Windshield Insurance Claim vs Paying Out of Pocket: What Should Car Owners Check First?

Windshield damage is a serious issue that can reduce on-road visibility and lead to accidents. So when it happens, you have two options: pay out of pocket for repairs or file an auto insurance claim, which may or may not cover windshield damage, depending on the policy you purchased.

But how do you decide between these options? Let’s find out.

When Should You Consider a Car Windshield Insurance Claim: Factors To Check

You can consider filing a car windshield insurance claim in the following situations and after checking the related factors:

Natural Calamity or Event Damage

Filing a claim will be a sensible option when your windshield is damaged due to theft, vandalism or natural calamities like stones or coconuts falling, cyclones, earthquakes or fires. That is because these are covered under a comprehensive damage policy that includes own damage (OD) cover, or an independent OD cover.

High Repair or Replacement Costs

When the repair or replacement costs quoted by the professional windshield repair and replacement service are higher than the mandatory deductible of ₹1,000 or ₹2,000 and your car's Insurer Declared Value (IDV), filing a claim may be a sensible option.

This is because the insurer will cover the bulk of the cost.

When Should You Consider Paying Out of Pocket: Factors To Check

You can consider paying out of pocket in the following scenarios and after checking the related factors:

Low Insurance Amount Payout

Sometimes, the insurance payout amount that you are eligible for may not be high enough to justify filing a claim. For example, if the windshield repair cost is quoted at ₹2,500, you may be eligible for a ₹1,500 or ₹500 payout, depending on the mandatory deductible of ₹1,000 or ₹2,000.

In such cases, paying out of pocket may make more sense, as the claim filing, processing and approval timeline may not suit your needs.

Claim Filing Delay

If you forgot to file a claim within the policy-specified window of 24-48 hours, or as applicable, you may consider paying out of pocket, as your claim may be rejected.

However, always contact your insurer for clarity before proceeding.

Why Choose a Professional Windshield Replacement and Repair Service?

Choosing a professional car windshield repair and replacement service will ensure quality work and precision. At AIS Windshield Experts, we follow a dedicated step-by-step windshield repair and replacement process, use the latest tools and OEM-specified windshields for the best results.

FAQs

1. Is windshield replacement covered by car insurance?

A comprehensive car insurance policy may cover the cost of a windshield replacement under Own Damage (OD) cover, or a separate OD cover, depending on the policy’s terms and conditions.

2. Should I claim insurance for windshield replacement?

You can claim insurance for car windshield replacement if:

• The repair or replacement costs are more than the Insured Declared Value (IDV) and the mandatory deductible amount of ₹1,000 or ₹2,000
• The windshield has been damaged due to natural calamities or theft and vandalism

3. Does insurance cover the entire replacement cost?

No, the insurance amount equals the car’s Insured Declared Value (IDV) and excludes the mandatory deductible of ₹1,000 or ₹2,000, which you pay.

Wrapping Up

You should check your car insurance policy and get your windshield thoroughly assessed by a professional windshield replacement service before filing a windshield insurance claim or paying out of pocket. A professional assessment will help you understand the costs and clarify next steps.