What does comprehensive with full glass mean?

Having comprehensive auto insurance with full glass coverage means you have additional protection for your vehicle’s windows and windshield. This coverage pays to repair or replace damaged glass without you having to pay a deductible.

Comprehensive insurance and full glass coverage provide important protection that can save you money if your car’s glass gets damaged. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what comprehensive auto insurance and full glass coverage are, what they cover, and whether adding full glass coverage is worth the extra cost.

What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance is an optional add-on coverage for auto policies. It covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. Some examples include:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Flood damage
• Fire damage
• Hail damage
• Falling objects/trees
• Animal collisions

Comprehensive insurance also covers glass damage from these types of incidents. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car and cracks the windshield, your comprehensive insurance would pay for the windshield replacement.

However, comprehensive claims are subject to your deductible. So if you have a $500 deductible and need a $600 windshield replacement, you’d have to pay $500 out of pocket and your insurance would cover the remaining $100.

What is Full Glass Coverage?

Full glass coverage is an enhancement you can add to a comprehensive policy. It waives your deductible for glass repairs and replacements.

With full glass coverage, you pay no deductible to fix or replace damaged windshields, side windows, rear windows, sunroofs, etc. Your insurance covers the full cost.

Full glass coverage only applies to glass damage – not other comprehensive claims. You’d still pay your deductible for non-glass repairs like theft, vandalism, or flood damage.

What Does Comprehensive Insurance with Full Glass Cover?

Having both comprehensive coverage and full glass coverage means you get complete protection for your vehicle’s glass. Your policy will cover the full cost to repair or replace damaged windshields, side windows, rear windows, and sunroofs, without you paying a deductible.

Some examples of what would be covered include:

• Windshield crack from a rock hitting your car
• Side window broken by vandals
• Rear window shattered by a fallen tree branch
• Sunroof cracked by hail

As long as the damage is glass-only, your insurance will pay the full bill. You won’t pay anything out of pocket.

Is Full Glass Coverage Worth the Extra Cost?

The main benefit of full glass coverage is saving money on your deductible. Windshield and auto glass repair/replacement can be expensive:

• Windshield replacement: $200 – $1200
• Side window replacement: $100 – $700
• Rear window replacement: $200 – $1000

If you have a $500 or $1000 deductible on your comprehensive coverage, you could end up paying hundreds out of pocket for a single glass repair.

Full glass coverage eliminates your deductible for these repairs. For a relatively small monthly premium, it can save you from expensive windshield bills down the road.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if full glass coverage is worth adding:

• Where you live – If you live in an area with lots of gravel roads, debris, extreme weather, or high vandalism, glass damage is more likely. Full glass coverage has more value.

• Deductible amount – The higher your comprehensive deductible, the more you’ll save by waiving it for glass repairs.

• Miles driven – The more miles you drive, the greater your odds of needing windshield repairs. High mileage drivers benefit more from full glass.

• Parking location – If your car is parked on the street instead of a garage, it’s more exposed to risks like falling debris.

• Car make and model – Some vehicles are more prone to glass damage based on design, glass materials used, etc. Check your car’s track record.

• Premium cost – Full glass premiums are usually affordable, but compare quotes to see exact pricing.

How Does a Comprehensive and Full Glass Claim Work?

The claims process for comprehensive glass coverage is straightforward:

1. Discover glass damage – Notice a chip, crack, or break in one of your car windows or windshield. Assess if it needs immediate repair or can wait.

2. Contact your insurance company – Call your insurance provider and explain the glass damage. Confirm you have comprehensive and full glass coverage.

3. Take your car to an approved glass shop – Your insurer will recommend a glass repair shop in their network. Schedule an appointment.

4. Get the repair or replacement – The shop will examine your car, determine if the glass needs repair or replacement, and take care of it for you.

5. Insurance pays the bill – You don’t pay anything out of pocket. The repair shop bills your insurance directly.

It’s a headache-free process when you have comprehensive and full glass protection!

Factors That Impact Glass Coverage

While comprehensive with full glass coverage provides robust protection for your vehicle’s windows, there are some limitations:

• Other damage – If the glass damage occurs alongside other damage in an incident, your deductible would apply. Full glass only pays for glass-only repairs.

• Policy limits – There are typically dollar amount limits on glass coverage (often $1000). Damage exceeding your limit would not be fully covered.

• Original manufacturer glass – For windshield replacement, insurance will pay for OEM glass. For side/rear windows, aftermarket glass is usually approved.

• Glass repair vs replacement – Repairs like windshield chip filling are often covered with no deductible or policy limit. Replacement has a limit.

• Rental car reimbursement – You may not get a rental car allowance for glass-only claims. Other damage is required.

It’s important to review your specific policy details so you understand exactly what is covered and what limitations may apply. Talk to your insurance agent with any questions.

The Bottom Line

Comprehensive insurance with full glass coverage is a great combination that provides total protection for your vehicle’s glass. You never have to pay a penny out of pocket for glass repairs or replacement.

While full glass coverage does add cost to your premium, it’s a relatively inexpensive add-on that can save you hundreds on your deductible. For most drivers, the peace of mind and deductible savings make full glass coverage well worth the extra expense.

When shopping for car insurance, make sure to get a quote for comprehensive coverage with full glass. And if you already have auto insurance, call your provider to add full glass and get complete protection from glass damage. Your wallet will thank you the next time you hear that dreadful crunching sound of a rock hitting your windshield!