Category: Insurance

Car accidents are incredibly stressful, especially if your car’s damage is significant. Many car owners worry if the insurance companies will total the vehicle. This information can help you determine whether an insurance company decides your car is a total loss or chooses to sign off on the repairs.

 

When Is a Car Considered Totaled?

If you are in a severe auto accident that causes extensive damage, your insurance company may decide to declare a total loss of the car. In other words, your car is “totaled.” When the car’s damage costs more to fix it than the car is worth, it is considered a total loss. However, that does not mean that the repairs will cost more than the vehicle’s actual value. With a totaled car, the insurance company has decided it is not worth the cost to repair it. Calculating the total loss value of a vehicle is not easy to determine, and those calculations may vary depending on the state and insurance company. You will want to know your vehicle’s value because it can help you negotiate a better payout for your accident claim. It can also help provide you with the correct information to determine if you are getting enough to pay off your car loan.

Insurance companies use many variables to determine the value of your car. Some of these factors include:

• Vehicle type: High-end and classic cars are valued higher.
• Age of vehicle: Newer cars have a higher value than older cars.
• Condition of vehicle: Mileage, tire wear, interior, and other factors can have an impact on the value of your car.

 

If the insurance company determines that you may have contributed to the accident in any way, they could reduce the total loss value. This calculation varies by state. It is important to understand your state’s laws regarding contributory negligence. Insurance companies often use a percentage to determine whether the car is totaled. Most totaled cars have damage between 70 and 75 percent of the value. For example, if your vehicle is worth $10,000 and the cost to repair it is $7,000, the insurance company will likely total it. Here are some other things to take into consideration for your vehicle.

 

Older Models

The damage to a new car needs to be severe for it to be totaled. However, insurance companies will declare older vehicles as a total loss, and that can happen even if the damage appears minor. Insurance companies total older cars because they have a lower resale value than newer cars. It is often difficult to find replacement parts for older cars, and it may be expensive to install those parts. If your vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will pay you the car’s value before the accident. After an older car is deemed totaled, your vehicle will most likely be sent to an auto salvage yard. Some auto repair training schools might purchase wrecked vehicles for students to use for practice.

Actual Cash Value

You might have heard about the term “actual cash value.” If you could sell your vehicle before the accident, the actual cash value is what you would receive for the car. Most traditional car insurance policies cover vehicles using a formula to determine the real cash value. As mentioned, if the repairs cost more than a specific percentage of your car, it might not be worth fixing your vehicle. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Many classic cars can avoid being deemed totaled. You also might not face a complete loss if you have additional coverage on your vehicle, such as gap insurance.

 

Determining Your Vehicle’s Value

There are some things that your insurance company will use to determine the actual value of your vehicle. Your car’s total loss is determined according to its year, make, model, physical wear and tear, mileage, and damage caused by your accident. If your vehicle is in excellent condition, it will have a higher actual value than an older and worn out car. However, you need to keep in mind that vehicles can quickly depreciate. Even those minor accidents can cause insurance companies to declare your car to be a total loss.

 

Checking the Value

Insurance companies use their proprietary software to calculate your vehicle’s actual cash value after an accident. Unfortunately, you cannot use their software to determine your vehicle’s value. However, there are a few ways you can get an idea about your car’s value. If you have been involved in an accident, you can determine how much your vehicle is worth. Write down the year, make and model of your car, and the mileage at the time of the accident. You can then look up your vehicle’s value through various websites, like the Kelley Blue Book, National Automobile Dealer’s Association, or Edmunds. It is recommended that you check all of these sources to get an average value as they may all provide different information. There is a word of caution. Many claims adjusters will tell you that insurance companies do not pay claims based on the Kelley Blue Book values.

You might also want to check out the classified ads to see car prices in your area. The quality, model, and features of similar vehicles can help you determine your car’s value, and you can use it as a base for your insurance negotiations. These resources will only provide a ballpark figure. You don’t want to get your heart set on these estimated values.

Make Sure Your Upgrades Are Counted

If you have made any recent repairs to your car, you will want to provide receipts to calculate your replacement costs. A new transmission or engine can make a difference in the amount of payout money from your insurance company. Add the value of any options included in your car, such as high-quality speaker systems or custom paint accents, to the average you determined in your research. This should give you a value close to what the insurance company will offer. If you have aftermarket options on your vehicle, be sure to inform the insurance company before they provide you with the value they intend to pay. For any of those upgrades, you must keep track of your receipts. These upgrades can make a difference in keeping your vehicle safe from being declared a total loss.

