Does My Car Insurance Cover a Broken Window?
Getting a broken or cracked windshield is one of the more-common car mishaps. It might happen because a thief broke into your car through the window, but it is more likely that while you were driving a small stone was kicked up by the car in front of you and hit the window. As repairs go, it's an inexpensive fix, but it can still exceed some people's budgets.
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When Covered
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For a broken windshield to be covered by insurance, you generally need to have comprehensive coverage. If the broken windshield happens as the result of an accident, it won't be covered unless you struck an animal. If the breakage happens because of an accident in which you were at fault, then the replacement is covered under your collision coverage. If it happens because of an accident you didn't cause, then the other person's property liability coverage will replace it.
Deductible
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If using your insurance to pay for a windshield replacement, you will first need to pay the deductible on your policy before the insurance pays anything. If you have a high deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim because the cost to replace the windshield won't exceed the cost of the deductible. Some states require comprehensive coverage to cover all of the cost, though, so you don't have to worry about the deductible. Some insurance companies will offer riders on your policy that will pay for all windshield replacement without a deductible no matter what type of insurance you have.
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Comprehensive Coverage
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Comprehensive coverage or full coverage is going to cost you the most because it covers just about anything that happens to your car. If you are still paying on your car, this is the coverage that your lender will require you have to protect its investment. If your car is older and paid for, you can find a better deal with just liability coverage. You'll need to compare the difference in your insurance quotes to decide whether the savings are worth having to pay for most of your car repairs.
Liability and Collision Coverages
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Liability coverage is basic car insurance that states require drivers to have. It covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to someone else's property. If you want to protect your car against damage you cause in an accident, you will need collision coverage. Because these coverages aren't as extensive as comprehensive, they don't cost as much.
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