It isn’t safe to drive a car with a cracked or broken windshield. However, it can be expensive to repair or replace damaged areas. Fortunately, there are situations in which windshield damage is covered by insurance.

1. Someone Else Caused the Damage To Your Car

If your windshield was damaged in a collision with another vehicle and the driver of that vehicle is at fault, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover the cost for auto glass New Orleans to repair or replace your windshield. This may also be the case if a rock or other object impacts your windshield due to the negligence of another party. For example, if you are driving behind someone with an improperly secured load and an object flies off that person’s vehicle and strikes yours, they may be liable for your damages.

2. You Caused a Collision and You Have Collision Coverage

If you caused a collision that damaged your windshield and you have collision coverage on your vehicle, your damage should be covered, less your collision deductible. However, most policies consider a collision with an animal to be a comprehensive claim, so if your windshield was broken because you hit a deer or other animal and you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may not pay for your damage.

3. Something Other Than a Collision Damaged Your Windshield and You Have Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage provides coverage for damage that occurs due to things like theft, vandalism, flying or falling objects, animals and other non-collisions. This is the coverage that would apply if your windshield was broken by a rock kicked up in the road or by a vandal. Some comprehensive policies have a zero deductible for glass claims.

Whether your glass damage will be covered by insurance depends on what caused the damage and what type of insurance coverage you have. Talk to your insurance agent if you need more information.