Been there myself... had a similar headache with brake pads. Thought I was covered, but nope—same wear and tear clause got me. It's frustrating, but hey, at least we're wiser now, right? Live and learn.
Had a similar run-in myself with windshield cracks. Thought insurance would cover it, but nope... apparently tiny chips that grow over time count as "wear and tear." Learned to check the fine print twice now. It's annoying, but better safe than sorry next time, right? Guess that's how they get us.
Yeah, windshield coverage can be tricky—it's one of those things that varies a lot between policies and providers. Some insurers offer specific windshield protection or glass coverage as an add-on, usually pretty affordable, but it's easy to overlook when you're setting up your policy. And you're right, those tiny chips can sneak up on you. I've seen plenty of cases where a small chip turns into a full-blown crack overnight, especially with temperature changes or rough roads.
One thing I'd suggest is checking if your insurer offers a separate glass rider or endorsement. It's usually not expensive and can save you headaches down the road. Also, some states actually require insurers to waive deductibles for windshield repairs, so it's worth double-checking your local regulations too.
But yeah, I totally get the frustration—insurance fine print isn't exactly thrilling reading material, and it's easy to miss these little exclusions. You're definitely not alone in this experience. At least now you're aware and can avoid surprises next time around.
Windshield coverage is definitely one of those sneaky ones. I've seen plenty of folks caught off guard by it. While I agree that a glass rider can be helpful, I'd caution against assuming it's always cheap or universally beneficial. I've had clients who paid for years without ever needing it, and others who skipped it and regretted it after one unlucky pebble on the highway.
Also, the deductible waiver thing is great—if your state has it. But I've seen some insurers get pretty creative with their fine print, even in states with supposedly generous windshield laws. It's always worth a quick call to your agent or insurer to clarify exactly what's covered, because sometimes the policy wording can be... let's say, less than crystal clear.
Bottom line, insurance is a bit of a gamble. You might never need that extra coverage, but when you do, you'll be glad it's there. Just don't assume every add-on is automatically worth it—do a quick cost-benefit check first.
Good points, but honestly, windshield coverage feels less like a gamble and more like peace of mind. Had a client who skipped it, then got hit twice in one year... talk about bad luck. Sometimes it's worth paying a bit extra just to sleep easier at night.