Avoiding Issues With Your Insurance

There are a few words of caution when dealing with an insurance company. It is not uncommon for many car owners to receive a total loss payout check less than the total of your car loan amount. These situations can occur in several different ways. For example, your car can depreciate faster than the rate you are paying down for your loan. Your car loan might also be extended with lower rates, or you have wrapped your prior auto loan into the vehicle’s current loans. If you have included any extras like taxes, title fees, and extended warranties into your loan, you might still owe money after an insurance payout. Finally, those little or no down payment auto loans can cause you to take a loss when your vehicle is declared totaled.

 

You Can Avoid Some Shortfalls

For those financed cars that have been totaled, your insurance company will likely make a claim check payable to you and your lender. You will have to agree with your lender on how to release that insurance money. In most cases, the lender will be reimbursed first, and any remaining money will be released to you.

If you want to avoid owing money on your totaled car, there are a few things that you can do to prevent this scenario. You should think about collision or comprehensive coverage. These coverage plans can help pay to replace a totaled vehicle. For many owners who are leasing or financing their cars, these two separate coverages are required on your car insurance policy. If your car is already paid off, then these policies are optional. However, if your vehicle is totaled without these coverage plans, then you may have to pay out of pocket to purchase a replacement vehicle.

Gap insurance will also make up for the difference between your car’s actual total value and the amount you owe on the vehicle. With new car replacement coverage, you can avoid these monetary shortfalls. All these measures can help you to combat any issues with depreciation. You might also want to pay down as much as possible on your loan, warranties, title fees, and taxes.

Is My Car Totaled?

Those who have been involved in an accident are probably worried about their vehicles. In the worst-case scenario, your car will be deemed totaled by the insurance company. If your car has been in an accident, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today to arrange for a no-obligation consultation. With the latest technology, we can help get your vehicle back to its original condition. Need an auto body shop near me? Make sure to reach out to us. Please give us a call at (856) 218-0202.

Many car owners believe that specific colors have an impact on insurance costs. In fact, some insurance companies state that potential customers often ask if red cars have higher insurance rates than other vehicles. In a study conducted by Insure.com, about 46 percent of those surveyed believe that insurance companies charge higher rates for red cars because they are pulled over more often by police. According to the National Motorist Association, white cars are pulled over more often than red vehicles. However, many drivers still believe this myth. The color of your vehicle has no bearing on car insurance rates, and it will not increase your risk of getting a ticket.

 

Undoing the Myth

Auto insurance will protect your car in the case of damage or injury. It can cover you from financial loss if your vehicle is stolen. The amount of coverage you will need always depends on your residing state and personal circumstances. When it is time to get a quote for your vehicle, the insurance company will factor in some details about your car. For example, some insurance companies will offer discounts for vehicles that are less than three years old. However, many people wonder about the color of their vehicles and insurance rates. Despite this car color myth, many people continue to believe that their car color will factor into policy rates. Here are a few things that you should take into consideration for your insurance rates.

 

Does Car Color Affect Insurance Rates?

Many variables go into calculating an auto insurance premium, but the color of your car is not one of them. However, certain situations, such as supply and demand for a specific color, can increase the vehicle’s cost. In turn, you may see an increase in its premiums. According to insurance experts, insurers never ask about the color of the car when a customer requests a quote. The car’s color is not even a question on a car insurance application. Insurance for a red car is no more expensive than a black, green, or white car. In fact, the insurance company has no idea what color vehicle you have purchased. Although your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is provided to the insurance company, the VIN does not reveal the car’s color. The VIN includes information on when and where a vehicle was built, the level of trim, and some warranty information, but it does not include the color of the car.

The price of a car can change based on several elements, but the most important factor is supply and demand. When you are looking for car insurance, your particular vehicle’s market demand can play a significant role. The car’s color popularity can determine how expensive it will be to insure the vehicle and whether it is a target for car thieves.

The Insurance Myth of the Car Color

While car color does not increase your insurance cost, some cars are more expensive than others to insure. These factors can include the car’s age, make, and model. When it comes to this myth of car color, those popular colors can raise your policy rates. For example, many people believe red cars are more expensive to insure than neutral car colors. In most cases, this is not correct. If a neutral color car, like silver, is in high demand, you may see a higher insurance rate.

