Does a windshield claim raise car insurance rates in Indiana?

A rock flies off a truck on I-65. A hailstorm rolls through Tippecanoe County. A tree branch drops in your driveway overnight. However, it happens, you're staring at a crack in your windshield and wondering about two things: Is this covered? Will filing a claim make my insurance go up? 

Both are fair questions. Here's what Indiana drivers should know about windshield claims, what they cost, and when you should consider paying out of pocket. 

Will a windshield claim increase your insurance premium?

In most cases, no. A single glass claim typically won't cause a rate increase on its own.  

Windshield damage is generally covered under comprehensive coverage (called Other Than Collision Coverage at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance). This is the part of your policy that may help handle things outside your control: weather, falling objects, animal strikes, theft, and vandalism. Because windshield damage is rarely the result of how you drive, insurance companies generally don't weigh it the same way they might weigh an at-fault collision. 

That said, your premium is based on a combination of factors, not just your claims history. When your insurer periodically reevaluates your rate, they consider your driving record, the number and type of recent claims, your location, your vehicle, and more. A single glass claim in an otherwise clean history is typically less likely to move the needle. Multiple claims in a short window, glass or otherwise, might. 

The bottom line: Strongly consider repairing or replacing a damaged windshield. A damaged windshield is a safety issue, and one glass claim generally won't drastically change what you pay. 

How windshield coverage works at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance 

At Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, windshield damage falls under Other Than Collision Coverage. Here's how typically it works: 

• Repairable damage (chips, small cracks): If the windshield can be repaired rather than replaced, we generally waive the deductible. You may pay nothing out of pocket for the repair (certain limitations apply). 

• Replacement needed: If the windshield has to be fully replaced, your deductible applies. Your policy may help cover the remaining cost above the deductible. 

• Lowest available deductible: Our lowest Other Than Collision Coverage deductible is $100. 

This deductible waiver that may apply for repairs is a meaningful benefit. Many windshield cracks start as small chips that can be repaired for$80-$150 or more, if they're caught early. Waiting until the crack potentially spreads across the glass often means a full replacement, which costs more and triggers the deductible. 

Not sure what coverage is on your policy? You can review your policy online or reach out to your local Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent for a walkthrough. 

Should you pay for the repair or replacement out of pocket? 

This is the real question most people are asking. The answer depends on two numbers: the cost of the repair and your deductible. Typically, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim and learn more about your options. Remember, once you file a claim, you can ask your claims representative to close it later if you decide to pay out of pocket. 

When submitting a claim to potentially use your coverage makes sense

• The windshield needs full replacement and the cost exceeds your deductible by a significant margin. 

• Multiple glass panels are damaged (side windows, rear glass). 

• You have Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance's Other Than Collision Coverage and the damage is repairable. The deductible is generally waived, so the repair may cost you nothing. 

When paying out of pocket may make sense

• The repair cost is less than your deductible. 

• The cost is close to your deductible, so the insurance payout would be minimal. 

• You've already filed several claims recently and want to keep your claims history clean. 

The math, simplified

In many cases, yes. A single comprehensive glass claim with an otherwise clean claims history is generally unlikely to trigger a significant rate increase. However, insurers reevaluate your premium periodically based on multiple factors including claims history, driving record, and location. Filing many claims in a short period, glass or otherwise, could affect your rate at renewal. 

How much is my windshield deductible?

It depends on your policy. At Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the lowest available deductible on Other Than Collision Coverage is $100, with several higher options. Generally, a higher deductible means a lower premium. For repairable windshield damage, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance typically waives the deductible entirely (certain limitations apply). 

Should I use my insurance to replace my windshield or pay out of pocket?

Generally, compare the replacement cost to your deductible and consider your options. If the cost is well above your deductible, filing a claim may save you money when it comes to covering the damage. If the cost is close to or below your deductible, paying out of pocket may be the better choice for you. For small chips that can be repaired, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance generally waives the deductible (subject to certain limitations), so filing often makes sense regardless. 

Will my insurer drop me for filing a windshield claim? 

Filing a single glass claim generally will not cause your insurer to drop you. Insurers consider many factors when evaluating a policy, and one comprehensive claim is typically not cause for non-renewal. However, a pattern of frequent claims across multiple coverage types could prompt a review. 

Does a cracked windshield need to be fixed right away?

Ideally, yes. A cracked windshield may compromise your vehicle's structural strength and can obstruct your view. In Indiana, law enforcement can cite you if a crack impairs your ability to see clearly while driving. Small chips can also spread quickly due to temperature changes, turning a potentially low-cost repair into a full replacement. (Related: Does car insurance cover a cracked windshield?)