Are insurance premiums increased in case of stone chip damage?
Stone chip damage to your car can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, you can take out partial coverage insurance for this eventuality. But what happens when you report stone chip damage? Will insurance premiums increase or will there be an upgrade?
The answer to this question is not easy to give, as it depends on the insurance contract and individual circumstances. Generally speaking, however, if you report stone chip damage to a partial coverage insurance company, your policy will not be upgraded.
We’ve taken a closer look at this issue and explain how insurance companies handle stone chip damage and what factors play a role.
Stone impact – definition and causes
A stone chip is damage to the windshield of a motor vehicle caused by stones or other objects kicked up while driving. The size of the stone chip varies from small scratches to larger cracks in the windshield.
Stone chips can be caused by a variety of things, including poor road conditions, passing trucks or construction sites. Even when driving freely on the highway, a stone can appear out of nowhere due to the wind and damage the windshield.
However, there are also measures that can reduce the risk of falling rocks, such as keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front or avoiding driving on roads with poor road surfaces.
A stone chip in the insurance
The cost of repairing a rock chip on your windshield can vary greatly depending on the size of the damage and the model of your vehicle. This is why many car insurance companies offer special glass breakage insurance that covers damage caused by a broken rock.
However, it can happen that the no-claims class in the car insurance is upgraded if a stone chip is reported. In this case, it may be more sensible to pay for the damage yourself in order to avoid an upgrade. However, it is advisable to clarify this with the insurance company in advance.
In order to avoid stone impacts as best as possible and not suffer any financial or insurance consequences in the event of damage, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the correct procedure to follow in the event of a stone impact and to drive carefully.
Rockfall: Which insurance covers damage?
A stone chip can quickly lead to expensive damage to the car. But which insurance company will cover the costs in this case??
Generally, partial or comprehensive insurance is responsible for damage caused by falling rocks. It is important that the insurance company is informed in the event of a claim and clarifies the repair costs directly with the repair store. A deductible, depending on the contract, may also apply.
However, those who only have liability insurance must pay for damage to their own car themselves. Stone impacts can be unpredictable and therefore an insurance upgrade cannot be ruled out. However, it is advisable to ask your insurance provider whether a discount protection can prevent the classification in the insurance in the event of a claim.
In case of doubt, it is always worth taking a look at your own insurance contract and contacting your insurance provider if you have any questions.
How does a reported stone chip affect the insurance policy?
If you notice a stone chip on your car, you should report it to your insurance company immediately. A quick report is important to minimize damage and keep costs as low as possible. However, you should not automatically expect an upgrade in your insurance premium if you report a stone chip. This depends on the details of the damage and your individual insurance contracts.
If the stone chip is minimal and can be easily repaired, you may not have a financial loss and may not have to pay higher premiums. However, if the damage is major and the repair costs are high, the insurance may be upgraded. Here you should pay particular attention to your insurance terms and conditions and possibly make a special agreement with your insurance provider.
In any case, you should be well informed about your insurance conditions in order to be optimally covered in the event of a rockfall. A quick report and a frank discussion with your insurance company are also important to keep the damage as low as possible and to ensure a smooth settlement.
- Report a stone chip quickly
- Check insurance conditions carefully
- Consider special agreements
- Have an open conversation with the insurance company
How to avoid being upgraded on your insurance policy if you have a stone chip
A stone chip on the windshield is annoying. However, it is even more annoying if you are upgraded in the insurance after the repair or replacement of the window. Here are some tips that can help you avoid being upgraded.
- Check your insurance terms: Before you have any repair or replacement work done to your windshield, take a look at your insurance terms and conditions. There you will find information on whether and under what conditions you could lose a no-claims bonus for damage to the windshield.
- Repair instead of replace: If the rock chip is not yet too large and is not in the driver’s field of vision, the windshield can often be repaired. A repair is usually less expensive than a replacement and can help prevent you from being upgraded.
- Take advantage of your garage bond: Many insurance companies offer their customers a garage bond. If you take advantage of it, you may be able to avoid penalties that can be assessed for out-of-network repairs or replacements. This may also help avoid the upgrade.
- Report the damage in time: if you notice a stone chip, you should report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. By doing so, you show that you are acting responsibly, and in return, you can hope for accommodating treatment that may avoid an upgrade.
There’s no guarantee you won’t be upgraded if you hit a rock in your insurance policy. But with a few simple measures, you can significantly reduce the risk and thus protect your no-claims class.