 

Tickets and the Insurance Company

When an insurer looks at your driving record to determine your rates, they want to know whether you are a high-risk driver. Just one speeding ticket can raise your rates as much as 15 percent. Two tickets can raise your rates by as much as 40 percent. That means tickets do have an impact on rates, but only for the driver who got the ticket. Claims are a bigger factor to insurance companies as they cost the company money. Cars with higher frequencies of claims or higher payouts than other vehicles will be rated higher. In those cases, higher rates are paid no matter your car’s color. In other words, if you are buying a Corvette, your rate will be the same no matter if the car is red or black.

 

When Color Does Matter?

If you have a custom paint job on your car, your insurance rates may be higher as it would be considered an additional part or equipment. However, the rate would only be slightly higher than a vehicle with a regular paint job. The color of your car may have an impact on other factors. In 2012, CCC Information Services reported that car thieves prefer green, gold, black, or white cars. Silver is the most commonly stolen car color. For those who think that red cars are popular with auto theft, these cars do not even make the list.

Custom Paint Jobs and Insurance Rates

While your car’s color does not affect your insurance rates, some modifications can cause your policy to be more expensive. If you modify the paint or get a custom paint job on your car, you might want to include your custom paint job in your insurance coverage. When it comes to car insurance, your insurance company will consider your vehicle to be in the same condition as you bought in its original form. If you want a customized paint job added to your car and need it to be covered in case of damage, you should notify your insurer.

Many insurance companies will have special coverage for those aftermarket modifications. These upgrades can fall under the “custom parts and equipment coverage” categories. If your car is damaged in an accident, your insurance will cover the repair and replacement of those customizations. Your policy will ensure your custom paint job and other custom parts, such as lights, wheels, and sound systems, are covered by insurance.

 

How Are Car Insurance Rates Calculated?

Although car color does not affect car insurance price, many other factors can increase the policy rates. When you are insuring your car, the insurance companies will ask for a lot of information about your vehicle. In many cases, the insurance company will never ask about the car’s color. Car insurance premiums are calculated based on other information about you and your vehicle. Your insurer uses this information to estimate how likely you will get in an accident and file an insurance claim. These factors include:

• The amount of coverage
• Your driving record
• Credit score
• Driving habits (such as your yearly mileage)
• Your age
• Your residing state
• Your deductible amounts
• Make and model of your car

 

You will also want to select the right insurance coverage. There are several insurance coverage policies for your vehicle. You might want to include the following policies for your car:

• Bodily injury liability covers your medical bills if you have injured someone in an accident.
• Property damage liability covers the cost of property damage you have caused in an accident.
• Personal injury protection covers medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist covers the costs if you are in an accident caused by a driver with little or no car insurance.
• Comprehensive insurance policy covers damage to your car that happens when you are not driving.
• Collision insurance covers damage to your car after a car accident, no matter who was at fault.

 

With more coverage for your vehicle, you can expect to pay some premium rates. However, it will be protected from any potential threats from other drivers or accidental damage.

 

Factors Do Affect Your Insurance Rate

In conclusion, car color does not affect your auto insurance rates, but many factors can raise your policy premiums. Your age, years of driving experience, gender, driving record, make and model of the vehicle and vehicle options are all more important than the color. These variables can increase or decrease the rates of your auto insurance.

However, car color can indirectly affect those auto premiums, but the insurance company does not factor it. If the color changes the car’s value, you may see a rise in your rates. Those custom paint jobs and equipment will increase your premiums. The market value and likelihood of incidents also determine your insurance cost. The bottom line is, if you want that shiny convertible or sports car, your insurance company really doesn’t care if it is red, black, or green. Does car color affect insurance rates? The answer is always a definitive no. You can choose the right color that matches your personal style without worrying about an increase in your insurance rates.

Find a Professional Auto Body Shop Near Me

Whether you have a black, green, white, or red car, we can help you bring your vehicle back to its original condition after an accident. Our team uses the latest technology to make your vehicle look as good as new. You will never know that it was involved in an accident. If your beautiful car has been damaged, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today for a no-obligation estimate for repairs. You can schedule an appointment by calling the office at (856) 218-0202.

