Houston Auto Glass Repair – Insurance Claims
At Affordable Auto Glass in Houston, handling auto insurance claims is our specialty. We don’t want dealing with insurance to be a pain in the glass. That’s why we handle these claims seamlessly on your behalf. We can help alleviate the stress and confusion often associated with complicated insurance paperwork.
Our experienced team is well-versed in the procedures and requirements of various insurance providers. We’ll work directly with your insurance company, providing all necessary documentation and information to expedite your claim.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Auto Glass
When it comes to auto insurance for glass, there are three types of coverage: comprehensive, collision, and liability. Let’s break down how each of these coverages affects your auto glass repair or replacement in Houston.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage covers you for damage that isn’t caused by a collision with another vehicle. It pays for damage that occurs outside of car accidents. This includes things like:
- Cracked or shattered windshields from flying rocks or debris
- Damage from hail storms
- Vandalism or theft that results in broken windows or mirrors
- Damage from falling objects like tree branches
- Damage from animal strikes
You’ll usually have to pay a deductible (a set amount you pay out-of-pocket) before your comprehensive coverage kicks in to pay the rest. The amount of your deductible is something you choose when you purchase your insurance policy – a higher deductible usually means a lower premium (the amount you pay regularly for your insurance), and vice versa.
Some insurance policies in Texas might have a separate, lower deductible specifically for windshield repair, encouraging you to fix small chips before they spread.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle when it’s involved in an accident with another vehicle or object. This type of coverage can cover auto glass damage, but it’s usually when the damage occurred as a direct result of a collision. For example:
- If you’re in a car accident in Houston and your windshield cracks because of the impact.
- If you hit a pole and your side window breaks.
Like comprehensive, you’ll typically have a deductible to pay with collision coverage. This means that if your windshield or other auto glass is damaged in a car accident where you file a collision claim, you will likely need to pay a specific amount of money (your deductible) out of your own pocket first. Only after you’ve paid this deductible will your insurance company start to cover the remaining costs of the repair or replacement, up to the limits of your policy.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage helps pay for windshield or glass damage you cause to another vehicle in an accident where you are at fault. This coverage will not pay to repair or replace the auto glass on your car, even if you were responsible for the collision. Generally, your auto insurance includes a premium for liability coverage to protect you financially if you cause an accident.
Insurance Claim Process for Windshield Replacement
Here’s a detailed look at how the insurance claim process works from start to finish. We’re here to make the entire experience hassle-free, from the initial assessment to the final installation.
Step 1: Initial Contact and Damage Assessment
You’ll typically contact us because you have a damaged windshield – it could be a crack, a chip that can’t be repaired, or more extensive damage. Our experienced technicians will assess the damage to your windshield. We’ll determine if a repair is possible or if a full replacement is necessary based on the size, type, and location of the damage. At this stage, we’ll ask if you plan to file an insurance claim. If so, we’ll gather some basic information from you, including your insurance company name and policy number.
Step 2: Policy Verification and Claim Initiation (with your authorization)
Before contacting your insurance company, we’ll need your explicit authorization to act on your behalf. This allows us to communicate with them directly regarding your claim. With this permission in hand, we will contact your insurance company to initiate the claim process. We’re familiar with the procedures of most major insurance providers in Texas and will know the best way to get the ball rolling.
We’ll work with your insurance company to verify your coverage. Specifically, we’ll confirm if you have comprehensive coverage, which is the most common coverage for windshield replacement due to non-collision events. We’ll also inquire about your deductible amount for comprehensive claims and if your policy has any specific clauses related to windshield repair or replacement (like a separate, lower deductible). Once your deductible amount is confirmed by your insurance company, we will pass that information on to you.
We will then officially file the full claim on your behalf, providing your insurer with all the necessary details about the damage, your vehicle, and our company information.
Step 3: Claim Approval and Service Scheduling
We provide your insurance adjuster with everything they need to get your claim approved. This might involve providing photos of the damage or answering any questions they may have. Our experience in handling these claims often helps expedite this process.
Once the claim is approved (or if you decide to proceed even if it isn’t fully covered), we’ll work with you to schedule your windshield replacement at a time and location that is most convenient for you. This could be at our central Houston facility or via our mobile service at your home or workplace.
Step 4: Windshield Replacement and Quality Service
Our NGA-certified technicians will perform the windshield replacement using high-quality glass that meets or exceeds OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards. If your vehicle is equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that rely on sensors in or around the windshield (like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, etc.), we will make sure that these systems are properly recalibrated after the new windshield is installed. After the installation, we conduct a quality check to ensure proper sealing.
Step 5: Claim Finalization and Billing
Once the replacement is complete, we will typically bill your insurance company directly for the cost of the service, minus your deductible (if applicable). If you have a deductible, we will collect that amount from you. We will then handle any final paperwork or communication required by your insurance company to close the claim.
We Handle Your Auto Glass Insurance Claim
When you need auto glass repair or replacement in Houston, it’s always a good idea to check your specific insurance policy details and talk to your insurance agent to understand your coverage and any deductibles that might apply. And remember, Affordable Auto Glass in Houston is experienced in handling insurance claims and can help make the process easier for you. Get in touch with us now and we’ll get your claim squared away.
