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Gather Your Information
Have your insurance information plus your vehicle year, make, model and VIN available.
Cracked windshield? Before you pay out of pocket, understand how glass coverage works, your deductible, your choice of repair shop and what happens when your vehicle needs recalibration.
The glass may be the obvious problem, but for many drivers the confusing part starts when they ask one question: “Should I use my insurance?”
The answer depends on your policy and the type of coverage you carry. For South Carolina drivers with applicable automobile physical-damage coverage, state law provides important protections involving automobile safety glass.
Here are four things worth understanding before you schedule your windshield repair or replacement.
Not every auto insurance policy handles damage to your own windshield the same way.
Liability coverage is primarily designed to address damage or injuries you cause to others. Damage such as a rock striking your own windshield is generally handled through applicable physical-damage or comprehensive coverage.
Before filing a claim, confirm the coverage on your particular policy. Your insurer or insurance agent can verify exactly how the loss is covered.
South Carolina has a specific rule involving automobile safety glass and physical-damage insurance coverage.
Under South Carolina Code § 38-77-280, an automobile physical-damage insurance coverage deductible or policy deductible does not apply to automobile safety glass.
That can make a major difference when comparing an insurance claim with simply paying for windshield service out of pocket.
If your loss qualifies under the applicable coverage, the standard physical-damage deductible does not apply to automobile safety glass.
Coverage varies by policy and circumstances. Confirm your specific coverage and claim eligibility with your insurer.
When you report a glass claim, your insurance company or claims administrator may discuss repair providers or a preferred provider network.
South Carolina's vehicle-glass claim procedures specifically address an insured driver's provider of choice.
If you already know you want BEAM Auto Glass to perform the service, tell your insurer or claims administrator that BEAM is your preferred provider when starting the claim.
You can identify your preferred glass provider during the insurance claim process.
Insurance reimbursement rules and potential out-of-pocket differences can depend on your policy, provider network and the repair facility's reimbursement arrangement.
On many newer vehicles, the windshield is more than a piece of glass. Cameras and sensors associated with driver-assistance technology may interact with or be mounted near the windshield.
When a windshield is replaced, the vehicle's specific procedures may require ADAS recalibration.
BEAM can identify whether your vehicle has applicable windshield-mounted technology and discuss the recalibration requirements with you before service.
Year, make, model and VIN help identify glass and technology.
Install the correct windshield for the vehicle configuration.
Complete required recalibration when applicable.
If you decide to use insurance, having a few pieces of information ready can make the conversation easier.
Have your insurance information plus your vehicle year, make, model and VIN available.
Contact your insurer or claims administrator and report the glass damage under the applicable coverage.
If you want BEAM to perform the work, identify BEAM Auto Glass as your provider of choice.
Once the claim details and vehicle requirements are confirmed, schedule your repair or replacement.
There's no universal answer. Start by understanding the damage, your coverage and the cost of the required service.
The goal is simple: get the right glass service completed and make the process easier to understand.
We can help you understand the information needed to move your glass claim forward.
Get the proper replacement glass identified for your vehicle and its equipment.
We can identify applicable recalibration requirements associated with windshield replacement.
BEAM serves drivers throughout Rock Hill, Fort Mill and surrounding communities.
Coverage depends on your policy. Windshield damage is commonly addressed through applicable comprehensive or automobile physical-damage coverage rather than liability-only coverage.
South Carolina law states that an automobile physical-damage coverage deductible or policy deductible does not apply to automobile safety glass.
South Carolina's vehicle-glass claim procedures recognize the insured's provider of choice. Tell the insurer or claims administrator if you want BEAM to perform the service.
Premium decisions depend on the insurer, policy, claims history and other underwriting factors. Ask your insurance carrier how a glass claim could affect your particular policy.
Some vehicles require recalibration after windshield replacement. BEAM can determine whether your particular vehicle has applicable ADAS requirements.
Have your insurance policy information and vehicle details available, including the year, make, model and VIN when possible.
Insurance or self-pay, start with your vehicle information and the glass damage. We'll help you determine the right service and get you back on the road.