Glass Claims--How Many Can You Have?

Question

For the second time in a year, our windshield (Scion xB) has been hit by a pebble and gotten a crack. My comprehensive insurance covers the damage completely, but will my rate go up if I keep on making these small claims for windshield damage? Or is it better insurance-wise to simply pay for the repair myself?

Thank you.

Answer 1

It probably won't go up. 2 in a year is not bad. I would think (and I don't know for sure, but I suspect) that you'd probably have to see more than 5 in a year for them to even think about it. And I don't think your rate would go up even then. They may make you choose a deductible in lieu of that or send you a claims caution letter. But comprehensive is for things like this, you pay a premium and you should not have a problem. But this can all vary by company and the state where you live. Make the claim and don't worry about it. If it's caught early when it's a small crack and can be repaired and not replaced that's a very minimal amt (around 50 dollars) and insurance would rather pay that than for the replacement, so don't wait unless it's spread and can't be patched.

Answer 2

I can tell you from experience. I had 3 rock chips in a year. My insurance, State Farm, dropped me like a hot potato as soon as they could. If I wanted to stay with them, my rate would have trippled.

Most shops will do the job for less than the insurance companies require them to charge. Stop by or call your local glass shop and let them know it's not an insurance claim. You'd be surprised at how cheap it can be.

You could also live with the crack until your next inspection. As long as the crack doesn't affect both the inside and the outside pieces of glass that make up your front windshield, you should be more than fine.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

No one but your agent can answer your question with any degree of accuracy.