Yes, you can file an insurance claim for non-collision window damage if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy. Comprehensive coverage protects against damage to your vehicle that isn’t caused by a traffic accident.
This includes broken windows or windshields caused by severe weather, falling objects, vandalism, or hitting an animal. If your car’s window was damaged by hail or a flying object, for example, comprehensive insurance can help you fix it without bearing the full cost.
However, basic liability insurance, which is required by Illinois law, does not cover damage to your own car. To get protection for non-collision window damage, you’ll need to have comprehensive coverage. For help adding this coverage or filing a claim, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
What Counts as Non‑Collision Window Damage?
Non-collision damage refers to any harm to your vehicle that isn’t caused by a crash with another vehicle. For your car’s windows and windshield, this can include a variety of incidents that happen outside of driving accidents. Common examples of non-collision window damage include:
- Storm and Weather Damage: Severe weather, such as hailstorms or strong winds, can cause glass to crack or shatter. Even fallen tree branches or lightning strikes during storms are covered under comprehensive insurance.
- Natural Disasters: Events like flooding, tornadoes, or earthquakes can damage your car’s glass, which is typically covered by comprehensive coverage.
- Vandalism or Theft: If someone deliberately damages your car’s windows, like smashing them during a break-in or act of vandalism, this is non-collision damage that’s covered by comprehensive insurance.
- Falling or Flying Objects: If something like a tree limb, rock, or even a golf ball hits your car and cracks the window, this would be treated as non-collision damage.
- Fire or Other Miscellaneous Events: A fire that isn’t related to a car crash, or unexpected events like a garbage can blowing into your car, are covered by comprehensive insurance.
In short, non-collision window damage refers to any damage caused by events other than a car accident. If you only carry liability insurance, you won’t be covered for these types of incidents, and you’d have to pay for repairs yourself. However, with comprehensive coverage, you’re protected from random damage like glass breakage.
Does Car Insurance Cover a Broken Window Not Caused by an Accident?
Yes, comprehensive car insurance covers broken windows or windshields caused by non-collision incidents. This includes damage from storms, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting an animal. When you file a claim under comprehensive coverage, you’ll pay your deductible, and your insurer will cover the remainder of the repair or replacement cost.
Important Considerations:
- No Comprehensive Coverage, No Payout: If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your insurance won’t cover the cost of a broken window. Only liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to others, is required by Illinois law. Without comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to pay for repairs out of pocket.
- Collision vs. Comprehensive: If the window damage was caused by an accident, such as hitting a guardrail, collision coverage (or the other driver’s insurance if they were at fault) would apply, not comprehensive. Non-collision incidents like rocks or hail are covered by comprehensive insurance.
- Other Party’s Fault: If another party is clearly responsible for the glass damage, such as a construction company’s equipment causing debris to hit your car, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance. In practice, it’s usually faster to file a comprehensive claim and let your insurer handle reimbursement through subrogation.
- Loan/Lease Requirements: If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender will likely require you to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage. This means if you have a loan or lease, you’re likely already covered for non-collision window damage.
In conclusion, comprehensive insurance is necessary to have your car’s windows repaired or replaced if the damage wasn’t caused by a collision. Without comprehensive coverage, you’d be left to pay the full repair cost yourself.
How Do I File a Claim for Non‑Collision Window Damage?
Filing a claim for non-collision window damage is similar to other insurance claims, with a few key steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how to file a claim:
- Document and Assess the Damage: Take clear photos of the broken window and note the time and date of the incident. If it was caused by vandalism or theft, make sure to list any other stolen items.
- File a Police Report if Necessary: For incidents like vandalism or theft, file a police report and keep a copy or report number. Some insurers require this documentation for claims related to criminal acts.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the claim to your insurer by phone, online, or through their mobile app. Provide all necessary details, such as the cause of the damage, photos, and the police report if applicable. Your insurer will then open a comprehensive claim for you.
- Discuss Deductible and Coverage Details: Verify your comprehensive deductible amount when talking to the claims representative. This is the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the rest.
