If your vehicle suffers from a cracked windshield, that is a major inconvenience. In some cases, a cracked windshield may leave you unable to operate your vehicle. Before you decide to file a claim, analyze the size of the crack in your windshield. If the crack is small and not really noticeable, you don't have to repair it. There is also a chance that the crack may worsen with time. The crack could spread and impact your line of sight, jeopardizing your safety on the road. Here is a look at how your insurance coverage is impacted during this situation.

Should You Replace Your Windshield or Just Get It Repaired?

Assess your options. You can repair your windshield if the crack is relatively small, say less than 6 inches, and the glass isn't chipped. Also, pay attention to the location of the crack. If the damage is near a camera or sensor, you'll need to take urgent action. If the crack is large enough that you are unable to drive safely, you should definitely replace your windshield. Your line of sight on the road should never be compromised.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, it should cover windshield damage. It doesn't matter if you opt to repair the glass or replace it. Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle when the damage isn't caused due to an accident. Consider a rock hitting your windshield and damaging it or the possibility that you are a victim of vandalism. You can file a glass-only claim. If you are involved in an auto accident that causes damage to your windshield, those repairs would be covered through your collision policy. Windshield damage will likely be classified as a comprehensive claim in most cases. If you use your comprehensive coverage to fix your windshield, you likely won't have to pay a deductible. Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your coverage takes over. However, it is essential to check your state's insurance department. Depending on state law, you may be responsible for covering a deductible before you can replace your windshield. Deductibles are used per claim instead of the policy period. Comprehensive and collision claims have their own separate deductibles. If you are covering the windshield damage out of pocket, you'll end up paying less if you opt to repair it. You should rely on your car insurance if your windshield is seriously damaged and needs to be replaced. A cracked windshield can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a serious problem. Your auto insurance should cover the repairs. Contact our insurance experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California, if you have any questions regarding vehicle insurance or what to do if you have a cracked windshield. We can help customize your policy to cover mishaps like cracked windshields and more.