IS YOUR WINDSHIELD DAMAGED?
Picture this: You are on your way to work and suddenly a piece of gravel falls from the bed of an industrial truck that is directly in front of you!
All of the sudden, you’re worried about windshield repair cost. What if you require an entire windshield replacement? Not only are you worried about HOW much it costs, but you are also worried about WHO is responsible when it comes to paying for said damage.
Let’s take a look at the most common determining factor used by most states for applying this sort of responsibility. We say most states simply because states like Florida are a bit unique. We’ll discuss that a little later, though.
The Ins and Outs of Windshield Damage!
IS YOUR WINDSHIELD CRACKED OR SHATTERED?
There you have it…..the determining factor.
HOW is the windshield damaged?
Repairable Windshield
A repairable windshield is often times thought of as one that has mere cracks, dents or other forms of damage but still functions fine. It won’t fall out of frame the rest of the way on the trip home! The window is damaged, but still functions and doesn’t require replacement.
Shattered Windshield
A shattered windshield is one with such structural damage that a windshield replacement is usually required. With some shattered windshields, it’s immediately evident that they are going to need to be replaced as they are completely smashed out of frame. As previously discussed, window pieces can easily fall out of frame with less severe shattering also; they typically do it after the initial interaction that resulted in the windshield damage.
What if your windshield was shattered by this truck? Who’s responsible?
As you probably suspected, the source of the gravel stone (a.k.a. that truck,) would be responsible under the right conditions. We say right conditions assuming that you were not doing anything illegal as you followed the truck like follow it too closely.
If you can’t track the truck’s information down in time and settle with the driver’s company’s insurance, then you’ll have to file a claim on YOUR OWN insurance! Shatters are difficult no matter whose insurance provider is handling it! They often have very large deductibles because they require a windshield replacement.
Now, if you just have a repairable crack, the comprehensive coverage on your policy (if present,) might take care of it; the company will often do that no questions asked. This is certainly something to keep in mind. Tracking down that truck driver would be entirely irrelevant in this case. This is the reason why the type of windshield damage is so important when it comes to determining who will pay for that windshield!
WHAT WAS THAT YOU SAID ABOUT FLORIDA?
Earlier, we happened to mention that states like Florida had a unique situation in such events.
Florida, along with Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts and North Carolina are referred to as, “zero deductible states”.
So… what’s this mean?
It means that, under regular driving conditions, these states require YOUR insurance provider to either repair or replace your windshield for you with no deductible charge whatsoever. Essentially, every driver’s insurance provider is making sure that they always have a proper windshield installed without holding somebody at fault and/or wasting resources to do so.
One thing to consider doing, if you live in one of these zero deductible states, would be keeping your car installed with a properly functioning windshield at all times!
Think about this; if state law gives these windshields so easily to all state drivers, a trooper or local cop will definitely be more likely to ticket you for driving around with a damaged one! Florida state troopers are well aware of this and keep an eye out for it when they do pullovers.
Zero deductible states realize that windshield damage is a common part of regular commuting. This is why they offer the legislative solution that they do.
THIS IS NOT A DEFINITIVE GUIDE!
The zero deductible states are not the only special cases out there! Be sure to use this information as a rough guide, and to also do any required research in your municipality if your windshield is ever damaged. Making sure that this valuable, “window to the road,” stays properly functioning is your responsibility as a safe motorist!
