Is it worth filing an auto insurance claim for windshield replacement?
Our spare vehicle got a rock chip in the windshield that has turned into a crack that runs almost the entire width of the glass. My "other than collision" deductible is only $100, and the cost of the replacement is ~$350, so financially, I'd come out ahead by running this through insurance. But is that ultimately going to penalize me come renewal time because I filed a claim?
15 Replies
1mo
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
1mo
Technology we have to pay for is so out of control I'm losing my mind.
(In response to this post by Al Czervik)
1mo
and I’ve replaced 4 or 5 windshields in the last 10 years at no charge.
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
J
jdkhokie
1mo
Safelite promo code online. They come to you and offer some decent bonus packages that include a rain resistant coating and new windshield wipers. They will screw you on the disposal fee of the old windshield $40 I think which they tack on right before checkout. Erie drops your deductible $100 every year without a claim and I had a $300 credit. There may be better policies out there for windshields.
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
1mo
All for similar cracks
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
1mo
you incur cost?
That generally is not going to go against your insurance, raising rate.
I know normally, if you go through Safelite, they handle everything including submitting the claim to your insurance company.
I had a chip recently, went to Safelite, and they handled everything. Cost me zero.
** Edited by Stork at 6/9/2026, 4:48:16 PM
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
1mo
Of my car.
(In response to this post by Stork)
1mo
...which would probably prevented the crack from occurring. Alas, I was not that proactive.
Thanks for your input, Stork. I was hoping to go through a local shop near my house - I feel like the job is more likely to be done well when performed in a shop rather than in my driveway, and this shop is the closest to my house and they have done work for me before. However, they asked that I file the claim rather than them doing it on my behalf, so I guess I will go ahead and start that process...
(In response to this post by Stork)
1mo
And I like the local guy.
Safelite just opened a drive in repair shop at the entrance to my neighborhood. Which made it easy for me. I had in the past, had them come to my house for a repair, but it was threatening to rain, so the guy cancelled on me. I was not happy.
Vowed then not to try the driveway repair ever again.
(In response to this post by MP4VT2004)
1mo
(In response to this post by Stork)
1mo
Auto coverage.
Being a homeowners guy. My CPCU education gave me enough knowledge to be dangerous.
(In response to this post by PhotoHokieNC)