TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011
Nobody is immune to a cracked windshield. Whether it’s from a gravel road, cold weather, or a pebble thrown your way, a cracked windshield is a common vehicle nuisance.
When you hear the crack, taking appropriate action to repair your windshield quickly may save you money in the long run.
 Oftentimes windshield cracks cause more of an annoyance than an immediate problem. Drivers spend weeks, months and sometimes years driving around with a cracked windshield. If you act quickly when the crack occurs, you can save yourself in the long run. Most small cracks, less than 6 inches, are usually repairable without replacing the entire windshield. Insurance companies appreciate proactive drivers and, if you call them early, they may be willing to waive your deductible on a small repair because it is saving money for the insurance company in the long run.
On the other hand, if you put off your windshield repair, it may extend the crack causing you to replace the entire windshield. In addition, some insurance companies see this procrastination as a disregard for driver safety and may deny your claim entirely.
If the crack is more extensive, you must consider your comprehensive coverage deductible. If you have a standard $500 deductible and the cost of your windshield is $460, it might not be worth it to file the claim. The cost of the windshield will not meet your deductible; therefore you will not receive a payment from your car insurance company. But even filing a claim, even though no amount is paid, will show up on your claims history. You'll have to decide if saving $40 is worth filing the claim.
Be sure to call and get two or three quotes to be sure you are getting an accurate estimate on your windshield. Windshields are one of the most common car repairs, so oftentimes an auto body shop may have a special, especially in the winter months, when gravel on the roads is more common. Ask each auto body shop if they have a special rate for insurance companies, you’ll want to be sure to compare what you will have to pay, and what your insurance company would be paying, should you choose to file the claim.
Filing a claim will most likely not have any immediate effects on your insurance premiums. Most car insurance companies will not raise your premium rates over a windshield repair claim, because windshields are considered an unavoidable claim. However, every claim you make will go on your insurance claim record. Over time, the more claims you file the greater the chances of a hike in your auto insurance renewal rates.
Call us today at (502) 933-2255 or get a free instant Louisville auto insurance quote to be sure you're getting the best deal on your car insurance.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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