Does GEICO Cover Front Windshield Replacement? (Here Is How)

Getting a crack in your windshield or one of those irritating dots of nearly microscopic fractures that practically screams for your undivided attention, is bound to happen at some point, even if you spend very little time on the road.

If you are insured with GEICO, you may want to get that repaired before it spreads.

So, does GEICO cover front windshield replacement? Yes, GEICO covers front windshield replacement. However, you want to look at it, GEICO does offer a no-Cost windshield repair or replacement but only if you have comprehensive coverage. If you live in Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, it’s a requirement that GEICO offers it with no deductible.

In most states, you will have to pay a deductible to get your windshield, which may or may not be more than the cost of the windshield.

Of course, that doesn’t make much sense and most people would probably only use it in the event of an accident.

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Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina

In these three states, comprehensive coverage not only covers your windshield in the event of minor or major damage but it is also required that GEICO (or any other insurance for that matter) offer it free of deductibles.

So, if you happen to live in any of these states, you can get that tiny, annoying spot crack and go get it repaired under your GEICO comprehensive coverage, free of any deductible. All you have to do is show up.

You’ll need to file the claim and set up an appointment with GEICO’s choice of windshield repair business (which is usually Safelite).

Without comprehensive coverage, however, it will be a pretty expensive, out-of-pocket repair, even if the damage is relatively minor.

The good thing about living in one of these states is that almost everything is completely automated once you file your claim and set up a repair appointment. It’s quick, easy, and won’t cost you a single dime.

How Much is GEICO Coverage?

GEICO is no different than other auto insurance companies in that you must have full coverage auto insurance to take advantage of comprehensive coverage, which is the portion that covers windshield damage.

For the minimal full coverage option, GEICO’s rates are generally around $250. Your age, marital status, sex, type of car, and the color of your car will all make a difference, however, so the price can fluctuate whether you have the most expensive coverage or not.

Medium range coverage will be around $20 more per month and the most expensive options will approach $300 if not more, depending on how much you customize your coverage with add-ons in addition to the above-listed stipulations.

If you elect to go with liability-only insurance, you won’t have comprehensive coverage and comprehensive can’t be combined with liability only in any way. It only comes with full coverage.

How to File a Claim with GEICO

There are two ways to submit a claim with GEICO. You can either contact them at 1-800-510-2291, or you can visit their website and file your claim there.

GEICO advises you to file your claim immediately or, as soon as you possibly can, even if the damage is minimal.

The problem is, even if the damage is minor, glass is like most other materials in that it reacts to changes in temperature.

For example, if it sits out in the hot sun all day, with the temperature of the glass rising, then along comes an afternoon thunderstorm and rain, the existing damage can spread in a hurry. What was once a small crack may turn into a spiderweb in just an hour or so.

To file your claim, you will need to log in, then enter your policy type, the policy number, and your name.

Once you select “Continue” follow the remaining instructions and set up an appointment.

Oftentimes, you can have a technician come directly to your home and they will conduct the repair right there in your front driveway or garage.

It generally takes about half an hour, even if they have to remove and replace your windshield.

The Assignment of Benefits Form

One thing that glass repair contractors like to do is convince you to sign what is called an “Assignment of Benefits” form. Without going into the boring complexities of this form, it essentially gives the contractor the freedom to charge a massive amount of money for the repair.

Now, you may think that it’s no big deal because GEICO is the one paying for it, especially if you live in a state where you don’t have to fork over a deductible.

That’s very true, but the problem is, that GEICO will turn right around and raise your insurance rate. It’s not as if GEICO will do it on purpose either. When it comes to the stability of your insurance rate, it’s all about statistics, automation, and risk.

The system will flag you for a major repair and it will either automatically raise your rates, or some GEICO employee will tack on an extra $15 a month with absolutely no understanding of what happened and no animosity towards you whatsoever.

If the glass contractor asks you to sign this form, find a way to put them off for as long as possible while you contact GEICO and find out what your next step should be.

The contractor is obligated to fix your windshield no matter what because they are partnered with GEICO in one form or another.

Ultimately, you probably won’t have to sign it because stuff like that will send an insurance company running to the nearest competitor, taking all of those potential customers with it.

No matter what, avoid signing this form at all costs and GEICO will probably advise you to do the same before speaking with the contractor.

All Things Considered

GEICO definitely offers windshield replacement and repair as a part of their insurance coverage; however, you have to have comprehensive coverage and some level of full coverage.

You won’t be able to take advantage of GEICO’s windshield coverage if you go for just liability only, so keep that in mind when you are choosing your coverages because windshield damage is almost a foregone conclusion at some point.

References

https://www.carinsurance.org/geico-windshield-replacement/

https://wallethub.com/answers/ci/geico-windshield-replacement-2140683742/