Category: Insurance

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.

Most people expect their car to be waiting for them when they return to the parking lot after working or shopping. Unfortunately, there may come a time when, after a long day or early in the morning, you head out to where your vehicle should be only to find it missing. Frantically, you search the street. You think to yourself that maybe you’ve forgotten where the car’s parked. But then, reality sets in—your car has been stolen.

It’s a situation no one wants to be in.

After initial questions have been answered, like whether your car was towed, you will have to call the police to have a police report filed. From there, you may wonder if car insurance covers motor vehicle theft.

The answer is yes, and it’s probably the best news you will receive all day in this scenario.

 

What Type Of Insurance Covers Car Theft?

There are a few components to car insurance. Depending on your coverage, you may have several kinds of auto insurance and varying layers of coverage.

The different insurance types are:

• Liability coverage: Protects other drivers from injury and property damage caused by you
• Personal injury coverage: Assists with payments when you or passengers in your vehicle are hurt in an accident
• Collision coverage: Covers damages to your car as the result of an accident
• Comprehensive coverage: Otherwise known as comp insurance, this coverage protects your vehicle from “Acts of God,” which includes natural disasters, vandalism, and even theft—with some conditions

In other words, unless you have comprehensive coverage, which is usually purchased as a supplement to collision coverage, you will not be protected from damages that happen to your car while you’re not operating it. But if you do have comp insurance, a percentage of expenses will be covered in the event a tree collapses on your car, or it is stolen or broken into, and so on.

However, there is one exception to this. If you have leased a vehicle or have it on loan and it gets stolen, comprehensive coverage cannot help you. Instead, you should consider “gap insurance.”

Usually, your insurer will pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle. Gap insurance, though, means that the payout is the difference between what is still owed on the vehicle and the ACV. This can help if you owe money on the vehicle or if it has depreciated in value. All insurance carriers have limits on the “gap,” but the coverage itself is relatively affordable.

 

How Much Money Will I Receive?

As mentioned earlier, comprehensive insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle. If your policy covers car rental reimbursement, then you may have the expenses of renting a car covered while the claim is processing.

The ACV is the value given by the adjuster. They will consider things like the vehicle’s make, model, Blue Book value, and accident history to figure out the total amount. Core fixtures in the car will count towards the overall ACV. For example, the tires, seats, and installed GPS system will add value.

However, any accessory items, such as an attached GPS or a plugged in MP3 player are not covered by your comprehensive insurance.
I left my car keys in the ignition when the car was stolen. Does insurance cover that?

We all make mistakes from time to time. Leaving your keys in the car and coming back to an empty parking spot is one of them. Despite what others may have told you, the insurance company will not penalize you for such a mistake or consider the action negligent enough to dismiss your claim. You’re still covered.

 

Is The Theft Of Personal Items In The Car Covered By Insurance?

Car insurance does not cover the theft of items that were in your car, even if someone just broke into it. That doesn’t mean you can’t get something back for your items. You may be able to file a claim of any personal items that were stolen alongside your car by contacting your homeowners or renters insurance carrier.

It may come as a surprise, but renters and home insurance covers belongings in your car, too. It’s not bound solely to your home or apartment.

 

What Is The Entire Claim Process For A Stolen Car?

The stolen vehicle claim process can be exasperating—but don’t get discouraged. You will have to discuss the circumstances with an insurance adjuster. Be sure to have the police report and other information, such as the date and time of the theft, on hand while answering questions. The adjuster has to make sure that your claim is not fraudulent before the claim can proceed.

Keep in mind that, if your car is stolen, you are making a total loss claim. You will come to an agreement between you and the insurance company, as well as any lender who made a vehicle loan. If your vehicle is recovered later on, the insurance company will probably have ownership.

If you decide to wait to see if your car is found, then you should also know that comprehensive car insurance also covers any damages to the vehicle that the thief inflicted. You may need to pay a deductible, though.
Have Damages From a Break-In or Car Theft?

Does car insurance cover car theft? Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage or gap insurance. It should give you a little peace of mind to know that you can receive payment for a stolen vehicle and be able to rent a substitute until your car is found. In the event you have damages upon recovery, look for an auto body shop with expertise in both exterior and interior repairs.

Whether you need auto body work done to your vehicle or have questions about services, we are here to help. Send us a message by filling out the contact form, and our friendly team will get back to you.

