Auto glass insurance
Damage to vehicle glass is one of the most common types of vehicle damage. Glass insurance is therefore the most frequent add-on to compulsory liability insurance, as it takes very little to damage glass. The insurance company doesn't always pay out the full claim, which can lead to an unpleasant surprise. Most problems can be prevented by choosing the right insurance company and properly setting the scope of coverage.
The first thing to consider when insuring glass is the deductible on claims during the initial months of the policy. Insurance companies use this to prevent insurance fraud, as vehicle owners commonly arrange insurance only after damage has occurred. The deductible period is three to six months, depending on the specific insurance company. Some insurance companies offer the option to waive the time-based deductible by submitting photo documentation or having the vehicle inspected by the insurance company itself.
Another pitfall is setting the claim limit, which is usually not straightforward. You need to know how much it costs to replace the front windshield of a specific car and determine whether the claim limit should cover only the front windshield or all glass. It's essential to check whether only perimeter glass is insured or all glass (rearview mirror glass, sunroof glass, etc.). The limit can apply either per single claim or as a total sum over the year. However, with some insurance companies, it's possible to arrange unlimited glass insurance as an add-on to compulsory liability insurance. Another pitfall is that the maximum payout is capped at the vehicle's current market value. This poses a problem for older cars, where the value might be lower. It's also necessary to consider the scope of coverage – whether the glass is insured against all types of damage (so-called all-risk) or if the insurance, for example, only covers damage caused by impact.
A major drawback of glass insurance is the insurance companies' requirement that glass replacement must be carried out at specific contracted service centers. If replaced at a different service center, the insurance company might not cover the damage at all or may increase your deductible. Another parameter to watch out for when arranging insurance is whether the insurance company will cover the cost of original or non-original glass. Simply put, whether the insurance company will pay you the price for an original part or reduce the payout to the value of a non-original glass.
Glass insurance thus becomes a complex issue, with individual insurance companies offering different terms and scope of coverage. We recommend working with an expert when arranging insurance and only finalizing the policy after a thorough analysis of your needs. Our 28 years of experience are at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact us.
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