Most people would consider themselves extremely fortunate if they never have to make an auto insurance claim. Even though the process is usually cut and dry, there can be times when the process is frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with the stress of getting your vehicle appraised and repaired, but you could be working with someone else’s insurance company. Then, you get a notification that the other party’s insurance company has denied your claim. Now, things are worse than ever. What can you do when the other person’s insurance company has denied liability? Are there steps you can take to get your fair cut?

Keep reading to find out.

 

What is Subrogation and How Does it Affect Your Claim?

Subrogation is not a common word. When you are in a car accident, though, it suddenly becomes much more common. Subrogation will play a role in how much money you get and how the entire claim process plays out.

In other words, subrogation is a way to determine who is at fault in a car accident. If it seems that more than one driver is responsible for the collision, subrogation will assign a percentage of responsibility to every party involved. Then, it helps divide up the amount of money every person gets as a payout.

Usually, you will not be involved in the process, because the insurance companies will do it in the background. After an accident occurs, the provider of your auto insurance will do their part in paying for whatever repairs you need. Sometimes, your insurance company will also work with the other party’s insurance company to get you more money.

If the fault is shared, then your insurance company will, for example, say there is a 50/50 split between providers. For example, if you have damages of $3000, the insurance company will give you whatever amount is needed, minus your deductible. So, let’s say $2000. Then, a subrogation claim is sent to the other party’s insurance company, who will hopefully pay for 50% of that $3000. You then get half of your deductible back.

But things can get quickly complicated, especially when the other party’s insurance company denies your claim.

 

Reasons Why an Insurer Could Deny Your Claim

The main motivator behind an insurance company denying claims is money. After all, insurance companies are a business, and like all businesses, they care about profit. Auto insurance companies aim to reduce their payouts; if they can deny their own insured, they can certainly deny you if it means saving them any extra cost. However, there are more reasons than that to getting denied.

Here are some other factors:

• Lapsed policies. This has nothing to do with you. It means that the other driver could have lapsed on their policy, leaving them uninsured at the time of their accident. This complicates matters, especially subrogation.
• You didn’t report fast enough. Depending on your state, you will have 2-6 years to file a claim. For NJ residents, you only have 2 years. Afterwards, you will be unable to get money from the other party’s insurance. Be sure to contact your insurance provider as soon as you can after the accident to ensure the subrogation process can begin without any hindrances.
• Pre-existing damages. If the insurance company has reason to believe that issues with the vehicle were present before the accident, they could deny the claim.

The other party was not at fault. In the event the police report does not detail who caused the collision, then it must be proven. If there is no evidence to say that the other party was partially or completely at fault, then their insurance company does not have to do anything for you.

 

Steps to Take After The Other Party’s Insurance Denies a Claim

So, you have a letter stating that your claim was denied. This isn’t over—especially if you are undoubtedly entitled to compensation. Be sure to employ an attorney for this. They will have the experience and knowledge to get you the money you deserve.

 

Write a Demand Letter

Your attorney will compose a demand letter that is akin to a formal claim that will detail everything that happened, the amount of damages to your vehicle and bodily injuries, and why the other driver is either partially or completely at fault. From there, the insurance company will respond with further reasons why you were denied. It may even offer some payment demanded but not all of it.

Proceed With a Formal Appeal

The other party’s insurance company should have a formal appeal process. In New Jersey, formal appeals are required in order to proceed lawfully.

 

You May Need a Lawsuit

Usually, the cost of a lawsuit will outweigh the cost of the damages, so you need to think about this carefully. If you suspect that the insurance company is committing an improper claims practice, it may be a good idea. However, you should discuss this with your attorney, as they will have a more educated opinion.

 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the reasons why the other party’s insurance company denied your claim, having legal representation and guidance is the first step. In the meantime, proceed as you would with your own insurance company and have your car repaired. As long as some part of life returns to normal, things will seem a lot less hectic.

Elmer’s Auto Body is happy to work with our customers and their insurance companies. We provide high-quality repairs and act as a one-stop-shop for all other vehicle services in South Jersey. If you need help with filing your auto insurance claim, our customer service team may be able to help. Give us a call or fill out the contact form for more information.

