Auto glass insurance is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of your windshield, rear and side windows, and sunroof. No one enjoys getting chips or cracks in their windshield, but is it worth getting insurance for this?
One Canadian insurer quotes a premium of “as little as” $186 a year and then a deductible of $25 to replace three chips or $50 to replace the windshield. Replacing a windshield yourself could cost from $150 to $325. Repairing chips without insurance can cost $40 to $50, then $10 per additional chip.
As you can see, you could replace your windshield every 2 years and still come out ahead over the auto glass insurance. Insuring against rock chips make even less sense, the insurance would cost you $211, you could have three chips replaced at your own expense for $70.
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I live in NYC and I think glass coverage is the best thing on Earth. Already got my money worth for it, so it’s one thing in your series I have to disagree with.
However, it does appear that our policies are slightly different. Mine has $0 deductible and only adds $2-3 to the monthly premium.
Pinyo, At the price your paying, the math definitely works out better for you. I would think if you’re getting at least one chip a year then it’s worthwhile?
Wow! That’s outrageous! Here in NZ most car policies have free or close to free optional glass cover. Haven’t had to use ours yet, though our flatmate has had his back windscreen replaced twice this year so he definitely got his $$ worth.
Auto glass repair can be expensive. Windshield repair and replacement is regular issue with a lot of customers so my opinion is that auto glass insurance is a must. Just when you don’t have it that is when a monster hail storm hits and wipes out all your glass like it did in Austin this past march.
Auto glass is inexpensive compared to the OEM glass that’s from the car company itself. Try Auto Glass Rockville and see for yourself.
I never heard about auto glass insurance. When I made insurance for my car that includes everything from tires to glass, engine etc. I will never understand why some people are making insurance for auto glass. It`s a waste of money in my opinion.
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I’ve never heard of stand alone auto glass insurance, course I’m in the US. I have comprehensive coverage that includes glass as well as some other things. Glass coverage has zero deductible. I’ve had my whole windshield replaced even with just a chip in the windshield. In the last 10 years I’ve had 2 windshields and two side windows replaced. I always ask how much they cost and the most expensive one was a back side window that I was told was a $2,000 piece of glass. So I’ll always carry glass insurance.
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The auto glass insurance coverage really depends on your situation, but I must say two things:
1st, in most states and provinces (US & Canada), this is NOT a stand-alone premium. It’s usually already included in your comprehensive coverage for your car, BUT you are in fact paying extra for it. They don’t tell you that though. They just tell you, yes, yes, that’s all covered with your comprehesive coverage. You’ll be surprised how much glass coverage actually costs. It’s average $180 per year on your car insurance.
2nd, logically, it’s true that if the cost of the auto glass repairs exceeds the cost of of the insurance coverage, multiplied by the risk factor (ie. parked indoor/outdoor, good/bad neighbourhood, lots of high way driving behind trucks, etc.), then you should get the glass coverage on your insurance. BUT, if you don’t think that you’ll run into any glass damage, I say, opt-out for it and save yourself the average of $180/yr on your car insurance. Your broker will usually not give you this option unless you ask!
So, think about your situation, and ask how much it actually costs for you to have the coverage vs. repair costs (if any that you may run into), and make your decision.
I work for Allstate Insurance, so I know. A lot of folks do not know about this ‘option’. They think it’s all included, but nope, you are paying extra for it my friends.
Cheers and Happy Driving.