What Happens If You Delay Reporting Windshield Damage to Your Insurer?

Windshield damage like cracks or chips may seem like a minor inconvenience you don't need to report to your insurer. However, delaying notice can create issues during the windshield insurance claim process and later when you need windshield glass replacement.

What Should You Do After Windshield Damage?

1. Thoroughly inspect the damage, including cracks or chips.
2. Use your mobile phone or a high-quality camera to take clear photos of the damage.
3. Check your insurance policy to see whether it covers car windshield replacement or repairs.
4. Inform the insurer.
5. Follow the insurer's inspection or approval process as directed.
6. Get a professional to inspect and repair or replace the windshield.

Why Should You Report Windshield Damage Promptly?

Report windshield damage promptly because it can worsen over time due to road vibrations, weather changes and on-road debris like flying rock chips.

As the damage worsens, the insurer may not be able to verify the incident details accurately. This can affect the windshield insurance claim application and eventual approval process.

What Can Happen If You Delay a Windshield Insurance Claim?

You should ideally file your windshield glass claim within 24-48 hours of the windshield damage incident. That is because delaying the claim application can lead to:

• Verification-related difficulties: Your insurance company may not be able to verify the details of the windshield damage incident accurately because the cracks will have widened or deepened.
• Additional documentation or clarification: You may be told to provide additional documents or clarification about the incident by visiting the insurance office branch nearby
• Suspicion of fraud: The insurance company may question the authenticity of the windshield insurance claim because of the delay in filing.
• Delayed claim processing timelines: Your insurance claim may take longer than usual to process.
• Policy-specific timelines/conditions nullification: If you file your claim after the duration specified in your policy, then the insurer will not be responsible for paying the claim amount.

Can You Replace Your Windshield Before Informing the Insurer?

Ideally, check whether your insurance policy covers the cost of a windshield replacement and inform your insurer before a professional car windshield replacement service replaces (or repairs) it.

This will help you avoid paying out of pocket whenever possible, as the insurance company will cover the procedure.

Moreover, if you have a cashless insurance policy, you can get your windshield replaced at no cost. This is because the insurance company will cover the costs, provided you take the car to a network windshield replacement service.

FAQs

1. Does windshield insurance cover complete windshield replacement?

Yes, a comprehensive car windshield insurance policy covers windshield replacement costs. However, the insurance company will only pay if the windshield damage meets all the policy conditions.

2. Can I claim insurance for a cracked windshield?

Yes, you can file a claim if your windshield is cracked. The amount you can claim depends on whether you have third-party insurance, own damage (OD) coverage or a comprehensive policy.

3. How long can I wait before reporting windshield damage?

Ideally, report windshield damage within 24-48 hours of the incident, or as your policy specifies.

4. Can I drive with a damaged windshield before filing a claim?

Avoid driving with a damaged windshield before filing a claim. This is because the damage can worsen over time and make it difficult for the insurer to verify the damage accurately, which can affect your claim filing, processing and approval.

Conclusion

Delaying your windshield damage report can delay your windshield insurance claim in the future. At AIS Windshield Experts, we offer dedicated windshield repair and replacement services based on your requirements and the damage incurred. We have tie-ups with various reputed insurance providers and a network of 140 plus workshops across India.