- Subtotal = base cost + labor + other fees + (calibration if replacement)
- Tax = subtotal × (tax rate ÷ 100)
- Claim total = subtotal + tax
- Covered amount = min(claim total, coverage limit)
- Raw deductible = fixed amount, or covered × (percent ÷ 100)
- Waivers: repair waiver or zero-deductible can set raw deductible to 0
- Bounded deductible = clamp(raw deductible, min deductible, max deductible)
- Final deductible = min(bounded deductible, covered amount)
- Insurer pays = max(0, covered amount − final deductible)
- Customer pays = claim total − insurer pays
- Choose whether your claim is a repair or replacement.
- Enter costs, fees, and your local tax rate.
- Set a coverage limit to reflect your policy cap.
- Select deductible type and enter the applicable values.
- Enable repair waiver or zero deductible if your policy includes it.
- Press Submit to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to save your calculation.
| Scenario | Claim type | Claim total | Limit | Deductible rule | Deductible | Insurer pays | Customer pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Repair | $$220.00 | $$1,500.00 | Waived for repair | $$0.00 | $$220.00 | $$0.00 |
| B | Replacement | $$980.00 | $$1,500.00 | Fixed $250 | $$250.00 | $$730.00 | $$250.00 |
| C | Replacement | $$980.00 | $$1,500.00 | 10% of covered | $$98.00 | $$882.00 | $$98.00 |
| D | Replacement | $$1,800.00 | $$1,500.00 | Fixed $500 | $$500.00 | $$1,000.00 | $$800.00 |
| E | Replacement | $$600.00 | $$1,500.00 | Zero deductible | $$0.00 | $$600.00 | $$0.00 |
Deductible behavior across common glass claim paths
Glass losses typically fall into repair or replacement workflows. Repairs often cost between 100 and 300 in many markets, while replacements can exceed 600 once labor, molding, and calibration are included. This calculator separates subtotal, taxes, and policy limits so your deductible is measured against the correct base.
Cost drivers that change the subtotal
The subtotal is built from glass cost, labor, fees, and optional calibration. OEM selections can add 10–25% to parts cost, and mobile service can add 15–60 as a fixed fee. A shop discount reduces the taxable base before taxes are applied. Depreciation is modeled as 0–80% and can apply to glass only or all cost components.
How coverage limits shape out-of-pocket cost
The covered amount equals the claim total capped by the policy limit. When claim total exceeds the limit, the overage is automatically moved to customer pay. This helps compare two common situations: a high-cost replacement with a tight limit, and a mid-cost claim where the limit never binds.
Fixed versus percentage deductibles in practice
A fixed deductible is stable across claim sizes, which is useful for budgeting. A percentage deductible scales with the deductible base, so it can be smaller on low-cost repairs and larger on high-cost replacements. The calculator supports minimum and maximum bounds, then prevents deductibles from exceeding the covered amount.
Sensitivity chart and decision checks
Chart 2 plots deductible rate against deductible amount using the current deductible base (covered, before tax, or after tax). Use it to see how 5%, 10%, and 15% compare to a fixed value. Verify whether your policy waives repair deductibles or includes a zero-deductible glass option, then export the results for documentation.
FAQs
1) What does “covered amount” mean here?
It is the claim total capped by the coverage limit. If your policy has no limit, the covered amount equals the full claim total in this calculator.
2) When should I use “before tax” as the deductible base?
Use it if your policy applies deductibles to the repair or replacement cost before taxes. Some insurers calculate deductibles on the pre-tax loss amount.
3) Why does a replacement include calibration?
Many vehicles require camera or sensor recalibration after windshield replacement. If your job does not need calibration, set that field to zero.
4) How does depreciation affect the result?
Depreciation reduces the modeled cost basis before taxes, lowering the claim total and potentially the deductible base. Policies vary, so treat it as scenario planning.
5) What is the premium impact estimate?
It is a simplified projection based on the selected surcharge level and horizon. It is not a quote, and real insurer rating rules can differ by region and carrier.
6) Can I save results for multiple scenarios?
Yes. Change inputs, submit, then download CSV or PDF for each scenario. Use the Notes field to label each calculation for later comparison.