A stone chip in the windshield – a sound that sends shivers down every car driver’s spine. Especially when you don’t know whether your partial coverage insurance will cover the costs of repair or replacement. In this article, we clarify all the important questions surrounding the topic of “partial coverage insurance and windshield stone chips.”
What Does “Partial Coverage Windshield Stone Chip” Mean?
This term, which sounds complicated at first glance, is actually quite easy to explain. “Partial coverage” refers to your vehicle’s partial coverage insurance. Partial coverage covers damage to your own vehicle that was not caused by an accident with another road user – for example, damage from stone chips, hail, or theft. “Windshield stone chip” describes the damage itself: a crack or chip in the windshield caused by an impacting stone.
Does Partial Coverage Insurance Cover Stone Chip Damage Costs?
The good news is: In most cases, yes! Partial coverage insurance usually covers the costs for repairing or replacing the windshield in the event of stone chip damage. However, this only applies if the damage was caused by an object penetrating from the outside, such as a stone.
Close-up of a windshield with a stone chip, asking 'Does partial coverage insurance cover the costs?'
When Does Partial Coverage Insurance Not Cover Stone Chip Damage?
However, there are also cases in which partial coverage insurance does not or only partially cover the costs for stone chip damage to the windshield.
- Pre-existing damage: If the windshield was already damaged before the stone chip occurred, the insurance company may not fully cover the repair costs.
- Self-inflicted damage: If you caused the damage yourself, e.g., through improper handling, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
- Inappropriate behavior: If, for example, you continued to drive at high speed despite clearly visible stone chip damage and the damage worsened as a result, the insurance company may reduce the benefits.
Is it Worth Repairing a Stone Chip?
Even if the repair of a small stone chip damage is not covered by partial coverage insurance or you have to bear the costs yourself, a repair is worthwhile in most cases. A small damage can quickly develop into a large crack, which can then no longer be repaired and requires a complete replacement of the windshield.
Technician repairing a stone chip on a car windshield, text overlay 'Repairing a stone chip on the windshield: Costs and procedure.'
What Should I Do in Case of Damage?
- Report the damage to your insurance company immediately.
- Document the damage. Take photos of the stone chip.
- Visit a workshop you trust. Many workshops also offer to handle the claim settlement with the insurance company.
Further Questions About “Partial Coverage Windshield Stone Chip”?
- What is the deductible for stone chip damage?
- Can I freely choose the workshop?
- Are there alternatives to repair?
You can find answers to these and other questions on our website. If you need further assistance, our car experts are happy to help. Simply contact us via our contact form.
