Auto Insurance and Auto Glass Replacement

Auto insurance providers have a pretty bad reputation. Although they can be a saving grace in the event of a catastrophic collision or the theft of your vehicle, they are often less than forthcoming when you need smaller repairs like auto glass replacement or minor ding and dent repairs. This is because these smaller issues are often considered 'secondary'; they may not look great, but they don't always affect your safety during driving, either. In fact, depending on who your auto insurance provider is, you may actually be discouraged from using your auto glass replacement policy.

Auto Glass Insurance Issues to Look Out For

If you're looking to get your windshield replaced, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to determine what is included in your policy. You may be surprised to learn that you will have no out-of-pocket expenses. However, before you take your insurance agent as his or her word, look out for the following:

• Insurance providers who want you to only use their specialists. Most of the companies your insurance provider wants you to use aren't necessarily the best - they're the ones that have a deal with the insurance company. You should be able to get your windshield repairs through any company you want.
• Insurance providers who try to decrease your fears. Driving with a cracked windshield might not be the most dangerous choice, but its certainly not the safest, either.
• The cost of your deductible. Since most auto glass repairs come in at under $400, it is completely needless to file a claim if your deductible is around $500 or higher. However, in many states, it is required by law that your insurance provider offer you windshield replacement coverage for a $0 deductible. Make sure you understand what costs will be carried over to you and which ones will be the responsibility of your insurance provider.
• Insurance providers who imply that your rates will increase substantially if you choose to file a windshield repair claim. Most of the time, auto glass repair falls under a "no-fault" clause, which means that you aren't financially affected by the damage or your choice to repair it.

Getting Your Windshield Repaired

Despite these common pitfalls, windshield repair insurance doesn't have to be complicated. As long as you're working with an insurance provider you trust, you should be able to streamline the process of getting the repairs you need for the lowest overall cost. Talk with your insurance provider and your auto glass repair company to learn how to find out more about the options available to you.