Will filing a glass claim raise your premium in Washington State?

Hey folks! This is Patrick from Chip Happens Auto Glass.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"Will filing a glass claim raise your premium in Washington State?"

Summary:

Patrick gives a candid answer on whether glass claims affect premiums in Washington: yes, they can. Although a rock chip is treated as a no-fault loss and some insurers are more lenient with such claims, the claim still appears on the customer's record. When renewing or shopping for new coverage, insurers can see those claims, which may raise future rates. For this reason, Patrick advises paying out of pocket whenever the cost is affordable, since a small savings today can be outweighed by months of higher premiums. He notes windshield costs can range from roughly $300 to $10,000 depending on the vehicle and its features, and recommends speaking with an insurance agent first to learn whether using coverage will result in a penalty based on the specific policy.

Answer:

In Washington State, the honest answer is yes -- filing a glass claim can affect your premium. Some insurance companies give a little more leniency on those claims, since something like a rock chip is considered a no-fault loss, but it still shows up as a claim on your record. So when you go to renew your policy or shop around, insurers will see those claims. That's why, if the cost is low enough for you to afford, it's almost always better to pay out of pocket than to put it on your insurance -- because your insurance is keeping score, and that can affect your rates down the road. A few dollars saved today gets spread out over months and months of higher premium payments. Granted, the cost of a windshield now can range anywhere from about $300 to $10,000 depending on the vehicle and its features, so it's always best to talk to your agent first and find out whether you'll be penalized for using insurance -- they can give you better detail based on your specific policy and coverage.