Impact or cracks on your windshield, glass breakage is one of the most frequent automobile claims. Although it is not serious, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to maintain good visibility.
The glass breakage guarantee is not systematically provided for by car insurance contracts. Third-party formulas do not include it. Glass breakage can however be taken out as an option. Explanations.
Damage
covered by the glass breakage guarantee
The glass breakage guarantee of car insurance
financially covers the insured in the event of damage to the glass parts of the
vehicle. The windshield, side windows, rear window and mirrors are usually
covered by contracts. The scope of the glass breakage guarantee is specified in
the general conditions of sale.
Depending on the formula taken out, the glass breakage
guarantee may be accompanied by a deductible, leaving part of the repair costs
to be borne by the insured. The amount of the deductible is very different from
one insurer to another. A high deductible can mean extended coverage. It is
important to check it before taking out an auto insurance contract.
Glass
breakage guarantee and compensation
Two conditions must be met to trigger compensation:
glass breakage cover must be provided for in your car insurance contract, the
claim must be exclusive. Indeed, the vehicle must not have been the subject of
other damage such as the theft of a car radio for example. Once the impact has
been observed, you have 5 working days to declare it to the insurer. Thus, the
glass breakage guarantee does not apply in the event of theft and vandalism
which are the subject of specific guarantees but whose deductibles are often
much higher.
The compensation process takes two forms. The insured
has the possibility of having his vehicle repaired directly after obtaining the
agreement of the insurance company. The invoice will then be sent to the
insurer for reimbursement. The insurer can also appoint a partner company to
pay the benefits directly to it. In the latter case, only the deductible will
remain the responsibility of the insured.
Does
glass breakage affect the bonus-malus?
Glass breakages have no impact on the calculation of
the bonus-malus. Indeed, they are considered as fortuitous events which do not
engage the responsibility of the driver. Only claims involving a third party
can modify the calculation of the premium reduction or increase coefficient.
However, if several claims of this type are repeated during the same year, the
insurer may increase the amount of the auto insurance premium or even terminate
the contract.
Would you like to benefit from an optimal glass
breakage guarantee? Do not hesitate to use an online car insurance comparator.
This free and non-binding tool allows you to sort and select the best offer.