- Get an Estimate and Schedule Repairs: Your insurer may refer you to an approved auto glass shop or give you options for repair vendors. If necessary, an adjuster might inspect the damage, or you’ll be asked to submit a repair estimate.
- Complete the Repairs and Pay Your Deductible: Once the claim is approved, you’ll schedule the window repair. You’ll typically pay your deductible at the repair shop, and the shop will bill your insurer for the remainder of the cost.
- Submit Any Final Documents: Provide the final repair invoice or proof of payment to close out the claim.
- Follow Up: After repairs are completed, confirm with your insurer that the claim is settled, and ask if it will affect your policy in any way. Some insurers offer programs like $0 deductible glass coverage, so it’s worth checking.
By following these steps, you can have your window repaired with minimal hassle and ensure your claim is processed properly.
Do I Have to Pay a Deductible for a Broken Window Claim?
Yes, in most cases, you will have to pay your comprehensive deductible for a broken window claim. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $700, you’ll pay the $500 deductible, and the insurer will cover the remaining $200.
Potential Ways to Avoid a Deductible:
- Full Glass Coverage: Some insurers offer a zero-dollar deductible for glass claims. If you have this feature, you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket for windshield or window repairs.
- Separate Glass Deductible: Some insurers offer a lower deductible for glass claims, such as $100, which can be more affordable than your general comprehensive deductible.
- Minor Repairs vs. Replacement: For minor repairs (like a small chip), some insurers waive the deductible since the cost is low and it helps prevent larger claims later.
- At-Fault Third Party: If another party is responsible for the damage (like a neighbor’s tree falling on your car), their insurance might cover the damage without you having to pay a deductible.
Before filing a claim, always weigh the repair costs against your deductible to determine if it’s worth filing.
Will a Broken Window Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
For most insurers, filing a single comprehensive claim for a broken window or minor glass damage will not cause a significant rate increase. These types of claims are often treated differently from collision or at-fault claims.
Considerations:
- Frequency of Claims: Multiple comprehensive claims in a short period may cause your insurer to view you as a higher-risk customer, which could lead to a premium increase.
- Loss of Claims-Free Discount: Filing a comprehensive claim might reset any claims-free discount you’ve accumulated, which could impact your premium.
- Surcharges: Typically, surcharges are more common for collision or liability claims, especially if you are at fault. A single glass claim generally won’t carry an at-fault surcharge.
If your insurer raises your rates after a glass claim, it’s worth shopping around for better options.
Final Thoughts and Getting Help
Non-collision window damage can be costly, but with comprehensive coverage, you’re protected from paying out-of-pocket for repairs. Review your policy to ensure you have this coverage and avoid unexpected costs. If you have any questions about your coverage or want to add comprehensive insurance, Insure on the Spot is here to help Illinois drivers. Call 773-202-5060 for assistance or a free quote today.
FAQ: Claiming Non‑Collision Window Damage
Q: What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
A: Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from non-collision events, such as storms, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and hitting an animal.
Q: Does insurance cover a broken car window if it wasn’t caused by an accident?
A: Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, it will cover the cost of a broken window caused by non-collision incidents.
Q: How do I file a claim for a shattered or cracked window?
A: Document the damage, file a police report if necessary, contact your insurer, and follow their instructions for getting an estimate and repairing the damage.
Q: Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield repairs or replacement?
A: Yes, typically, you’ll pay your comprehensive deductible. However, some policies offer full glass coverage or a separate glass deductible.
Q: Should I file a claim if the window damage is minor?
A: If the repair cost is near or below your deductible, it may be better to handle it out-of-pocket. Otherwise, filing a claim makes sense for significant damage.
Q: Will a glass damage claim increase my insurance rates?
A: Usually, a single glass claim won’t affect your premium. Multiple claims or larger payouts may increase your rates.
Q: Is comprehensive coverage required by law?
A: No, comprehensive insurance is not required by law in Illinois but is often required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Q: How can I prevent window damage or minimize it?
A: Park in sheltered areas during storms, avoid following trucks too closely, and repair small chips quickly to prevent larger cracks.
Get a Quote Today!
For help with your comprehensive insurance needs, or to file a glass damage claim, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’re here to keep you protected from unexpected glass damage and other non-collision risks.