After a crash, you might not be thinking about where you should go or if the auto body shop your insurance company recommends is decent. You just want things to return to normal. That is understandable. When your car is damaged and in need of repair, the insurance company will tell you that they can cover the expenses and will direct you to an approved mechanic. Unthinkingly, you may just go along with it—until you wake up in the middle of the night wondering, “Should I use my insurance company’s auto repair shop? Do I have to?”

The approved mechanic is sometimes referred to as “within the insurer’s network” or “direct repair shops (DRPs).” Insurance providers want you to visit these mechanics because the service will be faster and cheaper for them—but not always for you.

So, choosing whether to use the insurance company’s auto repair shop comes with some consideration. Let’s have a look at some things to keep in mind when selecting the right body shop.

 

Know Your Rights

Your insurance company may try to pressure you a bit into selecting their auto body shop. Fortunately, auto insurance is not as limited as health insurance, and you can freely choose whichever body shop you want. That also means the insurance company has to reimburse the body shop, even if you do not use the recommended one.

Be prepared for some resistance. The insurance company may say, “The repairs will not be as quick if you go somewhere else.”

Speedy repairs are not always the best repairs. You want repairs that are thorough and accurate, not sloppy. If a mechanic is going to race through the repairs just to appease the insurance company, there could be issues that go undiscovered and wind up causing trouble later on. You don’t want that.

So, remember, no matter what the insurance company tells you—that you have to use a DRP, that they can’t guarantee the repairs or warranties—it doesn’t matter. You have a right to choose where you are taking your vehicle. Period.

 

Advantages of Using a Body Shop Recommended By The Insurance Company

There are some pluses to going along with the choice of your insurer, such as:

 

Wider Coverage

Most insurance companies have a network of DRP shops throughout the nation. So, if your vehicle happens to get into an accident in another state, the recommended company is a good choice. In the event that you go to an out of network auto body shop, you may have to return to it, even if it is a far distance away.

 

Faster Service

If you want your repairs done fast, then the body shop your insurance company asks you to use is going to be a great choice. As mentioned earlier, the relationship between the body shop and the insurer means that they are committed to speedy service. The check for the repairs goes straight to the shop, so you don’t even have to worry about it.

In addition to faster repairs, you can glide past the process of filling out paperwork. Typically, insurance companies will guarantee any workmanship and will handle things for you if anything happens in the future. Going out of network means having to deal with any warranty claims or issues for poor workmanship alone.

 

Disadvantages of an Insurance Company Recommended Body Shop

Going with the insurance provider’s recommendations is not always a great plan. Sure, the recommended body shop is going to get your vehicle back to you sooner, but they may not find every single problem. This leads to downsides, including:

 

Unfamiliar Mechanic

You may already have a local auto body shop that does your servicing. Go to them. Otherwise, the repairs will be done by a mechanic that you don’t know—and they don’t know your vehicle.

Negotiation

Did you know that the provider-recommended shop may downplay the damages to your vehicle in an attempt to lower the repair cost? You are going to have to negotiate with the insurance company and the mechanic in order to get the repairs that your car needs.

 

Poor Repairs

Unless you want the most cost-effective route for repair, then going to the recommended auto body shop is not the way to go. Because the relationship is based on incentives, the auto body shop will cut corners and receive salvaged or aftermarket car parts instead of OEM. Always go with a reputable mechanic who does not compromise on quality.

 

Choosing Your Repair Parts and Facility

Many vehicles today have been constructed with highly advanced equipment and need to be repaired with the same level of quality that they came from the factory with. This is known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. When a newer car model is repaired, you will want to receive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure everything fits and functions properly.

For some time now, insurance companies have debated with auto body shops about the need for OEM parts during repairs, since OEM is often more expensive than aftermarket or salvaged pieces. Insurance companies prefer salvaged parts from the junkyard. Check your insurance policy to see if they allow for you to receive OEM.

In the event you plan on bypassing your insurance provider’s recommendation, be sure to choose a top-quality auto body shop near you. Look for a shop with technicians that are highly qualified and have certifications like I-CAR. OEM qualifications are also reassuring.

 

Choose Elmer’s Auto Body

You want an auto body shop that is going to repair your car to perfect condition, not something sub-par. That is why you should choose a place that will honor your wishes and get you exactly what you need for the repairs. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have a team that is proud to serve you. Our technicians have received coveted certifications with I-CAR and OEM providers, ensuring that every service and repair is thorough and precise.

