Expert: Anne - 6/14/2009

Question
a truck on the highway propelled a pebble at my windshield and left a small chip. i thought it was no harm done until the summer heat expanded the impact site and left a single long hairline crack. the damage is no more than $130. if i make a claim about this, would the insurance raise my rate? my policy is a full coverage type. i don't know exactly what that means.

Answer
Well, full coverage usually means that you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is what would cover a rock chip to your windshield. Please see more about comprehensive coverage at: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Comprehensive-Coverage.html

Your issue will be your deductible. Many auto policies reduce the deductible for rockchips to $50 or they might even waive it if you decide to fix the windshield and not get a new one (some can be fixed some cannot, so it depends of the damage). If your deductible is $100, then the insurance company will only cover $30, and you would still take a hit against your insurance (could raise your rates). Please see:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/when-not-to-file-an-auto-insurance.ht...

the decision is up to you, but it really depends on your deductible and if you believe after all damages are paid if it is really worth it to take a hit against your coverage.

Good Luck
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