But what should you do if your windshield needs to be fixed? Should you file a claim, or will that make your insurance rates go through the roof the next year?
Seeing small pits scratches and hazy patches on your windshield can be annoying and hazardous to driving visibility. Fortunately, many car insurance policies will cover repairing or replacing a pitted windshield, depending on the cause and extent of damage.
What Causes Pitting and Haziness on a Windshield?
There are several common culprits behind windshield pits, scratches, and haze:
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Driving on gravel or dirt roads frequently can cause windshield pitting over time as tiny rocks and gravel blast the glass.
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Environmental factors like wind, sandstorms, and parking unsheltered expose cars to debris that can damage the windshield.
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Wiper blades that are old or dirty can scratch the windshield when used without lubrication.
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Hard water mineral deposits left when water evaporates can etch the windshield
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Winter road treatments like salt and sand also take a toll on windshield glass.
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Normal wear and tear over many years of driving can cause gradual hazing.
What Factors Impact Insurance Coverage?
Whether and how much insurance pays for windshield repair or replacement depends on several key factors:
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Cause of damage – Gradual environmental damage is more likely to be covered than negligence.
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Type of policy – Comprehensive coverage is most likely to cover windshield damage, while basic liability may not.
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Deductible amount – Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 deductible for windshield repair/replacement.
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Type of repair needed – Just fixing pits and scratches costs less than full windshield replacement.
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Repair vs replacement – Insurance may cover limited repairs per year before requiring replacement.
Will Car Insurance Cover a Pitted Windshield Repair or Replacement?
Many standard policies will cover fixing or replacing a pitted windshield, but there are some nuances:
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Minor pitting and scratches may be repairable if damage is only surface-level. This repair is often covered fully by insurance without a deductible.
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Deep pitting that has penetrated the glass layers will likely require full windshield replacement. This is typically covered after paying your deductible.
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Surface hazing and damage may be polished out, but insurance may not cover this method if it’s not an effective long-term solution.
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There are limits per year on how much windshield repair is covered before requiring replacement.
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Gradual wear and tear over time usually won’t be covered, only sudden damage.
Tips for Getting Car Insurance to Cover a Pitted Windshield
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Inspect your policy to understand your windshield coverage and any limitations.
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Take photos documenting the damage to submit to insurance.
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Get pits and scratches repaired first before needing full replacement if possible.
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Ask insurance if pits can be repaired before assuming windshield replacement is necessary.
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Pay out of pocket for minor repairs below your deductible to avoid a claim.
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Act quickly when you notice pitting or haziness so it doesn’t get worse.
With the right auto insurance policy, you can get coverage for repairing or replacing a pitted windshield. Just be sure to understand your deductibles, limits, and comprehensive coverage details. And have a glass repair shop assess damage to determine if it qualifies for insurance repair before replacing the entire windshield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a heavily pitted windshield be restored?
Deep pitting usually requires full windshield replacement, which insurance will cover after your deductible. Surface pits may be repairable with resin fillers from a windshield repair kit.
Do windshield repair claims increase your insurance rates?
In most states, insurers will raise your rates slightly after a windshield repair claim since it is still a paid claim. But rate hikes are small because windshield claims aren’t related to your driving.
What typically causes windshield pitting?
Gravel roads, high winds, wiper blades, road treatments, and normal wear and tear over many years can cause tiny pits and scratches in windshield glass.
What are signs of a pitted windshield?
Glare, tiny surface dents in the glass, specks, and obscured vision are symptoms of a pitted windshield. The damage is caused by sand, rocks, and other abrasive debris hitting the glass.
Most Windshield Damage is Covered Under Comprehensive Policies
Although each insurance company can be different, most insurers cover windshield repairs under comprehensive coverage. Damage like scratches, stone chips, vandalism, and more is usually covered, but your insurance company may not cover the damage in some situations.
An example is a pitted windshield that forms as the windshield ages naturally. This is called wear and tear, and your insurance probably won’t cover it.
When glass coverage is noted in your insurance policy, there is usually no deductible. You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket because most insurance companies will deal directly with your body shop.
If a full windshield needs to be replaced, you usually only have to pay the deductible.
Your Insurance Rates Will Likely Not Increase
When you file a claim for windshield damage, your insurance company will look at your claim history and the amount of your deductible. Under most circumstances, your insurance premium will not increase following a windshield damage claim.
Since each insurance company is different, inquire about windshield damage coverage when choosing a policy.