Back in 2019 I cracked my first windshield ever. Florida is one of the states where when you have comprehensive insurance the windshield is replaced with no deductible. So that is what I did.

Fast forward to the end of 2023 and I leave Geico for Progressive. When getting my Progressive quote I stated that I had no claims and they quoted me one price, let's say $1,000 for 6 months. But after checking my record they found a claim, as I did not realize that windshield replacement counted as a claim. Then the rate went up, let's say it was $1,150 for 6 months. I cannot recall the exact amount, but that should be close.

Yesterday I cracked my windshield. I called Safelite, out the door price is $862.98. Then I called Progressive. She stated that she can see that claim from 2019 on my CLUE report. But that I am not being charged any points for it. And points is what would make my rate go up with them.

So now I am guessing maybe seeing that is something they charge more for upfront. But once I am with them, it would not affect me?

If it increased my rate $300 per year, then I would be better off paying out of pocket since that claim with stay on the record for 5 years. But if it doesn't affect me, then I am happy to let them pay and keep the nearly $900 in my own pocket.

What do you think? Which way would you go?

I am leaning towards saying "Screw it, that's what I have insurance for, make the claim."

No idea who they're insured with, but 2 coworkers have a windshield 'rider' on their policy. $50 deductible & it's done. Not sure if it's logged as a claim or not.

My wife's Expedition has a crack up the passenger side, nearly the full height of the glass.
Following this one to see the responses. We, too, have Progressive & comprehensive.

Just to back up, how bad and where is the crack? I assume not possible to just ‘repair’?

A little late for you, but a possible warning for others. I had a minor incident (No police report, no damage to my vehicle, very minor damage to a parked vehicle) and I made the mistake of calling the insurance company for information on what was/was not covered in order to make a decision whether to claim it or out of pocket it. I decided to out of pocket it. On my next renewal, rates went up. I called to ask why, they said I had had an accident. I said no I didn't, I have made no claims. They read off the call I had made. I again reiterated that I made no actual claim. They said the fact that I inquired about it counted as a known accident, hence the raise in premiums. I dropped them, and the new insurance company made no mention of it so I can only assume it was an internal thing with the company I had dropped.

In your particular incident, I was under the impression that windshields did not count against you. That must be an individual company policy thing also and varies carrier to carrier.

I would let them replace it, shouldn't change your rate, state law requires the replacement, its already baked into the rates for FL drivers.

Let them find you a company to come fix it, I've had 3 put in my F150 and it's a special one year only windshield.

IF you try and change carriers and it comes up you explain its a windshield, it's not rated against you like moving violations or accidents.

I question why you have insurance at all if you're unwilling to use it. The most you'd be out, depending on how your coverage is worded, would be the deductible on your comprehensive. Even a $500 deductible is a lot less than the cost of that windshield. Your rate with your present company isn't going to go up for this one small claim. If it does, you've got the wrong insurance company.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

Let them find you a company to come fix it, I've had 3 put in my F150 and it's a special one year only windshield.

I gotta know, insurance will only replace 1 windshield a year, or the Ford windshield has to be replaced once a year? If so, what the heck kind of windshield is it?

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
Just to back up, how bad and where is the crack? I assume not possible to just ‘repair’?

While it isn't larger than 6", it is a pretty serious divot / chip with a spider web of cracks running away from the center. Most important, it is dead center of the windshield so right in my field of view.

quote:

Originally posted by Tonydec:
A little late for you, but a possible warning for others....

Yes, I was very careful in my wording. I did not state that my windshield was broken and only used a hypothetical example.

AZ is the world capital of windshield replacements. Our rates haven't gone up because of our glass claims, but those claims made it impossible for us to go elsewhere for a long time, meaning Farmers could have their way with us and we just had to take it. I finally learned to repair chips and small cracks myself. But going through the car wash yesterday added about 6" to a crack I had stopped over a year ago. Just filed my first glass claim with new insurer.

I suppose each insurance company is different when it comes to claims. Ive replaced at least two windshields but my rates didn't increase.

Florida law provides insured to obtain windshield replacement with no deductible if you have comprehensive coverage, by shop of your choice.

Premium increase may or may not apply from the claim, but usually there is no increase as it is not an "at fault" claim.

I’ve had a windshield and the back window on my truck replaced the under my comp. coverage with no increase in my premiums. That’s with State Farm who I’ve had the 24 years I’ve been in Florida so far. I’d have your insurance pay for it.

quote:

Originally posted by Tonydec:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

Let them find you a company to come fix it, I've had 3 put in my F150 and it's a special one year only windshield.

I gotta know, insurance will only replace 1 windshield a year, or the Ford windshield has to be replaced once a year? If so, what the heck kind of windshield is it?

The Truck is an 03 100th Anniv Ford/Harley Davidson edition. The windshield has several things that indicate that, the black around the outside of the windshield isn't solid, it's HD logos.

6 or 1/2 dozen I recon. Maybe no claim would make you a more attractive customer for a future insurer if you choose to shop around?

Slight drift: 100% I would NOT ever go safelight. Even if PPG was 25% more, I'd dot that. Heck, check OEM. My father got bullied into Safelight for a newish top end VW Aerton... Lots of problems with the sensors

Do you own or lease? If you lease check your T&C (~8 years ago, my BMW lease stipulated only OEM glass or headlights)

With almost every carrier and in I assume every state, you aren't rated on Comprehensive claims, just Collision.

The insurance companies have folks so scared of filing a claim for what they've been paying for this is becoming widespread concern.

Broken windshield is a no-brainer. Fender bender in single car accident may warrant some math. Two car collision is also a no-brainer IMO, since not filing that may sacrifice the coverage under your medical, liability or umbrella policies.

Actually, that last part would be interesting to hear about from any actual insurance folks.

Check additional auto glass companies. Safelite may be higher than a local outfit.

I used OEM glass and paid out of pocket. Pricey, but it worked.

Out of pocket, save insurance claims for big stuff. That's what I was told a long time ago, but I've never paid more than $300 for a new windshield. I'd say though if I had an expensive car with an expensive window replacement, I'd use the insurance.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

quote:

Originally posted by Tonydec:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

Let them find you a company to come fix it, I've had 3 put in my F150 and it's a special one year only windshield.

I gotta know, insurance will only replace 1 windshield a year, or the Ford windshield has to be replaced once a year? If so, what the heck kind of windshield is it?

The Truck is an 03 100th Anniv Ford/Harley Davidson edition. The windshield has several things that indicate that, the black around the outside of the windshield isn't solid, it's HD logos.

They can't just replace the logo's? Dang, that's crazy. In your defense, you sound like me, very anal about that stuff.