Luckily, if your car window is broken during a theft, the damage will be covered by car insurance if you include comprehensive coverage on your policy.
Here’s all you need to know about how car insurance works when it comes to broken windows caused by theft.
TL;DR
- Comprehensive car insurance covers broken windows from theft, but you’ll need to pay your deductible
- Adding extended glass coverage can help lower or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs for fixing or replacing glass, depending on your state
- In most cases, you’ll need to file a police report to get your claim processed
- If a thief steals belongings from your car after breaking in the window, your renters insurance or homeowners insurance policy could cover the stolen items
How does car insurance cover a broken window from theft?
Car windows and windshields go through a lot—whether it’s falling branches or damage due to theft or vandalism. Here’s a quick look at the types of coverage that could apply if your car windows are smashed during a break-in:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps repair or replace damaged auto glass, such as windshields and sunroofs, if the damage is caused by something other than a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. Covered incidents include theft, vandalism, hail, or even hitting an animal. The coverage amount is based on the car’s ACV (actual cash value) and is subject to your deductible, usually between $100 and $1,000.
Extended glass coverage
Extended glass coverage is an add-on that minimizes your out-of-pocket costs for glass repair or replacement, coverage availability varies by state. With this optional coverage, you can often repair or replace windshields, side windows, or sunroofs with a significantly lower deductible, sometimes as little as $50 or even $0 depending on your policy and location. For example, replacing a windshield could cost up to $400, so if you have extended glass coverage with a $50 deductible, insurance can cover the remaining $350.
Depending on your state, when you drive with Lemonade Car and include comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, you may have the option to add extended glass coverage. Deductibles range from $0 to $50 and can cover repairs or replacements for windshields, side windows, back windows, and even sunroofs or moonroofs.
That’s a pretty good deal, considering the cost of replacing a windshield can range from $20 to over $1,500 for luxury vehicles or those with advanced features.
When does car insurance cover a broken window from theft?
Between 2019-2023, motor vehicle theft incidents across the U.S. increased from around 200 to 284 incidents per 100,000 people. The good news? Comprehensive car insurance can come in handy when facing damages from theft, including a broken car window.
Imagine this: You’re coming back to your car in a parking garage after dinner, only to find the driver’s side window shattered, with your car’s radio stolen. Your comprehensive coverage would help cover the cost of repairs to fix the car window for eligible incidents.
Let’s say the window repair costs $600 and your comprehensive deductible is $250. In the case of a covered claim, you’d pay $250, and your insurer would cover the remaining $350.
Keep in mind, any personal belongings stolen (like a stolen laptop or cell phone) inside the car wouldn’t be covered by your car insurance policy. Those would typically fall under renters or homeowners insurance policies.
When is a broken window from theft not covered by car insurance?
Car insurance doesn’t cover a broken window from theft if you only carry liability insurance. Why? Liability insurance doesn’t protect your car; it only covers damages or injuries you cause to others.
Picture this: You park your car overnight in a poorly lit spot, and someone smashes a window to steal your stuff. If you only have liability coverage, you’d have to cover the cost of fixing that broken window yourself.
Negligence is another factor that could affect your coverage for broken windows. Let’s say you do have comprehensive coverage, but accidentally left a window rolled down or a laptop in plain sight in the passenger seat, making it an easy target for thieves. If a thief damages your car windows, your insurance provider might deny the claim due to negligence on your part.
What should I do if a thief breaks my car’s windows?
Finding your car windows shattered after a break-in is stressful. Here’s how to handle it:
- Document the damage: Take clear photos of the broken window and any other damage. This will be required when filing a police report and an insurance claim.
- File a police report: Contact your local police department immediately, providing details about the incident and any stolen items. Be sure to get the police report number (you may need this to file your claim).
- Protect your car: Cover the broken window with a secure material (like a garbage bag or cardboard) to protect your car from further damage. If you can, try parking your car somewhere safe, like a private garage.
- File a claim: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claim process.
At Lemonade, we designed our digital claims process to be as quick and easy as possible. Just submit your claim through the app with the help of our chatbot, AI Jim. If you have extended glass coverage, and only need to file a claim for the broken glass, make sure to select “Glass damage only” during the claims process.
Once you answer a few more questions, tap the ‘Send details to Safelite’ button at the bottom of the screen, we’ll pass your details to our trusty auto-glass repair partner, Safelite.
From there, Safelite will coordinate with you directly to assess your car’s damage and arrange repairs.
Before we go…
Car break-ins are stressful, but with comprehensive car insurance, you won’t have to face repair costs alone. By adding extended glass coverage to your Lemonade policy, you can minimize out-of-pocket expenses and benefit from quick claims processing to get your car back in top shape.
Ready to get started? Get your free quote today.
FAQs
Is a cracked or chipped window from vandalism covered by insurance?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, the costs to repair or replace damage caused by vandalism are covered, after you pay your deductible.
Can I drive with a broken window?
Driving with a broken window is technically possible but not ideal. It can expose you to additional risks, like rain or debris entering your car, and might even be unsafe depending on the extent of the damage.
It’s a good idea to get the window repaired as soon as possible to make sure you stay safe on the road and avoid any legal troubles.
Can I repair the window myself and still file a claim?
Most insurance companies require that you use an approved repair center to fix your car’s broken window to make sure your claim is covered properly. These centers are pre-approved to meet their quality and pricing standards. Before booking any repairs, be sure to file your claim first and double-check which repair centers your insurer approves, or if you can choose your own, to avoid any issues.
At Lemonade, you’ll have the option to take your car to a shop of your choice, or to a shop that Lemonade has had positive experiences with in the past.
Do I need to file a police report for all glass damage claims?
If you’re dealing with damage related to theft, vandalism, or a car accident, you’ll need a police report. If your car’s glass was damaged due to natural events, like a hailstorm or a tree branch falling on your windshield, a police report usually isn’t required.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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