Plus, we promise to work with your insurance company to make the process as stress-free as possible. We will even help you get a rental car if needed. Call us or fill out the contact form to receive a quote or learn more about how we can help.

Most people go through life thinking that they will never have to deal with something like a car fire. You’re prepared for things like collisions, theft, and vandalism, but what are the odds of your vehicle literally going up in flames? Believe it or not, one in eight fires that fire departments respond to involve a vehicle fire.

That means you need to consider whether your auto insurance covers engine fire. Not every type of auto insurance coverage will cover fire. Only comprehensive coverage will protect you against the costs of vehicle fire damage, regardless of the cause.

What Is An Engine Fire?

An engine fire is when a fire starts in your vehicle’s engine. The common cause of engine fire is a defect or design flaw. Poor maintenance may also be a culprit. If you let broken parts go or have leaky seals or bad wiring, the chances of a spark igniting a fire increase. For example, a bad gasket increases the likelihood of leaking flammable fluids, and if a frayed wire comes into contact with that liquid, you have a fire.

No one wants to deal with an engine fire, so bring your car in for maintenance and repairs today. Elmer’s Auto Body is one of the best auto body repair shops in New Jersey. We use only OEM parts and employ only certified technicians.

What Coverage Type Pays For Engine Fire?

As we mentioned earlier, the only coverage that protects you against fires is comprehensive car insurance. This is different from collision coverage that only covers damages from striking something, like a car accident. Comprehensive insurance deals with anything beyond the realm of a car collision. Being that it is an optional addition to your required policy, it costs extra and is oftentimes overlooked by many drivers.

The only time you are required to have comprehensive auto insurance is when you are renting or leasing a vehicle.

Another type of insurance you can purchase is called “supplemental fire insurance.” It will cover virtually everything having to do with fire, but you will have to review the specific wording of the policy that you choose. Supplemental insurance is meant to fill in gaps and cover any potential liabilities.

What Kinds of Car Fire Are Covered By Comprehensive Insurance?

Here are three scenarios in which comprehensive car insurance will cover fire damage:

• There is a wiring defect or mechanical problem that sparks an engine fire
• The vehicle is stolen and the car thief sets it on fire
• A housing structure that was on fire causes damages to nearby parked cars or those in the garage

What About Supplemental Fire Insurance?

Some examples of what supplemental insurance covers include:

• A rental car that is getting repaired or replaced
• Possessions in the vehicle that were damaged by the fire
• Additional expenses, like lost workdays during repairs

The Car Engine Fire Resulted in Total Loss—Now What?

If your car is suddenly engulfed in an engine fire, it often results in a total loss, because the fire can spread rapidly and burn at exceedingly high temperatures. The damages sustained may be impossible to repair. In the event that the engine fire resulted in a total loss, your car insurance will pay the cash value of the vehicle (minus the deductible).

You will need to file a claim in order to get the cash value for the ruined vehicle. The process is simple, but there are some things you need to be aware of before you pick up the phone. First, your claim may be investigated as fraudulent. Don’t worry. Because fire claims are a slightly rare occurrence, most insurance companies are hesitant to believe you immediately. However, if there has been no negligence on your part and no fraud, then the claim process will run smoothly afterward.

What About Repairable Damage?

If the insurance company’s adjuster deems your vehicle repairable and not totaled, you’re in luck! The insurance company will give you a payment to meet the cost of repairs after considering deductibles, and your car will be towed to a reputable auto body shop, like Elmer’s Auto Body, where it will be fixed.

Depending on the extent of the damages from the engine fire, the repairs could take a few days or a few weeks. Sometimes, the mechanic will have to order special OEM parts, and it may take a while for the shipment to arrive.

Bottom Line

Comprehensive car insurance and supplement fire insurance both cover engine fires. Be sure to check your policies to see what kind of fire claims are excluded, if any. Knowing you are protected from engine fire-related losses will give you some peace of mind since such events can be truly devastating.

Having the best auto body shop in your area by your side is also important. Elmer’s Auto Body has been in business for many years. We are highly experienced, highly certified, and 100% committed to offering the best repair services for motor vehicles. Whether you need simple maintenance or a large-scale repair, we got your back.

Get in touch with us today. Pick up the phone or fill out the contact form. A representative will get back to you soon.

