Are broken car windows covered by insurance?

Did you know broken car windows are covered by auto insurance, but only in specific situations? It depends on how the windows were broken and what type of car insurance coverage you have. 

So which situations are these and which coverage pays for damage to your windows? Read our guide for the answers to these questions, plus how car insurance companies cover broken windows and how you can file a claim for broken windows and windshields. 

Are broken car windows covered by insurance?

Yes, however, you’ll need the right coverage attached to your insurance policy. 

For example, liability insurance won’t cover your broken windows if you were at fault in a car accident. But another driver’s liability coverage pays for your broken windows if they were at fault in an accident. 

Your insurance company can cover the cost of broken windows through collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. 

How does collision car insurance cover broken car windows?

Collision auto insurance provides coverage for your damaged vehicle regardless of fault. If your car’s windows are damaged in an accident, your insurance policy’s collision coverage pays for the broken window(s). 

Before an insurance company pays for damage to your car’s windows, you’ll need to pay a deductible. 

Can comprehensive insurance cover your broken car windows?

Yes, it can. However, comprehensive car insurance won’t cover any broken windows if you were in an accident with another driver. 

Comprehensive auto insurance pays for damage to your car that doesn’t involve a collision. Here are the most common examples of what comprehensive insurance covers: 

• Damage from animals
• Flood damage
• Storm damage
• Hail damage
• Fire damage
• Vandalism (including civil unrest)
• Damage from falling objects
• Vehicle theft

Comprehensive insurance covers the damage cost if an unforeseen incident damages your car or its windows. But you’ll have to pay a deductible. 

How does uninsured motorist coverage pay for broken car windows?

If you’re in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have auto insurance, your car insurance company provides coverage for your damaged windows. Insurance companies even provide coverage if a hit-and-run driver damages your vehicle, including your windows.

Does underinsured motorist coverage pay for broken windows?

Yes, it does. Underinsured motorist insurance activates when an at-fault driver’s insurance policy doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damaged car, including your vehicle’s windows.

Underinsured motorist, or UIM, coverage is paired with UM coverage, and both coverages are part of liability insurance in some states. They have deductibles, but it’s typically lower than collision and comprehensive insurance deductibles. 

Are broken windshields covered by car insurance?

Yes, they are. Your insurance policy covers broken windshields under comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance would pay for a damaged windshield if you were in an accident.

And if another driver is at fault, their liability coverage pays for the damage to your windshield. Meanwhile, some companies pay for aftermarket parts after filing a claim. But you can ask for original manufacturer parts (OEM). 

Which states have no deductible for windshield replacement?

Six states in the nation have a $0 deductible for windshield replacement:

• Arizona
• Florida
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• New York
• South Carolina

Even if you have to pay a deductible in your state, check with your car insurance company. Some insurance companies may provide a $0 deductible for windshield replacement. 

How much does windshield replacement cost?

Windshield replacement cost is between $100 and $1,500. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you could pay hundreds of dollars for a new windshield. However, the price of your windshield replacement varies for each car. 

What’s the difference between broken glass and a broken windshield?

Broken glass could mean anything, such as broken sunroof glass or windows. But reporting a broken windshield brings you closer to figuring out the estimated cost of damage. 

When should you buy more insurance coverage?

Plan ahead if you want coverage for any broken windows on your car. Get full coverage at the start of your car insurance policy to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for broken windows. 

Full coverage car insurance isn’t as expensive as you may think. Here’s a list of the latest average cost for auto insurance in each state. 

Full coverage is $94 on average, but it’s different for each state. Liability insurance is 53% cheaper than full coverage, but you will in turn get less coverage. 

Also, where you buy your car insurance can determine your insurance rates. So your car insurance rates could be more expensive when you shop with the best insurance companies. 

What are coverage limits, and should you increase them?

The coverage limit is the amount that your insurance company covers if you get into an accident. For instance, you may have a $25,000 coverage limit for property damage. That means your car insurance company pays up to $25,000 in damages. 

Car window replacement and repair shouldn’t cost $25,000. We’re just showing you how coverage limits work. If you think $25,000 isn’t enough, you can raise your coverage limits, but you’ll pay more for auto insurance. 

How do you file a car insurance claim for a broken window?

Filing an auto insurance claim for a broken window is simple. Contact your insurance company and let them know your window is broken. 

Then, carefully describe the circumstances so the insurance agent understands how the incident happened. They’ll keep a record of your claim and ask for a police report if you were in an accident or if the damage is a result of vandalism. 

You’ll need to get at least two estimates for the damage, and you’ll have to pay the deductible. If the damage cost is less than your deductible, we recommend that you don’t file a claim. 

Broken Car Windows Covered by Insurance: The Bottom Line

Insurance policies can cover broken windows on your vehicle, but it depends on how the windows were broken. 

Car insurance companies wouldn’t cover broken windows if you were at fault in an accident under liability-only insurance. But if you have collision insurance, you can get coverage. 

Windows broken by unforeseen accidents, such as vandalism, are covered by comprehensive insurance. We highly recommend adding collision and comprehensive coverages to your policy to avoid paying out of pocket for broken windows. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of expensive insurance. You can find cheap car insurance right now.