fault, even if it’s your first claim, there’s a definite chance your rate will increase. That’s because, in the provider’s eyes, you present a greater monetary risk for the company.
Insurance is a business, after all, and just as a low credit score will earn you a high loan interest rate, a history of irresponsibility will earn you a higher insurance bill. Why? Because you’re a greater financial risk to the lender.
Discuss Your Options With Your Insurance Agent
If you have questions about whether filing a claim will negatively impact your monthly insurance bill, contact your agent and ask him or her directly.
Inquire about how the company handles auto glass insurance claims and ask how the claim may affect your policy, both immediately and in the future. That way, when it comes time to renew your policy, you won’t be hit with a surprise rate increase. And if your premium does increase, you’ll already know to expect that.
When Is It Appropriate to File a Claim for Auto Glass Repair?
Ultimately, the decision to file an auto glass repair insurance claim is yours to make.
That said, there are certain situations when filing is a smart move, and others when it’s better to pay for repairs out of pocket. If the cost of repairs is low enough that you cannot meet your deductible, filing a claim won’t make sense because your policy won’t pay out.
Depending on your policy’s stipulations, the following situations may warrant filing a claim.
Your Window Has Small Chips & Cracks
In cases of minor damage, usually smaller than the size of a dollar bill, certain insurance companies may waive your deductible if you elect auto glass repair over replacement. Contact your provider for further details.
The Damage Was Another Driver’s Fault
If the damage was another driver’s fault, that person’s insurance should cover your auto glass replacement or repair. In this situation, you won’t need to file a claim with your insurance company, but you’ll need to acquire the other party’s insurance information.
Your Policy Has Accident Forgiveness
If your insurance provider offers accident forgiveness, and you’ve elected that as part of your policy, your monthly rate may not change after filing an auto glass repair claim — even if the damage was your fault. Contact your insurance provider for further details.
How to Get Insurance to Pay for Auto Glass Repairs
First and foremost, review your policy to determine whether your insurance will actually cover the service you need.
If you carry comprehensive coverage – which you must have if you carry full coverage – your policy will pay for auto glass service. But how much it’ll pay depends on the level of coverage you’ve selected and the amount of your deductible.
Once you’ve figured out what your policy covers and whether it makes financial sense for you to file, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer to file or file a claim online using their website or mobile app, if applicable.
When you file, it’s a good idea to have a police report on hand if the damage was caused by another driver, so you can prove you have a witness. You’ll also need to submit photos or video that clearly show the damage, whether you or someone else caused it.
Get Service Estimates
It’s in your best interest to gather estimates from at least three different auto glass repair shops, which you’ll then need to submit to your insurer. However, if you have a preference for a specific auto glass repair shop because you’ve worked with them before, that’s fine, too.
Your insurance company may also recommend their preferred local shops, but you don’t have to choose any of them if you don’t want to. Ultimately, the decision is in your hands.
Schedule Service
You can schedule auto glass repair or replacement before your insurance company approves the claim or after – it’s up to you. If you schedule before, your insurer will simply reimburse you for the amount of money they’re willing to cover.
You can schedule in-shop or mobile service, but keep in mind that the weather will determine whether mobile repairs are possible. If the weather ends up being unfavorable on the day you scheduled service, you may need to push your appointment back to a later date.
Need Auto Glass Repairs Near Minneapolis or St. Paul?
If you’re getting ready to file an insurance claim for auto glass repair or replacement, let our Only 1 Auto Glass team be your advocate. With over 200 years of combined experience among our staff, we’re well-versed in the intricacies of auto insurance claims, and we’re always ready to help you navigate the process.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your auto insurance claim, give our team a call at 651-789-1111 or feel free to send us a message. Or, request a free estimate online, and we’ll get in touch!