Collision insurance pays for losses and repairs to your vehicle that occurred during an accident. If your windshield breaks after rear-ending another vehicle or hitting a pole, collision insurance will likely cover damage to the windshield minus the amount of the deductible you chose for this coverage. 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. However, the cost of repairing the windshield may be subject to a deductible, so it may not be worth filing a claim.
Suppose a tree branch falls on your vehicle, a rock hits the glass, hits a deer, or a strong hailstorm breaks the windshield. Insurers subtract your deductible from the total amount claimed, so if your deductible is greater than the price of repairing or replacing the windshield, you won't receive anything from your insurer. But if the damage exceeds six inches, the glass could be unsafe and a new windshield might be the best option. We had a customer who recently changed his windshield and noticed that a fog stain was forming in the upper corner of the glass.
If your windshield was destroyed as an act of vandalism, call the police and get a copy of the police report. Liability insurance only covers windshield replacement if someone else caused the damage to your car. Damage to the windshield and car windows is covered in the vast majority of cases, as long as you have comprehensive insurance. Generally speaking, if you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance won't pay for windshield repair.
Replacement fees are the cheapest option offered; replacing a windshield with original manufacturer parts will increase the cost. In fact, collision coverage protects your car from any damage that results from an accident that you cause, whether with another driver or with a stationary object, such as a tree. Keep in mind that most auto glass stores offer a mobile service for windshield repair or replacement, and they can work on your windows in your home or office.
