Does car insurance cover windshield damage?

There are various types of car insurance policies. We are going to see if windshield damage or cracks are covered under this insurance plan.

Third Party Insurance

As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, having third-party car insurance is mandatory in India. This type of insurance covers damage or injury caused to a third party or their property by the insured vehicle.

For example, if another driver causes damage to your car's windshield, their third-party insurance will cover the cost of replacing or repairing the windshield.

Own Damage Insurance

Another type of car insurance plan is own-damage coverage, which covers the damage or losses endured by the policyholder’s vehicle. This insurance plan typically offers coverage against windshield damage caused by human-made incidents or natural calamities.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, then any damage caused to the windshield, such as a crack or any other damages, are covered under the plan. A comprehensive car insurance policy offers protection to cars against various types of damages.

Under the plan, the insurance provider bears the cost of replacing and fixing windshields. A comprehensive car insurance plan covers any damage to the windshield caused by man-made disasters, accidents and natural calamities.

• If a car windshield is damaged due to a collision with another car or any third-party property.

• If the windshield of a car is damaged because the tree or branch of a tree falls on the car.

• Furthermore, If a windshield is cracked or shattered because an animal collides with the car.

• During a hailstorm, hail falls on your car, causing damage to the windshield.

• If a ball hits the car's windshield, it leads to damage.

• If pebbles or debris hitting the car windshield leads to damage while driving, it is also covered under the plan.

• Any vandalism that causes damage to windshields is covered under the plan.

• If heavy things such as coconut or plant pots fall on the car windscreen, causing damage, they are covered under the plan.

Also Read: How to Remove Scratches from Car Windshield

When you file a claim for windshield insurance coverage, you might have to pay voluntary or compulsory deductibles based on the percentage chosen at the time of policy purchase. This implies that there is a percentage of windshield repair that policyholders need to pay out of pocket, and the insurance provider covers the rest.

While filing for a car insurance claim for windshield damage, it is crucial to compare the cost of replacement or repair with the amount that you have to pay for deductibles.

Car windshield replacement or car glass repair can be a costly affair based on the model of your vehicle. With a comprehensive insurance cover, you can file a claim for windshield repair or replacement with your insurance company. Most insurance companies have an expeditious online process available through the website, which allows you to file a claim in minutes.

• However, if the car's windshield is damaged due to vandalism, you need to file the first information report with the police authority. After obtaining an FIR, you can initiate the claim process.

• If comprehensive car insurance comes with a cashless repair facility in a network garage, it is best to use that facility.

• However, if there is no network garage facility in your area, you can get a car windshield repaired or replaced in any garage and pay the cost out of your pocket. Then, you can file a reimbursement claim request.

Step-by-Step Procedure to File Car Insurance Claim with TATA AIG

Reimbursement Claims

• To initiate the reimbursement claim, policyholders need to notify TATA AIG representatives about the incident.

• After getting the request, the company will assign a surveyor to assess the damage.

• The surveyor will submit the report to the insurance provider.

• Once the inspection is completed, policyholders can take their vehicle for repair in any garage of their choice.

• After that, they need to visit the TATA AIG claim page and file a claim request.

• They need to fill out the claim form and submit all necessary documents.

• The representative will verify the survey report and all submitted requests to approve or reject the claim.

• Once the claim request has been approved, the company will initiate the payment process.

Cashless Claims

• To initiate the cashless claim process, policyholders need to notify TATA AIG representatives within 48 hours.

• The representative will send a surveyor for vehicle inspection.

• After a successful inspection, the vehicle will be sent for repair to the network garage that has partnered with the company.

• The vehicle's repair cost will be settled directly between TATA AIG and the network garage. Policyholders do not need to pay for any expenses out of their own pocket.

• However, the policyholder needs to submit the necessary documentation for a smooth cashless claim service.

-Know Your Coverage: Before filing a claim request, it is important to check the comprehensive four-wheeler insurance documents to see if they cover windshield damage. Some insurance providers offer deductibles for glass damage.

