Yes! we work with insurance
Using Insurance for an Auto Glass Replacement or Rock Chip Repair?
Yes we work with insurance for glass claims. Not every glass damage needs to or should be filed under insurance. In fact, many times we recommend to NOT fill a claim immediately until we have determined what the out of pocket cost would be for your service as your deductible may actually be more than the cost to repair your windshield or replace your windshield or other glass.
You can ALWAYS choose your shop.
Right to Choose
You ALWAYS have the right to choose any show you wish to do the work. You do not have to go to the shop your insurance company tells you to use or recommends. In fact most of the time, the glass claim representative you are speaking with at your insurance company doesn’t work for the insurance company. Instead they usually work for a third party glass claim administrator owned by a large national auto glass company that heavily advertises on tv and online. Most of the time, these same representatives may try to convince you to use their “preferred” shop AKA themselves and may say things like the shop you have chose does not participate in your insurance companies glass program.
If you want to file a claim, we recommend to give us a call first and then we can discuss the pros/cons of filing the claim and make a phone call with you to get the claim filed as assigned over to us as quickly as possible.
Auto insurance policies will cover glass in three different ways. Collision, Comprehensive, and Separate Glass coverage endorsements or rides.
The most common glass claim falls under Comprehensive coverage
This coverage is designed to protect against non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, animal damage, weather damage, hail, and damage to auto glass. It is typically not required by state law, but almost all “Full Coverage” policies will have comprehensive coverage on it. I's often recommended for comprehensive protection.
Glass only claim versus glass coverage as part of collision or comprehensive claim.
Collision coverage of Glass,
If your vehicle was involved in an accident such as a car wreck and glass was damaged as part of that wreck, glass would usually fall under the collision claim that is for all the damage incurred during the collision. This type of claim does not require a separate
Glass Coverage
Some insurance companies offer a separate glass coverage rider that specifically covers auto glass repairs and replacements and may have a separate deductible from your comprehensive deductible. This is often an optional add-on to your policy.
Comprehensive Deducible
Like other insurance coverages, you may have a deductible associated with your comprehensive or glass coverage. A deductible is the amount you're responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The amount of the deductible can vary depending on your policy.
Right to choose:
By Georgia code § 33-34-6, you have the right to choose and use the shop of your choice for your repair, replacement, or calibration service. Your insurance company is also required to pay fair and reasonable rates based on the market. If your insurance says you have to use this shop for the service to be covered by them or contacts you after you have already chosen your shop to get you to choose one of their “Program participant” shops, this is called steering and is illegal. An insurance company or third-party claim representing one deductible with a participant and another deductible with a non-program participant is also a form of steering. Attempts to steer should be reported to the insurance commissioners office.
The Glass Claim Process
- Claim Process:
If your auto glass is damaged, and you wish to use insurance to cover the repair, a claim will need to be filed against your policy. Wyndshyld ClaimAssist service can walk you through each step of the claim process and prior to filing the claim your Wyndshyld coordinator will go over everything you need to know about the claim, let you know what to expect during the claim filing process, and make sure that all the necessary information is available to make the claim process as quick and efficient as possible. They will also be with you on the phone during the claim filing process to make sure the work assignment gets assigned to the correct shop and fight for your right to choose Wyndshyld should the insurance claim representative attempt to steer you to use any other shop. - Repair or Replacement:
If your claim is approved, your insurance company will either pay for the repair or replacement of your auto glass, depending on the extent of the damage and the terms of your policy. - Choose a Repair Shop:
In most cases, your insurance company may recommend to use a specific auto glass repair shop that is in their network or preferred list. However by law, you have the option to choose your own and insurance is required to pay fair and reasonable rates for the repairs. Wyndshyld works with most insurance companies for glass repairs and replacements. We recommend to contact us prior to filing a glass claim to discuss the best course of action and if a claim is necessary. - Approvals - Once we have received the assignment from your insurance company, we will work directly with the insurance company and/or third party claim administrator to obtain approvals for necessary parts and services to return your vehicle to pre-loss condition. In the event that insurance will not cover necessary parts or services needed to return your vehicle to pre-loss condition, we will reach out and discuss this with you and determine the best path forward.
- Schedule the Repair/Replacement
We will work with you to find a suitable time for you to come in or for them to come to you to perform the repair. This can be contingent on weather, part availability, technician availability and shop availability. - Payments:
If a deductible applies, you'll be responsible for paying that amount to the repair shop at either the time of service or at the time of scheduling depending on the situation. Once the repair is complete, we will bill your insurance company or third party claim administrator for the rest. - Premium Impact:
Making a claim for auto glass repair or replacement generally doesn't impact your insurance premiums as severely as a collision claim. However, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand how it might affect your policy.*
Bonus: Reimbursement for Repairs: If you paid for the repairs out of pocket and your insurance policy covers it, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement after the fact.
It's important to review your auto insurance policy carefully to understand the terms and conditions related to auto glass coverage. If you have specific questions or need to make a claim, contact your insurance company or agent for guidance on the process and coverage details.
*Wyndshyld is not licensed to practice insurance nor an insurance company, attorney, agent, broker, carrier, actuary, adjuster, or regulator and makes no claims or guarantees regarding premium impacts arising from glass claims.
