Car Windshield Damage: What Should You Do?

What is windshield damage?

Windshield damage is damage to your car’s windows. Many windshields today are made of laminated glass. This type of glass does not shatter into pieces upon impact, but cracks and chips may form. Minor chips can usually be repaired without having to replace the entire windshield. The rear and side windows of a car are usually made of tempered glass. This type of glass does shatter upon impact and therefore usually needs to be completely replaced in the event of damage. In addition, some cars have a glass sunroof or panoramic roof. These can also sustain damage.

There are two types of windshield damage: a chip or a crack. We’ll briefly explain the difference between the two.

What should I do if there's a chip in my windshield?

A chip is damage to a car windshield measuring up to 3 centimeters. That’s about the size of a two-euro coin. If you catch it in time, a chip in the windshield can often be repaired with a resin injection. However, due to temperature fluctuations, for example, a small chip can develop into a large crack. Is the chip larger than a two-euro coin? If so, most auto repair shops will choose to replace the entire windshield.

What should I do if there's a crack in my windshield?

If a small chip gets bigger, it can develop into a large crack or fracture. Your windshield won’t shatter spontaneously if it has a crack, but it’s advisable not to keep driving with it for too long. A crack in the windshield can impair your visibility. You also risk getting a traffic ticket. In addition, the crack can grow even larger, especially due to temperature fluctuations. If there is a crack or chip in the windshield, the entire windshield is often replaced.

Replace or repair—which is better?

As mentioned, windshield damage is often repaired if the chip or crack is smaller than a two-euro coin. This is done by injecting resin into the damage. If you have third-party liability plus limited comprehensive coverage or all-risk auto insurance, windshield damage repairs are covered.

If the crack in the windshield is larger than a two-euro coin, the windshield usually needs to be replaced. When a windshield needs to be replaced, you’ll often have to pay a deductible—even if you have the work done by a repair shop that works with your insurer. However, some insurers will cut the deductible in half if you have the work done at an affiliated repair shop.

How much does it cost to repair a chip in a windshield?

The cost of repairing a chip varies by garage or repair shop. If the chip in your windshield can be repaired, it is obviously less expensive than replacing the entire windshield. Repair costs are often a few dozen euros. The cost of replacing a windshield is often between €200 and €500. The exact cost depends on the type of car and any additional features in the windshield, such as windshield defrosting or a rain sensor. Repairing a chip is often covered under third-party liability plus limited comprehensive or full coverage auto insurance. In that case, you won’t have to pay these costs. If the window needs to be replaced, you’ll pay the deductible. Be sure to always check with your insurer to see if you’re required to have the work done at an authorized repair shop.

What counts as window damage?

Windshield damage includes a chip or crack, as well as a broken windshield resulting from a break-in. Coverage does vary by insurer, so it’s important to always carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. For example, some insurers also cover damage to a panoramic roof, sunroof, or headlight glass. Other insurers only pay out for damage to the windshield, rear window, or one of the side windows. Scratches on car windows aren’t always covered either. Would you like to be insured for glass damage to your panoramic roof? This isn’t automatically included with every insurer, even though a panoramic roof is often made largely of glass. Before purchasing car insurance, always check exactly what your coverage entails for glass damage. That way, you won’t face any unpleasant surprises if your car’s glass is damaged.

When is glass damage covered?

You are covered for windshield damage if you purchase third-party liability + limited comprehensive or all-risk auto insurance. Third-party liability insurance alone does not cover windshield damage. Please note: if the windshield damage was caused by an accident, it is not covered under a third-party liability + limited comprehensive policy.

How much does a car window cost?

Do you have a large crack in your windshield? If so, the entire windshield will need to be replaced. But how much does a car windshield actually cost? The cost of a car windshield depends on several factors:

• The make and model of the car
• Whether it's the front, rear, or side window
• Any additional features in the windshield, such as a windshield defroster or a rain sensor
• Installation Costs

The cost of a car window and its replacement can vary by auto repair shop. Be sure to always check which auto repair shops your insurance company works with.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windshield Damage

Does your car have windshield damage, and are you unsure what to do? If so, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Check your auto insurance coverage
With third-party liability insurance alone, you are not covered for windshield damage to your car; however, you are covered with third-party liability plus limited comprehensive coverage or full coverage. So be sure to check your auto insurance coverage.

Step 2: Read the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy
Every insurer has different terms and conditions regarding glass damage. For example, one insurer may cover damage to a panoramic sunroof, while another may not. Therefore, always read the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy to see if you’re covered for glass damage.

Step 3: Find out which auto repair shops your insurer has agreements with at
You can find a list of the auto repair shops your insurer has agreements with on your green card and in the policy terms and conditions. At an affiliated repair shop, you do not have to pay the bill upfront and are often entitled to a loaner car.

Step 4: Check the conditions under which the windshield will be repaired or replaced
If the windshield needs to be replaced, some insurers require you to pay a deductible. The amount of the deductible varies by insurer. Also, scratches on the windshield aren’t always covered. Always read the fine print of your insurance policy to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Step 5: Schedule an appointment
Once you’ve chosen an affiliated repair shop, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Windshield damage can lead to unpleasant situations. Damage to your windshield can impair your visibility. Furthermore, you risk a fine if you continue driving with windshield damage for too long.

Step 6: Have the windshield replaced or repaired
Once the windshield has been repaired or replaced, you can safely get back on the road!

Car Window Damage

Flying pebbles. Debris on the road. Rapid temperature changes. Break-ins. Windshield damage can occur in many different ways. No matter how your windshield damage occurred, it’s naturally a hassle and never comes at a good time. So don’t forget to include windshield damage coverage in your auto insurance policy. The policy terms and conditions will explain exactly how your auto insurer handles windshield damage. That way, you can be sure that even a small chip will be covered, and you’ll be back on the road quickly.

Windshield Repair

Windshield damage on a car can be very annoying. You definitely shouldn’t keep driving with it for too long. A small chip can get bigger and turn into a large crack or split. And then you’ll be in even deeper trouble. What’s more, the repair costs will be significantly higher. So have the windshield damage repaired as soon as possible. Be sure to check which repair shops your insurance company works with. At an affiliated repair shop, you won’t have to pay upfront, and you’re often entitled to a loaner car.

Windshield Damage Insurance

Windshield damage can happen to anyone. What’s more, repair costs can add up quickly, especially if the windshield needs to be replaced. That’s why it’s important to have adequate insurance coverage for windshield damage. Windshield damage is covered under third-party liability + limited comprehensive or all-risk auto insurance. Be sure to always check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, as each insurer has different policies regarding windshield damage.