Does Your Car Insurance Cover a Broken Windshield?
Find out if your car insurance includes windshield damage and how to file a claim for repair or replacement under a comprehensive policy.
Your windshield might get cracks when hit by a tree branch, a coconut, or a rock when parked on the road, under a tree or a construction building. Comprehensive car insurance will cover damage to the windshield but not third-party liability insurance. If however, the damage was a result of an accident then the insurance can pay for the repair or replacement of the windshield.
Types of Insurance that Cover Windshield Damage
- Comprehensive (Own damage) Insurance: This is the main type of coverage for windshield damage which protects your car against non-collision incidents such as falling objects, severe weather (like hailstorms), road debris, or acts or vandalism.
- Collision Coverage: This applies when the windshield is damaged as a result of an accident which involves another vehicle or object, such as a crash or impact.
- Glass Cover Add-on: Some insurers offer an add-on for glass protection. Under this cover, the cost of repairing or replacing the windshield is often fully covered, or it may sometimes come with minimal charges.
- Third Party Insurance: Basic third-party policies do not cover windshield and other damages to your own vehicle.
Windshield Damages Covered Under a Comprehensive Policy
The windshield of your car may break or have a crack as a result of a collision or non-collision. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers all physical damages caused to your car's windshield due to collision and non-collision. This includes damages caused to the windshield due to man-made calamities such as accident, vandalism, fire, etc. and other natural calamities like storm, flood, hailstorm, etc.It is important to note that according to IRDAI guidelines, there is no depreciation on vehicle parts made of glass, meaning the insurance company pays for the glass cost in full. You can file a claim with your insurer for windshield repair in the following circumstances:
Comprehensive Policy Car Insurance Cover for Windshield Damage:
- Tree branches, rocks etc. falling on the glass
- Pebbles and debris hitting the windshield while driving
- Hails falling on the windshield during storm
- Baseball or football crashing into the windshield
- Animals colliding with the windshield
- Damages caused due to acts of vandalism
An accidental fire or lightning strike that causes glass to shatter.
The damage caused by riots or strikes that result in a broken front glass.
Under a standard claim, your No Claim Bonus (NCB) may be impacted unless you have a specific Windscreen glass add-on cover. This add-on allows you to repair or replace the glass without losing your accumulated bonus for the next year.
Filing a Windshield Repair Claim
A shattered windshield is expensive to repair or replace. In such circumstances, don't be reluctant to file claims with your insurer. Declare the damage to the insurer and submit a claim for windshield replacement. Either a written application or an online claim can be submitted. The policyholder should inform the insurance company immediately to initiate the claim process and avoid rejection due to delay.You should first call the police, get a FIR, and then file a claim with your insurer if the windshield of your automobile is damaged as a result of vandalism.
Next, bring your automobile to a cashless garage where your business has a relationship to use the cashless service. The specialists on hand in the garage will examine the damage and make a repair or replacement recommendation to you. The specialists might advise a repair if the windshield is cracked or partially broken. However, a replacement might be suggested in the event of complete damage. A small chip smaller than a coin can often be repaired, but cracks longer than six inches generally require a full replacement for safety.In all situations, the insurer will cover the costs if the circumstances that caused the damage are covered by the insurance.
You can select a separate repair shop if you don't want the job done at a network garage. If you decide to use another garage, be sure to give the insurance company the receipts when you make a claim for compensation.The insurer will typically reimburse the amount after deducting the mandatory deductible or excess as per the policy terms. The documentation that the insurer has requested must also be submitted.Vehicle inspection by a surveyor might be needed before the repair work starts to verify the extent of the damage.
Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage for Windshield Damage
If you are in confusion whether your car insurance policy covers the damages caused to the windshield or not, the answer is 'yes', but only if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. Any damage caused to your car's windshield can be fixed without any out-of-pocket expense if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy.The policyholder is still required to pay the mandatory deductible, which is a fixed amount based on the engine capacity of the vehicle. However, damages caused to the windshield of your car will not be covered by the insurer if you own a basic third-party liability insurance mandatory for every car owner in India.