Even if you don’t get into an accident, there are plenty of dangers on and off the road to your vehicle’s windshield. And once your windshield is cracked or shattered, there is little you can do with your car until the damages have been repaired. Unfortunately, repairing or replacing a windshield can be too expensive for many drivers.

So, you might wonder whether car insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the windshield.

The answer is: It depends—on the damages and what type of car insurance you have. If you have the correct insurance, then you might be in luck. But there are still a number of factors to consider before filing a claim.

To help you succeed in getting the damages corrected, here is everything you need to know on how to get your insurance to fix your windshield.

 

Which Insurance Covers Glass Damage?

Having the right type of auto insurance is the first major step in getting any crack or chip repaired or a shattered windshield replaced. Regular car insurance covers liabilities, so you need something else.

That’s where comprehensive car insurance is useful. A comprehensive policy is going to cover all the bases that your liability and collision insurance do not, such as theft, vandalism, animal damage, weather damage, and falling-object damages.

Comprehensive coverage usually includes glass damage. In order for any windshield or window issues to be repaired or replaced, however, you will need comprehensive insurance before any incident occurs. If you try to purchase a comprehensive policy after your windshield is damaged, it won’t be covered.

 

Receiving Full Glass Coverage

An optional addition to comprehensive coverage exists that is called “full glass coverage” or “zero dollar glass deductible.” This add-on will void the deductible whenever you submit a glass-related claim.

Full glass coverage is not available in every state, so be sure to check your insurance policy and contact the carrier if you have any questions.

 

Impact on Deductibles and Premiums

Before you begin the process to submit a repair claim, you must do the following:

Compare the cost of the overall repair or replacement to the amount of your insurance deductible.

If you have a deductible that is higher than the overall cost of the windshield repair or replacement, then you shouldn’t file a claim.

Premiums are another matter. Any damage to the windshield that results from anything other than a collision will not increase your insurance rate—usually. Check your insurance policy to make sure.

Keep in mind that, if you file a claim when the cost is only a small amount higher than the deductible, it could negatively impact your claim record. For example, if your deductible is $200, and the cost of repair is $240, and the insurance company gives you $30, you’re not really saving anything. Further, a compilation of small claims could increase perceived risk, leading to a premium hike when you renew.

The DMV has more information about submitting insurance claims and some useful tips to ensure you receive your new windshield.

 

Repair or Replace – That is the Question

There are two avenues for damaged windshield glass: replacing the entire section or repairing the individual cracks and chips.

• Repairs: these should only take around 30 minutes to complete. It is best for smaller cracks and chips in the windshield that are not located directly in the driver’s line of view.
• Replacement: this will cost far more than repairs and are usually the result of extensive, irreparable damages to the vehicle.

 

Will I Get an OEM Windshield?

In the event you need to receive a full windshield replacement, you will receive a brand new pane of glass. That said, whether you receive an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield depends largely on what your insurance policy states.

Most insurance carriers will cover aftermarket parts. Cheaper than OEM, aftermarket parts are ways for insurance companies to cut the cost for themselves and for those they insure. If OEM parts were used all the time, your premiums would be sky high.

But, if you absolutely want an OEM windshield, there are two things you can do to get your insurer to cover some of the cost:

• Offer to Pay the Difference: You can request that your insurer orders an OEM windshield instead of aftermarket if you offer to pay the difference between what the insurer is covering and the price of the new windshield. (That difference won’t be cheap either!)
• Get a Rider in Advance: This must be done far in advance. When you are setting up your comprehensive policy, you can request a rider to get OEM parts. When you have a rider set-up already, the insurance company won’t question giving you OEM parts. Not all insurance carriers have this option.

If you must have OEM parts, the best way to secure them is to review your policy and discuss your options with your insurance company.

 

Get Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced Today!

Getting insurance to cover your windshield repair or replacement is all about knowing your policy and filing a claim quickly. The sooner you file for work to be done on the windshield, the better. There is more than one reason for this. Even tiny chips and cracks can spread rapidly across the windshield.

Do you have chips and cracks that you’re worried about? If they are small, you don’t need to get insurance to cover it. Most cracks can be repaired within minutes, and even if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, it won’t cost much.

The best way to get insurance to cover your windshield, however, is to have comprehensive car insurance-not just property damage and personal liability coverage.

Have questions about getting your windshield repaired or replaced? Send them our way by filling out the contact form! We’re here to help.