A clear view of auto glass coverage
Vehicle glass replacements used to be a fairly simple job. However, with the advances in vehicle technology, glass replacements can sometimes be a time-consuming, complicated task.
We put together the following information to help you better understand your glass coverage, the claims process, repair vs. replacement, and the types of glass.
Glass coverage overview
If you have Other Than Collision coverage - often referred to as "comprehensive" coverage - on your insured vehicle, damage to your vehicle's glass falls under that coverage within the "physical damage coverages" section of your Horace Mann auto insurance policy. Other Than Collision refers to breakage of glass (unless Collision Coverage applies to that breakage of glass) or any loss caused by falling or thrown objects, windstorm, hail, earthquake, theft, vandalism and other causes as outlined in your auto policy (see your policy for the full list).
Your glass deductible is the same amount as your Other Than Collision deductible unless full safety glass coverage (often referred to as "full glass") is required to be offered by your state and you select it. Full glass coverage allows you to get your vehicle's safety glass fixed without paying a deductible or only a small deductible.
Claims process
A glass claim is typically filed when the only physical damage to the vehicle is the glass. Safelite® is the glass vendor Horace Mann uses to help facilitate the claims process. If you use Safelite®, they will coordinate with you and Horace Mann to verify your coverage(s), provide an estimate and complete the repair.
To report your claim online, visit safelite.com and schedule an appointment or call Safelite® at 888-321-9391.
You are not required to use Safelite®, and if you choose to use a different shop, you can still report your claim online at safelite.com or by calling 888-321-9391. You will need to contact Horace Mann or Safelite® to facilitate prior approval of any estimates from your shop of choice. If there is a difference between the shop's estimate and the reasonable, competitive price for the same replacement, you may need to pay the excess cost.
A note about recalibration: More and more vehicles have advanced safety systems, such as a camera or heads-up display connected to the windshield, and nearly all of those vehicles require a safety system recalibration after a windshield replacement. If your vehicle has an advanced safety system, you may need to confirm that Safelite® or the shop of your choice can complete the recalibration.
Repair vs. replacement
Circumstances of the damage will determine if the glass needs to be replaced or repaired. The shop will review the location, size and severity of the damage to provide a recommendation and estimate.
If you have Other Than Collision coverage (aka "comprehensive") on your vehicle, Horace Mann will cover the cost to repair a chip to your vehicle's glass at no cost to you. If your chip repair fails, you will need to visit safelite.com or call 888-321-9391 to request a glass replacement under the same claim. If the glass needs to be replaced, you may use Safelite® or another shop of your choice for the repair. You will pay your Other Than Collision deductible (unless you have full glass coverage), and Horace Mann will cover the remaining cost to replace the glass, subject to the applicable terms of your policy.
If you prefer a different repair than the shops recommendation (e.g., you would like the windshield to be replaced when the shop determined it only needs to be repaired), Horace Mann will need to review the request and consider it in relation to your coverages.
Glass types
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto glass is made by the same manufacturer as your original glass. Non-OEM glass, also known as Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass, is made to the same standards but by a different manufacturer. Safelite® buys its glass from companies that work directly with and supply glass to vehicle manufacturers.*
Horace Mann may replace your vehicle's glass with non-OEM glass unless OEM glass is required by law in your state.
If not required by law in your state and you prefer OEM glass, you may be responsible for the additional cost above the non-OEM replacement cost.
If you have any questions or would like more information on your auto policy, contact your Horace Mann representative.
*Safelite.com (June 2022) Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann auto insurance. The benefits and discounts listed are only general descriptions of coverage and do not constitute a statement of contract. Additional terms and conditions, as described in the policy, must be met for the coverage to be provided. Not all benefits available in all states.