Even if you don't have a comprehensive insurance policy, in a situation where your car is accidentally hit by another third-party vehicle causing damages to the windshield, the insurer of the other car involved in the accident is liable to pay for the repairing cost of your car's windshield. You can file a claim with the third-party vehicle owner in such cases. That claim must be filed in the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to determine the liability and compensation amount. If your claim is found to be valid, the cost of repair or replacement of your windshield will be borne by the third-party insurer.A third-party policy only covers the legal and financial liability toward the other person’s property or injuries, not your own vehicle’s glass.
Windshield Repair Costs Covered under a Comprehensive Policy
The costs related to the repair and replacement of a chipped, cracked, or shattered windshield are covered by a comprehensive car insurance policy. However, only if the source of the damage is covered by your policy are you able to file a car insurance claim with your insurer in such circumstances. While some insurance policies only pay for repairs, others pay for both repairs and replacements.The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates that there is 0% depreciation on glass parts, which means the insurer pays the full cost of the windshield glass during a claim. Depending on the conditions of your insurance, you might be able to get the repair done for free at a cashless garage or you could have to pay something out of pocket.
However, if you don't own a comprehensive car insurance policy and the damage to your windshield is not caused by any third-party vehicle you will have to pay for the repair or replacement on your own. The cost will not be borne by your insurer.The policyholder is always responsible for the compulsory deductible, which is usually Rs.1,000 for cars with engines up to 1500cc and Rs.2,000 for those above 1500cc.
You can select a separate repair shop if you don't want the job done at a network garage. If you decide to use another garage, be sure to give the insurance company the receipts when you make a claim for compensation.That claim must be submitted within the timeframe specified by your insurer, often within 24 to 48 hours of the damage occurring. The documentation that the insurer has requested must also be submitted.An original invoice and a payment receipt from the non-network garage are necessary to process a reimbursement request.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Windshield Claims
There are two main types of deductibles in car insurance:
- Compulsory Deductible: This is a fixed amount set by the insurer based on your vehicle’s engine capacity. This one is mandatory and must be paid for every claim.
- Voluntary Deductible: This is an additional amount you choose to pay out of pocket in exchange for lower premium. While it reduces your insurance cost, it increases your share during a claim.
When filing a claim for windshield damage, the insurer will deduct these amounts before settling the bill. If you opted for a glass cover add-on or zero depreciation cover, your out-of-pocket expense may be significantly lower, especially for replacement cases.
Consider Deductibles Before Filing a Claim
When you file a claim, you may have to pay compulsory and voluntary deductibles as per the percentage chosen at the time of policy purchase. In case it is required, compare the cost of replacement/repair with your deductible amount. If the estimated cost of your windshield repair is less or slightly more than the deductible then it is not worthwhile to make a claim.This is because filing a claim will lead to the loss of your No Claim Bonus (NCB), which can be as high as 50% on your next renewal premium. However, there are certain car insurance companies which offer windshield repair without the payment of a deductible. Confirm this with your insurer before you proceed.
It not safe to drive with a broken windshield as may impact your driving skills. Your front visions may appear unclear and while driving on bumpy roads the broken pieces may fall off.The structural integrity of the car is also compromised during a rollover accident if the windshield is cracked or improperly fitted. Hence, as soon as you notice a broken windshield, use your comprehensive car insurance policy to repair or replace it.Under Indian law, driving with a damaged windshield that obstructs the driver’s vision can result in a fine for driving an unsafe vehicle. If you don't have one apply for it online. It will safeguard you and your car against any damages resulted due to natural and man-made calamities. However, before going for a windshield repair check the policy terms and confirm all the details with your insurer. This will give you a clear idea and you won't end up paying anything unexpected towards the repair.An inspection by a surveyor is usually mandatory before the insurance company approves the claim for glass replacement.
Tips to Protect and Maintain your Car’s Windshield
Keeping your car’s windshield in good condition is essential for both safety and durability. Follow the below mentioned steps to reduce the chances of damage:
- Maintain a safe distance from heavy vehicles like trucks or construction carriers to reduce the risk of damage from flying debris or loose stones.