Mother nature can be unforgiving and causes a great amount of damages throughout the year. Those damages can affect your property and also your vehicle. After such a calamity, which are often called “Acts of God”, you might be left one question: “Does car insurance cover a natural disaster?” Rather than waiting until something terrible happens as a result of unpredictable storms or something similar, it’s best to know now whether such damages are covered or not.

The quick answer is yes, if certain conditions are met. Not every scenario is going to be covered.

Let’s break this down a bit further.

 

Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage

There is no actual “natural disaster” insurance policy for motor vehicles. Instead, there is only comprehensive car insurance. Most states, like New Jersey, require drivers to have a minimum of auto liability coverage, which will pay for things like another driver’s injuries or damages to property in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive car insurance is optional. You must choose such coverage when you enroll into an auto insurance policy. Unless you choose a comprehensive plan, natural disasters will not be covered. Individual policies are different, though, so what one plan covers may not be paid for in another insurer’s plan.

The good news is that you can add comprehensive coverage onto your current policy, and it usually takes about 5 minutes when done online.

 

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

Most comprehensive policies offer coverage from falling debris, glass, and water damage. That means any damages caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, or even hail storms and floods can be paid for. You may assume that you are safe from certain natural disasters, such as flooding, if you do not live somewhere considered a flood zone.

That said, you never know when flash flooding may occur while you are driving. Flood waters can cause damages to the internal machinery of the vehicle. However, only comprehensive coverage will help with mitigating the costs of car repair. If you live somewhere prone to flooding, pay it safe and get the appropriate amount of coverage.

You may also be covered in the event of a wildfire and earthquake.

 

Important Note

If you live in an area that is subjected to inclement weather, such as high winds, tornadoes, hail, and flooding, you should always ensure well in advance that your policy has comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, you may run into something called a “binding restriction.”

Binding restrictions occur when insurance providers place restrictions on consumers to prevent them from buying or changing plans during a major storm.

This means you cannot wait for the flooding to strike to purchase insurance that will cover your vehicle from damage.

 

What are Other “Acts of God”?

An “Act of God” refers to any damages that are the result of circumstances beyond your control as a driver. Aside from natural calamities like hail and flooding, additional Acts of God include:

• Volcanoes
• Mudslides and landslides
• Sinkholes
• Riots
• Vandalism
• Theft

As long as you maintain comprehensive coverage, you are safe from natural disasters and damages that may be the result of civil unrest. Think of comprehensive insurance as a safety net for anything beyond what happens on the road.

 

My Car’s Been Damaged in a Natural Disaster! What Now?

Now that you know that, yes, natural disasters are covered by comprehensive car insurance, it is time to discuss what happens if your vehicle is damaged by such a calamity. If you have comprehensive car insurance, then you shouldn’t worry about the cost, because it will most likely be covered. Once you are positive the danger has passed, you will need to file a claim with your auto insurance company.

Be sure to take pictures of the damages from every angle or take a video to show the damages. When you make your claim, you will be asked questions about how the damage occurred, so the evidence may come in handy. Do not move the car until the appraisal from the insurance company has been completed. Also, do not attempt fixing any damages before speaking to the insurer.

 

Limitations and Deductibles

Even though you have coverage and can file a claim, there are some things that could limit how much you get for the damages. You will have to pay a deductible, unless your auto insurance policy does not have one. Next, some comprehensive policies will have a limit to the maximum amount of expenses that would be covered. That limit is typically how much your car is worth.

 

Get Your Car Repaired Fast

You should now know that only comprehensive auto insurance will cover natural disasters and other Acts of God. Other forms of auto insurance, such as liability insurance, will not cover expenses from hail or flooding or anything else. If you live somewhere that regularly receives powerful storms, comprehensive auto insurance is a smart choice.

Has your vehicle been damaged in a recent storm? Once you’ve spoken to your insurance company, it’s time to bring it in for repairs. Our professional team is happy to return your car to its proper working condition. Let us know how we can help by filling out the contact form.

Being involved in a car accident that results in significant damage can be worrisome, especially when you know that you must file a claim and deal with an insurance company and an adjuster who will have major input with your claim. When you’re looking for fair compensation, there is the definite possibility of not receiving the full worth of your claim. When you are dealing with an adjuster who will do all that’s necessary to pay out the lowest amount for your claim, what can you do if you disagree with what the adjuster has determined? What if you don’t agree with the insurance adjuster? There are ways to negotiate with your insurance adjuster concerning your claim and here are a few of the value in the negotiation process.

