Arizona is one of the leading states for broken windshields, so it’s likely only a matter of time before your luck runs out. But who pays for a windshield replacement? Keep reading to find out.
Car Insurance Coverage for Windshield Replacements
If your windshield is damaged while you’re driving or after being hit by something while you’re parked, you should be covered. Windshield damage generally falls under the comprehensive portion of your car insurance policy. Unless you opted for a liability-only policy on an older car, you probably have this coverage.
Arizona’s Free Windshield Replacement Law
In many states, you have to pay your comprehensive deductible when you file a windshield replacement claim. Arizona has a special law that requires insurance companies to offer full glass coverage with no deductible or out-of-pocket expense. If your windshield is damaged, you only need to make repair arrangements with your insurance company and won’t have to pay anything.
Note that if you’re a part-time resident and have your insurance coverage in another state, this law may not apply to you. You may have to pay a deductible, or you may have an option to purchase full glass coverage with no deductible at an additional cost. If you’ve recently moved to Arizona permanently, this is a good reason to update your insurance policy with your new address as soon as possible.
Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up if You File a Windshield Claim?
Windshield claims rarely affect your insurance rates. The reason that other types of accidents do, even when you’re not at fault, is because drivers who have been in an accident are statistically more likely to get in another. This may be because of unsafe driving habits or from not being as good of a defensive driver as others.
On the other hand, windshield claims are much more a matter of luck than your driving habits. You can’t control if a semi-truck kicks up a piece of gravel that rolled into the road from construction and sends it into your windshield. Generally, the only time you can expect your insurance rates to be adjusted from a windshield claim is if you have a high number or frequency of windshield claims that suggest you’re driving in riskier areas than other drivers.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance coverage, have a liability-only policy, or have a higher deductible than the repair cost, your options are limited. You can potentially sue for the damage, but it’s difficult to figure out who caused it and prove that they did. If you can’t find enough evidence to bring a claim, you would need to pay for the repair out of your own pocket.
Get the Coverage You Need
If you live in Scottsdale, AZ, or the surrounding areas, contact The Don Neeley Agency. Whether you’re looking for a better price, more coverage, or have just moved to the area, we’ll help you find a policy that meets your needs.
