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What is Glass Insurance?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: Feb 23, 2024
Views: 16,980
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Glass insurance is an insurance policy which will pay for the replacement of broken or damaged glass. While replacing glass might not seem very expensive to those who have never had to pay for it, glass can be extremely costly, especially in the case of specialty glass such as plate glass, UV-resistant glass, or double paned glass. Many insurance companies offer glass insurance to their customers, usually in the form of a rider attached to an existing insurance policy.

Auto glass insurance is often made available as part of a comprehensive insurance package, and some insurance policies will waive the deductible when auto glass needs to be replaced or refinished. The policy may include exclusions for certain types of events which cause broken glass, but it usually includes accidents, vandalism, and certain natural events, such as a tree limb falling on a car. Auto glass insurance sometimes also includes a contract with a glass company which regularly works with the insurer, and offers services such as refinishing of holes or pits in windshields for free.

Structural glass in homes, condominiums, commercial buildings, retail establishments, and so forth can also be covered with glass insurance. The insurance may be purchased by tenants or the property owner, and is designed to payout to replace glass damaged by vandalism and most natural events, although damages caused by fires, war, and rioting may not be covered, depending on the terms of the policy.

Costs for glass insurance vary, depending on the type of glass and the location. Individuals who live or do business in areas prone to breaking glass, such as earthquake-prone areas or districts where vandals commonly strike, will have to pay more for their glass insurance, reflecting the increased risk. People with a relatively low risk can pay a lower rate, and some insurance companies also do not count glass insurance claims as a claim against the policy as a whole, which means that when glass is replaced by the insurance company, the cost of the overall policy will not go up.

When getting quotes on glass insurance, people should ask for a list of exclusions so that they understand what is covered and what is not. They should also ask about the deductible, whether or not glass insurance claims will affect the larger insurance policy, and how quickly the insurance company pays out on glass claims. They should also be prepared for a representative of the agency to inspect the glass being insured, to document any existing damage or concerns along with the value of the glass. It's also important to regularly update insurance policies to confirm that as values change, so does the coverage provided by the policy.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By Heavanet — On May 18, 2014

I think that the best type of auto glass insurance is a policy that has no deductible. Though you may have to pay a little extra for this type of coverage, you will not have to pay out of your own money if your windshield or other windows in your car are damaged, cracked, or broken.

This type of glass insurance policy can help you save money in the long run, because it is very common for auto glass to be damaged. For example, if you have a policy with no deductible, you will not have to pay out any money for repairs even if a stone chips a window in your car. Otherwise, you would have to pay for the glass repairs on your own, which could be costly.

By Raynbow — On May 18, 2014

If you have an automobile insurance policy and you aren't exactly sure what your glass coverage is, don't take it for granted that you have glass insurance. Sometimes this type of coverage is additional, and you have to ask for it when you seek coverage. Otherwise, you will be left paying for broken auto glass out of your own pocket without this important insurance policy.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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