How Do I get My Broken Windshield payed for by my insurance Company?

The U.S. Department of Transportation set federal regulations which outline minimum requirements for windshield visibility and conditions. Each state is required to enforce these requirements. These federal regulations state that, aside from legal tinting, the center of the windshield should be “free of discoloration or damage” This center area is defined as the space above the steering wheel, extending to two inches from the top of the windshield, and one inch from each side. However, a single crack can legally extend into this space, as long as it does not intersect with any other cracks. What does this mean? If you have a spider-web crack in the middle of your windshield, you are going to have to replace it regardless of your home state.

​Set by D.O.T., state traffic laws extend beyond the minimum requirements. Every state windshield-visibility law states that windshield damage cannot impair a driver’s vision. In some states, including Arizona and Florida, the kind of damage which qualifies as visual impairment is not actually defined, but is left up to the cop to decide.

Other states have laws that regulate how car ins. handle broken windshield claims.  Most laws regulate the use of aftermarket windshields, when your insurance is paying for the coverage. Most states, allow auto insurance companies to cut costs by using aftermarket or used replacement windshields. They are however, required to notify you in writing about their intent to use an aftermarket windshield. It must be the same quality and design of a brand new one. Other states, such as California, require the insurance companies let you choose the body shop for windshield repair.

Arizona driver’s license manual states that “Vehicles must have a windshield” and that the windshield must not have any cracks. Arizona has a series of state laws codified as 28-957 which cover the requirement for windshields. 28-957.01 defines the requirement for a windshield, but exempts motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and golf carts manufactured or modified before June 17, 1998. Antique and classic vehicles that didn’t originally have windshields are exempted. The law states that a vehicle must have “an adequate windshield.” Because the law does not spell out the size a crack or chip must be to make a windshield inadequate under state law 28-957.01, the tickets for broken windshields vary in amount, depending on the county in which the ticket was issued. Whether a windshield is considered adequate or inadequate is left up to the discretion of ticketing officers state-wide.

​In Arizona you need Comprehensive coverage or Full Glass coverage, both optional coverages, on your vehicle in order for your windshield to be covered by your auto insurance. Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $250 to $1,000 deductible. All companies are required to offer full glass coverage which comes without a deductible. This “full glass” coverage (may also be known as full safety equipment coverage) provides full repair or replacement of all glass used in the windshield, windows, and doors, and all glass, plastic or other materials used in the lights of a motor vehicle without regard to any deductible. Full Glass may pay to repair or replace the windshield, windows, mirrors, as well as the glass, plastic or other material used in the lights of the vehicle, without having to pay the Comprehensive deductible. So if you have Comprehensive of Full Glass coverage as part of your car insurance policy you can make a claim for your windshield to be repaired or replaced so you do not risk being cited by law enforcement for what an officer may determine to be an equipment violation.

[-Arizona Dept of Transportation}

So if you have been driving around with a crack in that “center area” of your windshield, it is crucial to have this replaced immediately to avoid legal issues or personal injury.  AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co. has built a reputation as a top quality autoglass provider in Arizona.  With locations throughout the entire state, AGD is the most convenient and affordable way to go when it comes to windshield replacement.

AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co.  

3414 S Mill Ave | Tempe, AZ 85282 | 602-759-5900 | Website

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