Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | January 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you were involved in a car accident in San Diego, CA, you could have significant windshield damage. When a car accident happens, windshields are often cracked, damaged, or completely destroyed. Repairing or replacing a damaged windshield can be frustrating and expensive. Drivers will want to know if the cost of repairing or replacing their windshield is covered by insurance or if the cost is subject to their deductible.
The answer depends on the type of insurance coverage you carry in California. Some types of coverage do not include windshield glass replacement at all, others leave it as being subject to your deductible, and still others will specifically include auto glass replacement so you don’t pay out of pocket.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Under California law, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage to operate on California’s roads. Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others while behind the wheel. Minimum liability coverage will be paid toward the other driver’s expenses if you cause personal injury or property damage in a car accident.
Minimum liability coverage in California does not cover damage to your vehicle, however, and will not cover auto glass repairs.
Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive auto insurance, commonly called “full coverage” when paired with liability and collision policies, generally protects your car against damage from incidents that don’t involve a crash. This includes theft, vandalism, weather-related harm, and damage from debris, like rocks or tree branches. It also covers windshield damage caused by things like flying debris. However, keep in mind that comprehensive insurance won’t cover collision damage to your vehicle — that’s where collision insurance comes in.
With full coverage insurance, repairs, or replacements for auto glass are generally included. However, you might still have to pay your deductible, depending on the cost of the damage. For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and a windshield repair costs $500, you’d likely need to cover the full cost until your deductible is met. In California, windshield repairs are often covered without any out-of-pocket expense, but it’s always best to check with your insurance provider to confirm the specifics of your policy.
Optional Auto Glass Insurance Coverage
Certain auto insurance policies feature auto glass coverage as an add-on. For example, if you own a high-end vehicle with auto glass that would be costly to replace, you might opt for auto glass coverage for your car. With the benefit of auto glass coverage, you will likely face no out-of-pocket costs if your windshield is damaged for any reason.
States With Free Windshield Replacement Laws
Some states have passed laws that make windshield repair or replacement free for insured drivers. Considering the expense involved with replacing a windshield, and the danger of driving with a broken windshield, free repairs of windshields are a tremendous benefit to drivers. Florida, for example, requires insurers to cover the cost of windshield repairs without subjecting the cost to an insured’s deductible. Kentucky and South Carolina also mandate insurers to cover the costs of windshield repairs.
Even if you live in a free windshield repair state, you must carry comprehensive coverage for the law to apply. Those with liability-only coverage do not qualify for windshield repairs covered by their insurer under state law.
What to Do if Your Windshield is Damaged in a Car Accident
You must take action if you were involved in a car accident in San Diego, CA and your windshield was damaged or destroyed. Cooperate with law enforcement officers who are investigating the crash scene, and report the crash to your insurance company.
If you were injured in any way, seek immediate medical help. Even if you don’t think you were hurt, you should visit a doctor to make sure you don’t have any injuries. If someone else caused the accident, you may have a claim for negligence through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
