It’s likely happened to you before: a chipped or cracked windshield. Unfortunately, this type of issue generally occurs quickly, and without any warning. Additionally, chips, cracks, and breaks can be big, small, easy to fix, or very expensive to repair. Each situation is different and calls for a specific action.

It’s important to remember that when you do experience windshield damage, seek professional automotive assistance as soon as possible. Not only is it extremely unsafe for you (and others on the road) to drive a car with a windshield that has been impaired, but small chips or cracks can spread, leading to more damage that is both pricey and dangerous.

Now, the question remains: When it comes to replacing or repairing your windshield, whichever option best suits your needs, should you go through your car insurance or pay out of pocket?

Do You Lease or Own Your Car?

First, it’s necessary to understand what type of car insurance you have. Comprehensive coverage is the type of coverage used to cover your windshield or any type of glass damage on your car. If you lease or finance your automobile, you’re covered; comprehensive coverage is legally required by your lender or lesser.

However, if you own, depending on the insurance company you’ve purchased coverage from, you could have a comprehensive deductible that ranges from $0 to $2,000. You may not remember this, but the amount of your comprehensive deductible is chosen at the time of signing up for coverage.

Some insurance companies offer zero deductible benefits for windshield repairs. This means that if your windshield can be repaired, your insurance provider will cover the full cost of the repair—without any out-of-pocket expense from you.

If you do decide to go through your insurance company to repair your windshield, it’s very unlikely that your premium will increase. Most insurance companies do not consider comprehensive claims as surchargeable claims, which is a claim that directly impacts your insurance premium.

Simply put, you should not see your premium increase due to a claim used to replace a windshield. Yet, if you have a high frequency of windshield claims, then your insurance provider may increase your future premium.

When in doubt, get in touch with your insurance company for all the facts about your particularly premium and the best (and least expensive) way to move forward. Then, call Lucky Dog Auto Glass in Kent WA to schedule the repair!

Lucky Dog Auto Glass Is Here for You!

Whether or not you decide to go through your insurance company or not to fix your windshield, you can always depend on the skilled and professional team at Lucky Dog Auto Glass to help! Contact us at (253) 569-9403 to start the process. We look forward to working with you.