Replacing a windshield can be very costly. Depending on the model of vehicle you drive, windshields can cost up to $1,000. Windshields in cars today have inserts of all kinds - heating coils, radio antenna, satellite antenna and more. These inserts drive up the cost of the windshield considerably, leaving replacement an extreme expense.



There is good news - you can get glass coverage included on your auto insurance policy that will cover repairs and replacements of your windshield, and if you have an expensive windshield, this is a viable option.

Auto glass insurance claims can differ from policy to policy, so it is important that you understand how your insurance coverage is set. Many auto glass insurance policies allow for free repairs of chips and cracks in your windshield, thusly offsetting the cost of expensive replacements.

Most auto glass insurance policies will require you to pay a deductible for windshield replacement, a set amount that you pay and then insurance kicks in for the rest of the cost to replace your windshield. While you will still have to pay some money out of pocket, in most cases, it's not nearly as expensive as paying for the replacement fully.

With your auto glass insurance policy, you will need to be careful though. Before you get auto glass insurance, there are a few things you need to find out. Firstly, find out from an auto glass repair shop how much a windshield will cost to replace in your vehicle.

Find out how much a factory windshield costs and a standard windshield. Then find out if your windshield could be repaired (some can not be repaired). You will also need to find out how much your insurance will cost you to add auto glass coverage (in yearly premium) and how much your deductible will be.

Most vehicle owners replace their windshield once per year. The total cost of your yearly premium coupled with your deductible is how much money you will pay each year for a replacement windshield. If that cost is higher than a replacement windshield paid for out of pocket, then it is more worth it to bypass the auto glass insurance all together.

Your insurance rates will escalate as you use them, including for auto glass replacement. However, many insurance companies will pay for free repairs, you will have to gauge on your own whether the monthly premium is worth the free repair (most repairs cost around $50.00).

If you need to have your windshield replaced or repaired, contact your insurance agent to find out if they prefer one auto glass repair shop over another and how the claim will be covered. Your insurance agent can give you the name of a Houston Texas auto repair or replacement shop that you can take your vehicle to have your windshield repaired.

It is best if you do some math and request the input of your insurance agent when deciding on whether or not to purchase auto glass insurance for your vehicle. In some cases, paying the premiums for glass coverage is not a viable option - if you will end up paying more in premiums than for the cost of replacement, then auto glass insurance is not for you.

Catching a chip or crack early is best as well for you, and your pocket book. Having a chip or small windshield crack repaired is cost effective and gives you back integrity in your windshield.

In most cases, the repair can hardly be seen, and in some cases, the repair is nearly invisible. Windshield repair is a cost-effective solution to windshield cracks and chips - staving off the need to replace the windshield completely.