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Laura Berry

Former Insurance Agent

Former Insurance Agent

Joshua Adamson

Joshua is a copywriter at Obrella who for more than 10 years has been creating content about insurance, health care, and more. He helps companies explain complex insurance subjects in simple ways so that customers can make smart buying decisions. He spends way too much time binge-watching Netflix, loves the outdoors and has a cat who tolerates him.

UPDATED: Jul 19, 2021

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Does Car Insurance Cover Rock Chips?

If you've ever had a rock chip in your windshield, that chip can turn into a crack, which quickly becomes a liability. It could even be the reason a policeman pulls you over for a ticket or for your car to fail inspections. Windshield chips and cracks can come from falling debris, storm damage, or a flying baseball in your neighborhood. Sometimes, they're so small, you don't even notice them until it's too late. Whatever the situation, you may wonder if car insurance covers rock chips. That all depends on the type of coverage you have. It has become increasingly common for insurance companies to offer chip coverage to fill chips before they turn into cracks. While it has always been a part of some comprehensive insurance plans, it's been mostly up to repair companies to advertise the service. 

Does car insurance cover rock chips when I have comprehensive coverage?

Comprehensive coverage is generally your only option when it comes to repairing rock chips in your windshield or windshield repair. Signing up for comprehensive coverage means you may be paying more each month than for basic coverage. However, you’re paying for coverage that protects against additional types of damaging situations that are out of your control.

If something like a rock hits your car windshield, you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to pay for those repairs out of pocket in many cases. Windshield repair companies will file the insurance claim for you and take care of the details. Even without coverage, the fillers they use can be extremely affordable.

If your windshield has been damaged due to a flying rock, the first thing you should do is to determine if it needs to be repaired or if the windshield needs to be completely replaced. Measuring the crack can help you determine how to best fix the damage. A good rule of thumb is that cracks that are less than six inches in length can be repaired, while any larger should result in a window replacement. The earlier you repair a small chip, the less likely it is to turn into a bigger crack.

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Is It Worth Filing A Claim for Your Windshield?

For a small chip, some drivers may choose to stay on the safe side and cover it themselves. Any glass claims going to your insurance company could result in an increase in insurance premium. If you need windshield replacement rather than simple rock ship repair, you may want to get pricing first. If you have a $500 deductible and the windshield replacement is $600, it wouldn’t be worth the increase in your insurance premium for an auto glass claim.

Basic coverage, such as liability and collision, only covers damage caused by car accidents rather than incidental damage that is out of your control, like rock chips. If you have only your state minimum’s, you usually can’t claim the damage, and your insurance company does not reimburse you for any windshield repairs you need.

For peace of mind in situations like this, you want to be financially prepared to cover the damages done. Learn how much car insurance coverage you need to best protect you and your assets by getting a personalized recommendation based on your needs. Just talk to an insurance agent today.

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