Do I need full glass coverage?

Here’s what you need to know…

• Some windshield damages will be covered under a full coverage insurance policy
• Full glass coverage will cover all incidents of windshield damages
• Full glass coverage often only costs a few dollars per month

Full glass coverage is a cost-effective option to add complete windshield protection to your auto insurance policy. Even if you have a comprehensive insurance policy (learn more: understanding full coverage insurance), not all windshield damage events may be covered. Because windshields can cost hundreds of dollars to repair, the cost of adding on full glass coverage can more than pay itself off if your windshield is damaged.

Read on to learn more about full glass coverage for your car, from how it works to how much it costs. Then, you can compare full glass coverage quotes with our free quote comparison tool to make sure you are getting the best price possible.

Full Glass Coverage Explained

Full glass coverage is a policy add-on that covers windshield repair and repairs for other window damage. This is helpful because the cost to repair likely won’t exceed the deductible, i.e., if your deductible is $1,000 and the glass repair costs only $500, there’s no point in filing a glass claim.

Do you have full glass coverage?

The answer depends on your individual policy language and which company insures your car. You have many companies to choose from that offer full glass coverage. You can find Progressive, USAA, State Farm, Allstate, and Geico full glass coverage.

For the record, “full glass” coverage refers to a car insurance policy that DOES NOT charge a deductible for repair or replacement of damaged auto glass.

Learn more: What is a car insurance deductible?

Why is this even a concern?  Well, primarily because auto glass is frequently damaged without being in an actual accident.  Picture a rock hitting your windshield while traveling on the highway.

It happens a lot, especially in places like Arizona. And even if it hasn’t happened yet, there’s a good chance it’ll get you one day, assuming you do a lot of driving.

The same goes for someone smashing your window in if you leave valuables in your vehicle.

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How Glass Coverage Can Save You Money

Here’s the kicker: the average cost to replace auto glass is typically less than your auto policy’s deductible. For example, if it costs $500 to repair the windshield and your deductible is $1,000, your insurance company wouldn’t even be involved. The cost of repairs or replacement would have to exceed the deductible before they paid a dime.

Read more: Does my insurance cover windshield replacement?

Therefore, if your windshield gets cracked or is completely destroyed, you are automatically on the hook for the entire cost to repair or replace the windshield.

That’s where auto insurance glass coverage comes in – it would eliminate your out-of-pocket costs for these common repairs.  The insurer simply repairs or replaces your car’s damaged glass and you’re good to go. And you won’t have to necessarily get a comprehensive glass coverage car insurance quote either because it’ll be rolled into your main policy.

However, you will pay a slightly higher overall insurance premium for this coverage in place. So in a sense, you’re still paying for it…like always, but you won’t directly buy full glass coverage car insurance.

How Much Windshield Repairs Cost

Even with reputable companies like Safeco or Nationwide, windshield repair can get pricey.  The replacement cost for a windshield is around $200-$400 on average, less if an aftermarket windshield is used. Auto glass damage is covered by comprehensive insurance.

Most people have a comprehensive deductible that is higher than this, which is why full glass coverage is offered by many insurance providers. If your windshield is just cracked or chipped, the repair will likely cost under $100.

Comprehensive insurance deductibles can vary from one auto insurance provider to another. Some companies may charge less if you opt for full glass coverage while other companies may charge more.

Most insurers do not count windshield damage towards your policy limits. This means that if you have the right types of auto insurance, you won’t need to worry about paying any additional fees when filing an auto glass claim.

The price of replacing a damaged windshield varies depending on whether it was damaged due to vandalism or weather conditions.

Windshield damages that involve larger cracks and chips that obstruct the driver’s view of the road will likely require a full windshield replacement.

Deciding if Full Safety Glass Coverage is Necessary

Whether or not full glass coverage is necessary depends on your risk tolerance and somewhat on the company that insures your car. We recommend full glass coverage in the following situations:

• If you live in a place where break-ins are common
• Or drive on roads where cracked windshields are standard
• It could be sensible to add full glass coverage
• Assuming the full glass coverage insurance rate is nominal and likely to be recouped at some point

Safeco Insurance, for example, has partnered with Safelite Auto Glass to offer FREE repair of cracked windshields – to a degree.  And they don’t “count” the occurrence as insurance claims, and you are not charged a dime for the repairs, so it makes for incredibly affordable full glass coverage car insurance.

However, Safeco Insurance still offers a comprehensive deductible with “glass coverage.”  Why?  If you read carefully, you would have noticed the repairs are free “to a degree.”

If your windshield cannot be repaired, but rather needs to be completely replaced, the comprehensive deductible would apply…and you will likely pay for the replacement out of your own pocket.

With the “auto glass” coverage, you would not be required to pay the deductible, even in the event the windshield needed to be replaced.

So that’s basically what this type of coverage does – it removes the deductible piece, which often costs more than the glass replacement.

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The Final Word on Full Glass Coverage

For those susceptible to glass breakage, full glass coverage is a no-brainer. For others who have never had a windshield crack, it might be a waste of money. If you’re unclear about where you stand, contact your independent insurance agent or insurer to get all the details.

If you want full glass coverage and want to make sure you get the best rate, enter your ZIP code below to get a FREE insurance quote today.

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