Whether you are driving a car, a truck, or an SUV, your windshield keeps you safe from the outside world. It is your sole layer of protection to ensure that nothing hits you while you are driving. A damaged or cracked windshield obscures your ability to drive safely.
If your windshield has been damaged in Florida, your comprehensive insurance policy will pay to fix the windshield for free without you having to pay the deductible.
What is Florida's law regarding fixing windshields?
If you have purchased comprehensive insurance coverage on your auto policy, then Florida law prohibits an insurance carrier from charging a deductible. This means that you can get it fixed for free through your comprehensive auto insurance policy. You can check your policy's declaration's page to see if you purchased comprehensive insurance coverage. It is optional coverage and an added layer of protection. The declaration's page shows you all of the coverage that you purchased on your auto policy with the premium amount next to it.
What if I don't have comprehensive insurance?
Florida law only requires drivers to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and property damage insurance. PIP insurance pays for the first $10,000 of your medical bills. Property damage insurance pays to fix a car that you hit if you were at fault in an accident. Collision coverage is optional. If a driver hits you who does not have property damage insurance, then your collision coverage will pay to fix the vehicle after you meet your deductible. Unfortunately, Florida law only requires the insurance company to waive the windshield deductible if you have comprehensive insurance coverage.
Can I drive in Florida if my windshield is cracked?
You can drive with a damaged windshield in Florida, as long as the damage does not obstruct your view of the road. Just because you can drive with a damaged windshield, doesn't mean that you should drive with a damaged windshield. After all, the windshield is what protects you while you are driving.
What is comprehensive insurance coverage?
Comprehensive insurance coverage is a bit of a misnomer. It does not mean that you have full coverage. Comprehensive insurance pays for the damage to your windshield caused by:
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Falling objects such as a tree
- Damage from rioters
- Damage from animals
Typically, a driver selects a deductible amount when purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage. The deductible may be $250, $500 or $1000. This means that if your vehicle incurred $2000 of damage from a fallen tree, then you would pay $500 if you have a $500 deductible, and the insurance company would pay the remaining $1500.
However, if your windshield was damaged then you would pay nothing under Florida law.
Should I speak to a lawyer if I have been in an accident and have a cracked windshield?
Yes, our car accident lawyers can help you if you have been injured in an accident. Even if you have a cracked windshield from an accident, we can help you by speaking to the insurance company for you. Our car accident lawyers can refer you to medical doctors who will provide you with the medical treatment that you need to heal from your injuries.
