Do car insurance companies cover windshield damage?
Do car insurance companies cover windshield damage?
A car’s windshield is made of resilient material and can withstand a high amount of pressure and varying temperatures. However, there are times when the windshield can get damaged due to acts of nature, falling coconuts or branches, or man-made events. A damaged windshield makes driving difficult and dangerous, thereby calling for immediate repairs. While car owners must take a basic third-party liability insurance policy , this may not cover car windshield damage. However, if you have a comprehensive car insurance or standalone own damage car insurance , you can file a cashless claim with the insurer or get a reimbursement.
Here is some information on the types of windshield damages covered under a comprehensive policy and the process of filing a claim.
Types of windshield damages covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy
When you have comprehensive car insurance, your insurer will cover all damages related to accidents, theft, fire and explosion, natural calamities, and third-party liabilities. Therefore, if your car’s windshield has got chipped, cracked or broken due to collision or man-made events, you can file a claim and your insurer will take care of the repair and replacement costs.
A comprehensive car insurance plan covers, car windshield damage due to:
Falling of branches on the glass
Falling of coconuts and other heavy objects
Stones and debris hitting the windshield
Collision of birds or animals
Accidents, vandalism, fire, and other man-made events
Natural calamities, such as floods, earthquake, thunderstorm, and hailstorm
In case your car’s windshield gets damaged due to theft or vandalism, you should first register an FIR in the nearest police station and then file an insurance claim.
How to file a claim for a damaged windshield?
Windshield repairs or replacement can be an expensive affair. However, if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, you can easily file a claim with your insurance company and save yourself from the expenses.
Here is how you can file a claim for your car’s damaged windshield:
1. Get in touch with the insurance company: Contact the insurer as soon as possible and begin the claim process. You can also fill the claim form on the insurer’s website and submit it in no time.
2. Avail the claim: Once the insurance company accepts your claim, you can take the vehicle to a network garage for a hassle-free cashless claim. You can also choose a non-network garage for the necessary repair work and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Conclusion:
A damaged windshield makes driving a car both inconvenient and dangerous. Hence, whether your car’s windshield suffers a small crack or major damage, make sure you get it repaired at the earliest. Windshield repairs or replacement cost can run into several thousand rupees and a third party insurance policy will not cover it. Hence, for extended coverage and better financial security, it is wise to opt for either comprehensive car insurance or standalone own damage car insurance policy . These car insurance plans offer extensive benefits and also give you the option to choose different add-on covers.
This blog has been written by
S. Gopalakrishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+ years of experience in insurance industry
A veteran in insurance industry. S. Gopalakrishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance, he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.
Mr. S.Gopalakrishnan recommends "HDFC ERGO for your vehicle insurance needs, it has always put customer’s interest at the forefront, with round the clock assistance to deal with emergency breakdown issues and hassle free claims process. You can be assured of complete and reliable guidance through the whole process."
Disclaimer:The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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