A car’s windshield protects drivers and passengers from wind and flying debris. These windshields are made of safety glass that is quite sturdy. However, impact from collisions or falling tree branches are common reasons why car windshields may get damaged. Driving with a damaged windshield can be extremely dangerous. If you are wondering, ‘is windshield damage covered by car insurance’, this article is for you.

Certain types of car insurance policies cover windshield damage. They are as under:

Third-party insurance: Per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, all vehicle owners must have at least third-party limited liability insurance. This insurance policy covers damages caused by you to a third party. In this case, the insurer will cover the windshield damage costs of the third party’s car after an accident.

If your car’s windshield also endures damage, you must pay for its repairs from your pocket. However, if your windshield gets damaged due to another driver’s fault, their insurance will cover the cost of replacing or repairing your car’s windshield.

Own damage insurance: Own damage (OD) insurance covers damages endured by your car. Insurance companies offer standalone OD insurance only if you hold third-party limited liability insurance. An OD insurance policy typically covers windshield damage, along with damages caused by natural calamities and human-made incidents.

Comprehensive insurance plan: A comprehensive insurance plan typically combines third-party liability and OD insurance, with room for customization via add-on riders. It also covers the cost of hospitalization arising from accidents. Needless to say, a comprehensive insurance plan covers windshield damage within the indemnity limit.

Before filing an insurance claim, you need ascertain ‘does my car insurance cover windshield replacement or damage?’ by checking your policy documents. If it does, you need to establish the cause of damage. The windshield may have broken due to accidents, vandalism, storms or hailstorms, earthquakes, riots, etc. If the cause of the damage is an accident or vandalism, you must file a first information report (FIR), which you must submit with other necessary documents while filing your claim.

The process to claim windshield damage is pretty simple. You can contact your insurer or insurance agent and share the details with them. Many insurance companies have tie-ups with garages where you can make cashless claims. If you prefer another garage, the insurer will reimburse you after you present the repair bills.

Another critical thing to keep in mind is deductibles. Deductibles are a percentage of the sum insured that you need to pay to receive the claim. Not all insurance companies ask for deductibles. If the repair cost is less than the deductible, it would be best to get the repairs done without making a claim.

Driving a car with damaged components is dangerous and getting it repaired immediately is crucial. Along with windshield damage, you can get coverage against numerous other incidents with a comprehensive car insurance policy. Moreover, you can enjoy exciting benefits, such adding multiple riders and getting discounts on premiums with the no-claims bonus facility.