 

Your Vehicle’s Value

When you know the real value of your vehicle, you will be better able to negotiate with your insurance company. After an accident, your vehicle will be under the guise of a claims adjuster who will figure the worth of your vehicle and the cost of repairs. Whatever type of claim you submit, you will either deal with your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance provider. No matter the claim, the adjuster will unlikely pay out the full worth of your claim, but when you know your vehicle’s value, you should be able to determine whether you are getting a fair deal. In that case, you want to get estimates together to determine your vehicle’s worth. That can be done through sources, such as:

 

• Your own trusted certified mechanic
• Other trusted certified mechanics
• Websites that deal in car value estimates
• Autotrader – Valuation Tool
• Kelley Bluebook – Blue Book Value refers to the value of a vehicle
• Edmunds – generally provides an accurate price for a vehicle through their appraisal tool
• NADA Guides
• VIN Number search valuation

 

Whatever figure an adjuster finally gives you does not obligate you to accept it, particularly after you know the true worth of your vehicle through the estimates you receive from a mechanic, dealership or other sources. If the offer you are given is below the value and estimates, you’ll need to initiate negotiations with the insurance company.

 

Negotiating

Instead of legally contesting a claim amount and making your way to court, you can negotiate with the insurance company. They’re not eager for a claim to end up in court anymore than you are or the other driver.

 

What to Do

You must get the adjuster to explain the details of the offer made. After considering their justification behind the offer, you’ll want to counter what they have said. You want to remember and know that a trained adjuster will come up with insurance legalese and reasoning behind their estimates.

With a counteroffer on your claim, you’ll want to have both high and low settlement figures that you can deal with in your negotiations. The high and low figures should correspond with the estimates you got on your vehicle through your mechanic or internet sources. When you continue on in your negotiations, you’ll want to deal effectively with the advantages and disadvantages of what the insurance company and the adjuster are making with their offer.

 

Your Vehicle’s Value and the Betterment Term

An adjuster can use increased value or betterment of your vehicle as ways to either reduce the payment to you or charge you for any value increase. When you have an older vehicle that requires new parts to repair it, your vehicle will have more value than it did before the accident. If you have increased the value of your vehicle or made it better, it will be difficult to ask for a higher reimbursement on your claim. To counter your insurance carrier’s betterment charge, you’ll want to provide proof that any new parts didn’t add to the value of your vehicle. You may have to get testimony from your mechanic or a witness to prove that additional parts did not increase your vehicle’s value.

 

Your State

The state you live in will determine the value of your claim, as will the person at fault in an accident. Any payouts from claims that involve property damage or injuries will depend on the driver at fault in the accident, and that will hinge on the state where the accident occurred. For example, in the state of California, any payouts are proportional. The amount of fault you had in the accident will determine compensation, whether it was 10 percent or 75 percent.

With negotiations, any insurance company will want to prove that you were more responsible or at-fault in an accident that involves a payout. In countering that, you’ll want to provide as much information as you can with photos, videos, police reports and any witness testimony. Any solid evidence that comes into play will be of proof in your innocence.

 

Other Points for a Higher Claim Value

There are other points in the negotiating process that can be of help in gaining a higher claim value. Emotional factors come into play with simple photos or images of damage to your car and the turmoil it’s taken on your everyday life, particularly when it involves getting back and forth to work, running errands, carpooling for your children or getting an older adult to medical or other appointments.

Most importantly, organize the counter-arguments you want to make. Consider them carefully and make them accessible in notes to yourself or input them to a device for retrieval. Reviewing your arguments will allow you to go forward and press for a settlement that goes above the lower amount that the adjuster originally gave you. If you can’t come to terms with negotiating with an adjuster or simply don’t have the time or the ability, you may want to hire legal help to settle your claim in an amount that’s agreeable to you. Also, proving who was at fault can be a tricky situation, so you may need legal advice with that as well.

 

Settlement Agreement

Once negotiations have reached the point of settlement and all parties involved are in agreement with the final outcome, the offer needs to be confirmed in writing for all parties. The agreement doesn’t have to be lengthy. Just provide sufficient detail in terms that outline the total amount of the settlement and what will be used in the repair process.

