Does window tinting affect my car insurance? [Expert Advice + FAQs]

Sports cars look stunning. In addition to all the incredible performance engineering that goes into creating a powerful engine, significant effort is undertaken to ensure the vehicles look as if they drove right off a movie screen.

But does window tinting affect car insurance? Paying extra for car insurance, however, might not be something that an owner would be too thrilled to do. Before having windows tinted, it might be wise to determine what the impact is going to be on car insurance.

Make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage by doing a comparison search. Enter your zip code above to compare car insurance quotes for free and get your window tint covered.

Does window tinting affect car insurance rates?

Does tinting windows affect insurance? In general, tinted windows do not usually lead to an insurance company choosing to raise rates.

Owners of sports cars may even wish to improve visuals by directing their funds towards vehicle customization.

One popular customization project is to tint the windows. Tinted windows do create a very cool look, which is why drivers of trendy cars modify their windows in this manner.

And then there is another reason why windows are tinted. Tinted windows can also help reduce the harsh impact of the rays of the sun. The interior of a vehicle may avoid suffering from sunlight-related fading.

Drivers may feel more comfortable driving since tinted windows could cut down on the sun’s rays interfering with seeing the road clearly.

The table below shows just how tinting your windows can benefit you.

Tinted windows are not exclusive to sports cars. Any car could have tinted windows including:

• Vans
• SUVs
• Hybrids

This video from Chicago Auto Pros discusses what you should know before you get your windows tinted.

Make sure your tinted windows are well within the requirements of state law. The AAA Digest of Motor Laws compiled these requirements by state.

Those whose tint violates legal statutes might end up with insurance coverage problems.

Ultimately, an individual driver needs to contact his/her own specific car insurance provider and double-check. Only the insurance company can provide a clear, definitive answer.

Tints are logged in terms of the percentage of how tinted the windows actually are. Darkening the window by 20 percent would be a 20 percent tint.

The 20 percent figure derives from the fact the tint would allow 80 percent of the sun to go through the windows. Drivers, however, are not allowed to tint their windows to any degree they wish.

In California, the front side windows must allow 70 percent of light to pass and the windshield must be completely clear. The California vehicle code lists several other compliance rules. If the vehicle violates the state code, the driver could be cited.

Each individual state is going to have its own requirements as far as tinting is concerned. A vehicle that is violating the state’s vehicle code might have a problem with an insurance company.

A vehicle that is still in compliance with state laws probably won’t have any issues with an insurance company.

You Can Get a Ticket for Window Tint That’s Too Dark

Drivers do get cited for violating a state’s laws regarding window tinting. Excessively tinting the windows of a vehicle could make visibility on the road difficult.

Ultimately, the tint on the window does need to remain within legal parameters because those parameters are designed with the vehicle’s operational safety in mind.

Properly tinting the windows to prevent being blinded by the sun could make driving safer. Overdoing it with the tinting means vision ends up obscured and the dangers of causing an accident increase.

Even good drivers might need to contend with the limited visibility’s making it difficult to avoid an accident by evading a negligent driver.

Auto liability insurance does need to be properly in place when the windows are tinted. If windows have been tinted, it might be best to increase the threshold of liability coverage. If the chance of an accident increases, then boosting insurance coverage might be wise.

Liability insurance is not the only coverage that could be increased. Collision coverage may be added to the policy to address any damage done to the driver’s car if they make an at-fault claim for an accident.

While legally tinted windows may not necessarily increase the cost of an insurance policy, adding more liability insurance along with collision insurance would. More coverage means more costs on the premiums.

Does window tinting affect car insurance? Contact Your Insurance Company

Do you have to inform your insurance company of tinted windows? Never make assumptions on behalf of an insurance company. Always check with the insurance provider to make sure compliance with policy terms and conditions are being met. Otherwise, the chances of a claim being denied may loom large.

If you want your tint covered by your car insurance, you must inform your insurer ahead of time. Then, a window tint insurance claim won’t be denied if you need it.

Let the insurance company know about the tints on the windows whether the car’s tint is factory installed or a custom job has been requested.

By informing the insurance provider about the tint, both the insurer and the insured end up on the same page and the right premium price has been affixed to the policy.

The tinted windows may have zero effect on the price. If the price goes up, drivers need to accept the outcome as a tradeoff.

Does window tinting affect car insurance? Frequently Asked Questions

You asked “Does tinting windows affect insurance?” Now you know. We’ve added a few more FAQs below about window tinting and car insurance.

Does window tinting count as a modification?

What modifications affect car insurance? Generally, modifications that affect how powerful your car is or that are outside of the state’s limits will affect your rates. As long as you’re within legal limits on your tint, it should be a car modification that doesn’t affect insurance.

Does a window tint ticket affect insurance?

Does a tint ticket go on your record? A window tint ticket is considered a non-moving violation, as it has little to do with how you drive.

Does a tint ticket put points on your license?

Non-moving violations should not make your rates go up not cause you to get points put on your license.

Will tinting windows void warranty?

Your window tinting should not void your warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act forbids manufacturers from disputing a warranty claim for vehicle modifications on aftermarket parts unless the manufacturer can prove that these modifications damaged the part you are trying to make a claim on. For window tinting, it’s not likely to permanently damage the vehicle, so there’s no reason for it to void the warranty.

Even when adding more coverage to a vehicle, the possibility exists that money can be saved through performing vital comparison shopping.

Filling out online quote search applications may lead to procuring scores of impressive rates on various premiums. Anyone who is worried about anything affecting car insurance rates likely wants to save money.

A budget may very well be really tight, but you may want to get your tint covered. Comparison shopping for insurance policies can assist a driver looking to cut premium costs. Enter your zip code below to compare today.