I have heard that if you have full coverage on your car you can replace the windshield paid for by your insurance company. How does this work? Does your premium go up?

 

It will be coverd. Unless you have a 500 dollar deductable like me. i had to just pay for it outta pocket.

correct me if Im wrong but I think your insurance will/can go up ANYTIME you file a claim.

so whats your deuctable?

 

yeah I didn't think about the deductible I think it is $500.

What does a new windshield cost, ballpark?

 

it's different for every co. If you have full glass coverage, you get free glass. but you can't abuse it. I know that glass coverage on my policy cost a couple bucks extra, and the agent said that I claim per yr isn't uncommon for glass.

 

Yes, most policies have provisions for an endorsement for zero deductibles on glass. You have to specifically select it and pay a few bucks more per year. Not guaranteed but I doubt a single windshield claim is going to affect your premium unless you have other claims or tickets on the record.

Also, even if you have a deductible, most companies will pay completely for a windshield repair if it saves them the cost of a complete replacement (minus your deductible). It may not be noted in your policy so call your insurance company. Some glass companies have electronic systems to tie them with your insurance company. Give them your VIN and policy number and they may bill directly so all you have to do is drop the car off and pick it up.

With minor chips I prefer repair to replacement, even if you have insurance picking it up. Replaced a windshield on my '84 Pontiac STE. About a year later took another pebble hit with a crack. While replacing it again the shop (different from the first) pointed out rust on my A-pillar where the earlier windshield was not properly sealed. Luckily it hadn't progressed much. Sanded off the rust and hit with primer before putting in the new windshield.

Also, if you do go for a replacement, push for Nissan factory glass. When I did the windshield on my '92 SE my insurance company pushed for a certain shop. They promised "premium glass". I asked the brand. It took three days to get them to say anything other than "premium glass". Never heard of the brand. I would have said OK to LOF or PPG glass but this was a complete unknown. Had to insist with the insurance company that they were responsible to repair or replace with like kind and quality and that the only way I could be sure of this was to have Nissan glass. Also pointed out that the windshield is a critical safety component, both from a structural point of view and visibility.

Nissan glass ran $1,200 vs. $300 for "premium glass" but I felt better having it.

Also, don't go with the convinience of "come to you" shops unless the weather can be assured to be dry and temperatures moderate. Temperature and humidity are critical for proper curing of the glues. Make sure the shop does it in a controlled environment and not just in their parking lot.

 

claims = bad unless it's for the big stuff

 

Free windshield here. No deductible. No increase either.

 

I guess it depends on your insurance company. A few years back I had the windshield on my 1991 CRX Si replaced, basically it had a crack at 2 different places and they started to meet after a few weeks. Anyways I called my insurance and they said I could call whatever glass company I chose just let them know the name of the glass company and they would pay for it. I believe it is covered under the COMPREHENSIVE part of the policy, plus I had a no deductible !!! Good Luck !!!

 

my windshield jsut cracked last week, after getting a stone chip on freeway. The patch is covered by insurance...dont have to pay. But right after they patched it....the windshield cracked the next day!

now I have to replace it...my deduct. is 250 and replacing one with a name brand windshield (PPG) is 235.....guess I will pay it out of my pocket.

any other brands that you guys recommand? something bulletproof?