When you don’t agree with your insurance adjuster, negotiating with the right strategies is one way to gain a fair settlement; however, if you’re unsure of the procedures involved in the negotiating process, go ahead and fill out the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to negotiate a fair settlement on your claim.

Car accidents have consequences and when you are in one and have to make a property or injury claim, you will deal with insurance companies and auto insurance adjuster. They will ask you questions concerning the incidentals of the accident and will be prepared to do their job, which means they will work to reimburse claims at the lowest limit possible for the insurance company they represent. So, with that in mind, there are certain comments or statements that you should not say or divulge to an adjuster to avoid complications with your claim.

 

Dealing With Adjuster Inquiries

Remember that any trained insurance adjuster will do what they can to save the insurance company they represent as much money as possible through any claim made. You’ll be under the guidance of a trained adjuster from the start of your claim, so you’ll want to know how to deal with any inquiries the adjuster or adjusters have. You’re likely to receive a call from one wanting as much information from you as possible along with your side or rendition of what happened in the accident.

 

Insurance Adjusters

You may deal with one or more auto insurance adjuster with your accident situation, as there are specialty adjusters at different levels with insurance companies. An auto insurance adjuster can be investigators only or work with injury-related cases. They can be negotiators in dealings with attorneys or handle property damage issues with vehicle damage. Property damage adjusters can estimate damages, or they can specialize in paying out for damages.

 

What to Remember

When you speak with a property damage adjuster, specialty adjuster or any insurance representative, above all you want to be honest and believable in any answers you give to them. You want to do the right thing and it will help you in defending yourself legally should they involve you in a court case. Adjusters will do what they can to dig at you when they believe you aren’t being truthful with them. You want any information you provide to sound credible and convincing.

 

What to Avoid

Just what should you avoid saying to an auto insurance adjuster? Here are some more important things to take into consideration before revealing information to any insurance adjuster in a property damage or bodily insurance situation.

 

Don’t Admit Fault

When you speak with an adjuster or adjusters don’t admit fault or speak apologetically. Since an adjuster will investigate your accident, they will look for ways to vindicate the insurance company of any fault. If you admit blame for the accident in your initial conversations with an adjuster, you could jeopardize your case or lessen your chances of compensation. Even in the slight chance that you think you are at fault, don’t speak of it in any phone conversations with the insurance company or the adjuster. You want to wait for the complete investigation to determine fault. You may not be aware of the other driver’s fault or a defect with any vehicle in question.

 

Don’t Speculate

If you aren’t clear with the facts in an accident situation, decline politely to provide answers to an adjuster’s questions. You don’t want to give an opinion as to what you think happened or place blame. Giving unproven statements could jeopardize your claim. An adjuster could use what you said previously and turn it to your detriment as the claim progresses. Keep any answers short, concise and truthful. Don’t provide unasked for details. Anytime you are unsure of an answer, say nothing.

 

Don’t Disclose Injury Information

When you experience an accident that includes bodily injury, an insurance adjuster will probably ask you for information about those injuries. You don’t have to answer those questions other than to explain to the adjuster that you will provide the information once doctors have assessed all your injuries. You need to explain that you don’t know the full extent of those injuries until such time that your doctors provide you with a breakdown of your injuries and a complete diagnosis of your medical condition. Divulging the status of your injuries before you have all the facts may give the adjuster the idea that your injuries are not that extensive. Also, don’t sign any medical release forms that provide access to your medical records. If you allow this kind of access, an adjuster may discover other injuries or other medical problems that they will try to relate to your current condition.

 

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

You’re not legally obligated to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They will probably ask you, as most adjusters will want you to agree to a recorded statement. You are completely within your rights to refuse. An adjuster cannot require you to make a recorded statement. Declining is the right thing to do as an adjuster may try to use any recorded statement against you as your claim progresses and turn your story around and damage your credibility.

 

Don’t Accept First Settlement

If the insurance company gives you a settlement offer the first time around, you don’t want to accept it as it’s usually a bottom dollar offer. The adjuster may try to tell you that there will be no other offers or that this is a last offer. A first offer is usually a lot lower than the actual value of your claim. An insurance company will be in hopes you are desperate enough to accept an initial offer. You have a right to fight for full compensation.

If you are unsure how to deal with insurance adjusters, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to communicate effectively with insurance adjusters and the settlement of your claim.