-File a Claim Promptly: If the claim is covered under the comprehensive car insurance plan, it is crucial to file a claim request promptly. Any delay in filing a claim can result in its rejection.

-Provide Proper Documentation: Another essential thing to keep in mind while filing for windshield insurance coverage is proper documentation to support a claim request. Policyholders need to submit photographs of damage, FIR copies, repair bills, etc.

-Choose Authorised Repair Centre: Another important thing to make sure of before filing a claim request is that the repair centre you have chosen is authorised. If there are network garages available that have ties with the insurance provider, then it is best to take the vehicle there for repair.

-Know Your Deductibles: If your car insurance policy has a deductible clause for certain repairs and damage, it is best to know about it. This will help you understand how much you need to pay out of pocket for a repair or replacement.

-Understand Impact on Premium: Filing frequent claims during the tenure of a car insurance policy can lead to higher premium rates, as insurers may consider you a higher risk. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate whether filing a claim for minor damage or repairs is worthwhile.

• It is best to park your car in the shade or in a closed campus. Parking a car in an open area or in extreme temperatures can weaken the glass and lead to a windshield developing a crack.

• Another essential tip is to replace damaged windshield wipers if they are unable to push water away from the glass. With time, wipers lose their shape and ability to push away the water. If water gets stuck on the windshield glass, it becomes weak over time, resulting in damage or cracks.

• Do not slam the car door while closing it. Slamming the door sends a shock wave through the windscreen glass, weakening it.

• While driving a car, it is best to keep a safe distance between the car and the vehicle ahead of you. This will help prevent any object from falling from the car ahead of you onto your windshield. Furthermore, it also prevents the damage caused by stones flung from the car ahead of you.

• Another crucial tip vehicle owners need to follow is not washing their car windshields with harsh chemicals. This will remove the protective coating on the windscreen and cause discolouration. It is best to use an automaker's approved product to clean the car windshield.

A car windshield is an important part of a vehicle as it offers protection to the driver and passenger occupant. Driving without a windshield can be dangerous. For safety purposes, the car manufacturer makes a windshield from strong material that can withstand pressure and temperature.

However, during unfortunate incidents, car windshields can get damaged. Fortunately, if you have your own damage or comprehensive insurance plan, this damage will be covered. TATA AIG offers various car insurance policies that are customised based on unique vehicle requirements.

Whether you want third-party insurance, own damage insurance, or a comprehensive car insurance policy, we have you covered.

At the time of purchasing a plan, you are allowed to choose IDV in insurance based on your car’s value. This is the maximum amount you will receive in case of a total loss, such as theft or damage beyond repair, to the insured vehicle.

Furthermore, our comprehensive and own-damage car insurance plans also come with windshield damage coverage. Our plans, such as the Auto Secure - Private Car Package Policy, cover all types of damage to your windshield. Not just that; if the windshield requires a minor repair, you can claim the insurance benefit at an authorised service centre without impacting your no-claim bonus.

In addition, we have a unique list of add-ons such as roadside assistance, tyre security, emergency medical expenses and more to offer enhanced protection to vehicle owners. You can easily compare car insurance prices based on coverage by using our car insurance calculator. Secure your vehicle now with our affordable car insurance plans.

What is the cost of windshield replacement?

The cost of replacing the windshield usually depends on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of glass used.

Luxury or specialised vehicles may incur higher costs due to the need for specific parts. It is also important to check if your insurance policy covers windshield replacement.

Can I get windshield insurance coverage for damages caused by riots?

Whether you can get windshield insurance coverage for damages caused by riots depends on your car insurance policy. Comprehensive car insurance usually covers damage caused by civil unrest, including riots, vandalism, or protests.

When not to raise a claim for windshield damage?

It may not be advisable to raise a claim for windshield damage if the repair cost is below your deductible, as it could lead to higher premiums.

Additionally, filing a claim could cause you to lose a no-claim bonus, or it might not be worth claiming for minor chips that can be repaired inexpensively.