Do you know what AAA windshield replacement policy is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
Over 60 million people currently have AAA coverage. Hopefully, having it never means having to use it. But what does AAA cover and, more specifically, are windshield replacements covered? If so, what will the cost be to you and is it even worth having AAA?
So, what is AAA windshield replacement policy? According to AAA windshield replacement policy, windshield replacement or repair is covered under AAA’s comprehensive coverage package, however, if you need to replace it, you will have to pay a deductible. On average the deductible for replacing a window through AAA comprehensive coverage is around $250
Those lucky enough to live in the states of Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, don’t have to pay a deductible at all.
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AAA Windshield Coverage
Like many car insurance companies, AAA offers windshield replacement through their comprehensive coverage policy.
Your deductible is predicated on the type of coverage you have and it doesn’t fluctuate based on the severity of the damage.
That’s why several states have instituted policies that force insurance companies to drop the deductible for windshield replacement altogether or, as in the states of Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, offer an option for $0 deductible windshield replacement coverage.
The problem is, a particularly nasty crack across your windshield, that requires a replacement, will cost far more in terms of paying the deductible than it would be to just pay for the replacement of the windshield out of pocket.
It makes sense that some states have taken steps simply because a minor crack in the windshield is enough to be a major distraction and shouldn’t require a massive deductible that you would normally suspend after a minor or major accident.
Read also: GEICO Windshield Replacement Policy (What’s Covered + Claims)
Having AAA Versus Full Coverage Car Insurance
Most people use AAA for their roadside services, however, that’s not the same thing as having full coverage auto insurance.
AAA offers full coverage car insurance through other carriers, much like Boost Mobile offers cell phones using another carrier’s network.
No matter what insurance AAA uses to cover you, it has to be full coverage with comprehensive. If it isn’t there is not going to be any coverage for your windshield replacement.
Liability-only insurance is not going to cover the costs of a windshield replacement, even if the damage was caused by someone else.
You would have to get the liability coverage of the other person’s insurance to cover the replacement or repair.
Repairing VS Replacing
Even if you have comprehensive coverage the damage to your windshield may not necessitate a full replacement of the windshield.
Of course, if the damage is directly in front of the driver, that’s different but what do you do when all you need is a repair, rather than a replacement?
Fortunately, AAA is aware that paying a deductible for a minor repair would be ridiculous, so they will oftentimes waive the deductible so that you can get your windshield repaired appropriately.
That means that AAA will bear the brunt of the cost and you won’t have to pay anything.
Will AAA Raise Your Rates After a Windshield Replacement?
According to AAA, they will not raise your rates if you pay your deductible to have your windshield replaced.
Of course, that is something that you will have to carefully monitor afterward since AAA utilizes auto insurance coverage through other venues.
The typical deductible for replacing a window through AAA comprehensive coverage is around $250. As aforementioned, living in certain states means that there is no deductible, or you should have the option to choose $0 deductible plans when you pursue coverage through AAA.
If you have (and it’s important to read the fine print when you acquire full coverage insurance) “full glass coverage”, then there should be no deductible when it comes time to have your windshield replaced.
The fine print is everything. AAA, like most insurance coverages, is not going to be blatant and in your face about which plans come with a $0 deductible, or full glass coverage.
You have to take the time to do your research and find the right policy for you.
Read also: Does GEICO Cover Front Windshield Replacement? (Here Is How)
How AAA Comprehensive Coverage Works
The damage to your windshield doesn’t have to be from another vehicle, as in a typical collision where insurance information is exchanged, and claims are filed.
Coverage extends farther than you probably realize.
- Hit and run accidents
- Storm damage, including from hail storms
- Animal-caused accidents
- Rocks that are slung up from the highway and into your windshield
The above coverages are something that most people, who have auto insurance, find to be alien or unheard of. That’s the importance of “comprehensive coverage.”
When you have comprehensive coverage, it covers the major to the minor.
Of course, if you were involved in an accident that was entirely your fault, you will have to pay the standard deductible to bring your car back up to the pre-accident level, which will include the window.
When you have comprehensive coverage and you are involved in an accident that is your fault, the $0 deductible that is law in some states is irrelevant.
It’s separate from the deductible that you have to pay to bring to initiate your insurance coverage and pay for the cost of the damage to your vehicle.
It’s highly unlikely that you will be involved in a collision and your windshield is the only thing that cracks.
Does AAA Roadside Cover Windshield Repair?
That’s difficult to answer because AAA may pay for windshield damage if you are stranded on the side of the road. After all, some dump truck slung what seemed like a boulder into your window.
It would be one of those instances where there would need to be a careful negotiation between yourself and AAA.
However, in reality, if all you have with AAA is their standard, roadside assistance, don’t hold your breath waiting on windshield repair. But hey, it’s always worth a shot.
All Things Considered
AAA coverage, so long as you have a comprehensive coverage policy through one of AAA’s affiliates, should cover the cost of windshield replacement or repair.
If you live in one of the above-listed states, you won’t even have to pay a deductible. However, in the remaining states, the highest deductible you will pay is $250.
References
https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/windshield-repair-and-replacement
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