You’ve got a cracked windshield. Whether it’s a small chip or a major crack, damaged windshields are one of the most common and frustrating occurrences for drivers on the highway. They can be the result of something as small as a single flying pebble, and in an instant your clear, beautiful windshield has a big ugly crack right in the middle of it.
So what happens next? In this guide, we’ll outline all of the details about dealing with a cracked windshield, including whether it’s covered by your insurance (it depends), how to file a claim, whether your cracked windshield can be repaired, and what to do when your entire windshield needs to be replaced.
Is Your Cracked Windshield Covered by Insurance?
Whether your windshield crack or chip will be covered by your insurance depends on your policy. Generally, cracked or chipped windshields fall under comprehensive coverage, an optional policy addition that covers you against damage that’s not the result of an auto accident— events like falling debris, weather, or a baseball that made its way from the field to the parking lot.
Almost all cases of cracked windshields will be covered by your comprehensive policy if you have one. That said, whatever deductible you have for your comprehensive coverage will apply to your windshield crack. That means that you’ll have to pay your deductible before your insurer steps in and pays the rest. Because windshield repairs can often be relatively inexpensive, they can often be completed for less than the cost of your deductible. For this reason, people often opt to simply pay for the repairs themselves rather than submitting a claim.
Some insurers are beginning to offer optional zero-deductible windshield repair coverage, though this will increase your monthly premium. If you have a vehicle with special electronics installed in your windshield, making it expensive to replace in the event of a crack, you may want to consider one of these policies.
When Can a Cracked Windshield Be Repaired?
If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, it doesn’t always mean that it has to be replaced. Some small cracks can simply be repaired.
Cracks and chips in windshields are repaired by injecting a special resin into the damaged area and buffing it smooth, making it look almost as good as new. When it comes to cracks, tiny holes are often drilled as a measure to keep the crack from spreading any further.
Even a small chip should be repaired quickly, though, because if left unrepaired it can quickly spread to other areas and lead to further damage. Once a chip becomes a crack, you might also be in potential legal trouble— it’s illegal in most states to drive with a cracked windshield that impedes the driver’s vision.
When Does a Cracked Windshield Need to Be Replaced?
Usually, your windshield will need to be replaced if the damage is significant or is noticeably spreading from its original coverage area. The only way to fully and accurately assess whether the windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced is by taking it to a mechanic or windshield repair specialist. They’ll be able to tell you whether they can fill the crack or chip with resin or whether you need to get a whole new windshield. They’ll also be able to provide quotes on how much it will cost you.
Cracked Windshield Repair Tips
If you have a cracked or chipped windshield, the best thing you can possibly do is get it fixed as soon as possible. Why? Because windshields with chips and cracks that aren’t repaired are likely to get even worse. Your car is constantly vibrating and shifting as you drive, and this can lead to cracks lengthening and spreading. Then you’re dealing with a full windshield replacement, not just a repair.
Don’t put off having chips repaired for fear of the costs— there’s good news on that front, too. Many repair shops will fix chipped windshields as a free service to entice people in the door. While they may try to upsell you on other maintenance, you have a right to simply say ‘no thank you,’ take your free chip repair, and be on your way.
Even if you do have to pay for the repair, these repairs can often be relatively inexpensive— often under $100 even for multiple small repairs.
Filing a Claim for a Cracked Windshield
If you do have comprehensive insurance and decide it’s worthwhile to file a claim and have your windshield replacement covered by your policy, the process is the same as if you were in an accident. Simply file a claim with your insurer and follow the process they outline for you to have the vehicle repaired. It should be a simple, straightforward, and relatively quick process compared to filing a claim for more significant vehicle damage after an accident.
What to Do When Your Windshield Cracks While Driving
If you’re driving and your windshield cracks, don’t panic. Follow these steps to keep yourself safe and keep your vehicle from experiencing even more damage.
Get to Safety
If your windshield cracks significantly and is either impeding your vision or looks likely to spread and/or shatter, get to safety as quickly as you can. If you’re on a highway, take an upcoming exit. If none are available, consider pulling off onto the shoulder if it’s safe to do so.
Examine the Crack
Take a look at the crack. Most minor cracks and chips will be fine until you drive yourself home or to a mechanic/windshield repair shop. Others are more significant and may make it unsafe or even illegal for you to drive. In this case, you may want to call for a tow truck.
Check Your Insurance Policy
If you’re not sure, check whether you have comprehensive coverage or windshield repair coverage on your auto policy. If you do, you may want to consider filing a claim. Just remember that you’ll have to pay whatever deductible is in place on your policy before your insurer will pay the rest.
How to Prevent Cracked Windshields
While some windshield cracks and chips can’t be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of windshield damage. Here are some of our top tips.
Avoid Large Trucks
One of the most common, frustrating causes of a chipped or cracked windshield is a rock flung into the air by a large truck on the highway. Others come from debris that falls as a result of unsecured loads on these large trucks.
Try to avoid following directly behind trucks, commercial vehicles, and construction machinery that is likely to fling up rocks and debris towards your car.
Drive Slowly on Gravel
Sometimes the vehicle flinging rocks onto your windshield is your own. When driving on gravel roads, going too quickly can send small pebbles flying into the air— and these can strike your windshield, resulting in cracks and chips.
Be Aware
Always watch for falling rocks, debris, and other hazards that can damage your windshield. This also means being aware of what’s inside your car. A common cause of damaged windshields actually comes from within the vehicle, including situations such as a person loading up their vehicle with long pieces of lumber that can’t fully fit the length of the car, then closing the rear access gate, pushing the lumber into the windshield.
Park in the Shade
Believe it or not, temperature actually plays a role in windshield cracks, as well. The hotter your windshield, the more pliable it becomes and the more likely to crack. If you’re worried about windshield damage, try to park out of the sun whenever possible.
Conclusion
At Freedom National, our mission isn’t just to provide cheap car insurance online for people all over the country. We want to help you become a more informed, safe, and confident driver, and that begins with knowing the secrets to vehicle safety, important insurance facts, and how to navigate the rules and regulations of your state or area.
If you want to learn more, explore our knowledge base for a range of articles to help you expand your car insurance expertise.
If you’re ready to receive a free online quote from Freedom National for vehicle and get coverage in minutes, get started now. Freedom National is one of the most trusted providers of cheap car insurance online in the nation, automatically comparing rates from several major and minor insurers to find you the best possible rate and coverage. We even help people get insured who may have negative events on their driving record, from DUIs to required SR-22s.
Get covered for less today, with Freedom National.