- Park the car in a garage or shaded spot whenever possible to protect the windshield from excessive heat, which can cause expansion and lead to cracks.
- Replace windshield wipers at least once a year, or sooner if the rubber becomes hard or worn out, to avoid scratches on the glass.
- Clean the windshield using a microfiber cloth along with a proper glass cleaner instead of using rough fabrics or harsh chemicals.
- Never pour hot or boiling water on a frozen windshield, as the sudden temperature shift can cause the glass to crack or shatter.
- Regularly check the windshield for small chips or cracks and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.
FAQs
- Does a basic third-party insurance policy cover a broken windshield?
The answer is no, because a third-party policy only covers the legal and financial liabilities toward other people or their property. An owner must have a comprehensive or a standalone own damage policy to get coverage for their own vehicle’s glass.
- Will my No Claim Bonus (NCB) be affected if I claim for a windshield replacement?
The filing of a standard own damage claim usually results in the loss of the accumulated No Claims Bonus for the following year. This bonus can be protected only if the policyholder has a specific Windshield Glass add-on or an NCB Protector rider.
- Is there any depreciation deducted from the cost of the windshield glass?
Under IRDAI regulations, glass parts are subject to 0% depreciation, which means the insurer pays for the material cost in full. The policyholder is only responsible for paying the mandatory deductible and any plastic or rubber components used during the fitting.
- What is the Windshield Glass add-on cover?
This is a specific rider that allows a policyholder to repair or replace the front or rear glass without impacting their NCB status. It is usually applicable for the first glass-only claim made during the entire policy period.
- Is a police FIR mandatory for filing a windshield insurance claim?
An FIR is generally required only if the damage is the result of a criminal act like vandalism, theft attempt, or a major road accident. The insurer may skip the FIR requirement for minor cracks caused by flying pebbles or falling tree branches.
- Can I get the windshield replaced at a non-network garage?
That option is available, but the policyholder must pay the bill upfront and then apply for a reimbursement from the insurance company. The reimbursement will be processed after the submission of the original invoice and the payment receipt.
- How much is the mandatory deductible for a windshield claim?
The compulsory deductible is a fixed amount, usually Rs.1,000 for cars with engines below 1500cc and Rs.2,000 for higher capacity engines. This amount must be paid by the car owner before the insurance company settles the remaining repair or replacement costs.
- Is it better to repair a small chip or replace the entire windshield?
A professional repair is often recommended for small chips that are not in the driver’s direct line of vision to save costs and maintain the factory seal. An entire replacement becomes necessary if the crack is longer than six inches or if it reaches the edge of the glass.
- Does car insurance cover cracks caused by extreme heat?
A comprehensive policy covers damages caused by natural calamities, but cracks due to regular wear and tear or internal stress are often excluded. That claim might be rejected if the insurer determines the damage was caused by mechanical failure or poor maintenance rather than an external event.
- How long does it take to settle a windshield insurance claim?
Under IRDAI guidelines, the insurer must appoint a surveyor within 72 hours of the claim notification to inspect the damage. The final settlement or rejection should typically be communicated within 30 days after the submission of all required documents and the survey report.
- Is damage to the car’s sunroof glass covered similarly to the windshield?
The sunroof or panoramic glass is generally covered under a comprehensive insurance policy, as it is considered a part of the vehicle’s glass components. Even if the glass components have zero depreciation, parts like the motor mechanism or rubber seals may still be charged with depreciation or may not be fully covered. It’s important to check whether the insurance policy includes a separate add-on for high-end glass or a sunroof or not, especially in premium cars where replacing a panoramic roof can be much more expensive than a regular windshield.
Karishma VP has over a decade of experience in content writing which includes over five years specializing in personal finance. Her career in BankBazaar has given her the opportunity to write on a wide variety of financial products ranging from credit cards and home loans to insurance policies and government schemes. She believes that an understanding of personal finance is an important step to leading an independent, empowered life. This has led to her being passionate about learning more about the BFSI sector and writing about personal finance as clearly, concisely, and accurately as possible to make it accessible to a larger audience through BankBazaar.
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