What Is Consumables Cover in Car Insurance and Does It Include Windshield Replacement?

With car insurance, add-ons like consumable covers play an important role in claims involving windshield replacement and similar scenarios.

They help you save on out-of-pocket expenses in the long run, once the claim is filed and approved. So, learning what these covers include before filing a claim helps you plan better.

If you are a new or existing car owner, our detailed blog will help you understand why this add-on matters and its role in windshield related repair and replacement.

What Is Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?

Consumables cover in car insurance is an add-on wherein the insurance company pays for the repair and replacement of your car's consumables.

Consumables refer to components that need frequent replacement over time due to routine wear and tear. These include¹ grease, nuts, engine oil, brake oil and other car parts.

Does Consumables Cover Include Windshield Replacement?

Windshields are typically not considered consumable items, as they are components that reinforce a vehicle’s structural integrity. So a consumable cover does not include windshield replacement.

However, windshield wipers, adhesives and other items used during the replacement fall under the consumables cover, since they wear out with regular use.

So your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your comprehensive car insurance policy terms and your insurer's specific conditions.

What Car Insurance Cover Usually Applies to Windshield Damage?

Windshield damage is generally covered under the own damage (OD) section of a comprehensive car insurance policy. OD refers to damage caused by natural or unforeseen events.

For example, you can file a windshield insurance claim in the following situations:

• Trees, branches or heavy items like coconuts falling on the windshield
• Accidental collision with an animal
• Acts of vandalism or theft

In these cases, your insurer will cover the cost of windshield repairs or replacement, excluding the mandatory deductible under your policy.

Windshield repairs cover minor cracks or chips, while windshield replacement covers severe damage that requires replacing the entire windshield.

What Should You Check Before Filing a Windshield Claim?

You need to check various things before filing a windshield claim to avoid unwanted surprises later on, such as:

• Policy Terms and Conditions: Reviewing the terms and conditions of your comprehensive car insurance policy will help you understand your coverage, payable deductible and applicable add-on covers, as well as any exclusions.
• Claim Eligibility: Checking your claim eligibility beforehand to avoid unwanted surprises later on. For example, if the windshield damage was caused by a collision with another vehicle instead of natural causes or unforeseen causes, then you may not be eligible for windshield insurance. Contact your provider for more information.

How Professional Windshield Services Can Help With the Claim Process?

Professional windshield services like us at AIS Windshield Experts can help you with the claim process by:

• Professional Assessment: Thoroughly assessing your windshield damage before recommending repair or replacement.
• Comprehensive Assistance: Assisting you with the required documentation and claim procedures where offered. For example, our technicians will photograph the damage for your convenience. We will also help file your claim, get it approved and update you via SMS.
• Professional Installation: Installing the appropriate OEM-specified windshield after claim approval.

Conclusion

A consumables cover in car insurance does not automatically mean the insurance company will cover the cost of a windshield replacement. Instead, coverage depends on your policy's terms and conditions, any applicable add-on covers and claim eligibility and conditions.

Review your car insurance policy carefully before filing a claim to avoid surprises and understand your next steps, such as reaching out for professional windshield replacement assistance if needed.

At AIS Windshield Experts, we offer dedicated windshield repair and replacement services for a wide range of automobile brands. We also offer claim assistance for peace of mind.