Do tinted windows affect auto insurance rates?
Will tinted windows affect your insurance rates? The average tint job costs over $100, but tinted windows won't affect your auto insurance rates as long as you stay within the legal tiny limits of your state. Tinted windows do affect visibility at night which is why states have laws against certain levels of tint on certain vehicle types. If you're worried about your rates, enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance quotes for free.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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In some states, drivers are allowed to tint their windows. But do tinted windows affect auto insurance rates?
It’s certainly possible for tinted windows to raise insurance rates, but it won’t happen in most cases. Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about how tinted windows affect auto insurance rates.
One concern is how tint tickets affect my insurance cost. If you get a ticket for illegal tint, it might raise your premiums. However, legal tint usually won’t impact rates. Check local laws to avoid tint tickets affecting your insurance cost.
If you’re worried about your rates after a window tinting, use our free tool to get a quote and see if you can save.
Does Window Tinting Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates
Do modifications affect auto insurance? Sometimes, the answer to this is yes. If you’ve modified your hot rod or built a kit car, it’s definitely going to have an impact on rates. Additionally, are tinted windows a modification that might affect your insurance? Yes, tinted windows are a modification and may influence your rates.
But does tinting your windows affect auto insurance? In most cases, insurance companies will not raise your rates just because you tinted your windows.
Read More: Average Cost of Auto Insurance
As long as window tinting is legal in your state, and the tinting was done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should not face higher insurance rates. A law office in L.A. notes that, although tinting can cause accidents by making it harder to see, it can also prevent some by helping with glare. So there are benefits to the insurer either way.
So there are benefits to the insurer either way. However, it is essential to be aware of the specific legal window tint limit in Washington State, the legal window tint limit in Missouri, the legal window tint limit in Oregon, the legal window tint limit in Maryland, and the legal window tint limit in Maine.
Each state has different regulations regarding how dark your window tint can be, which can impact your insurance if not adhered to. Ensuring your tint meets these legal requirements will help you avoid complications with both law enforcement and your insurance provider.
To ensure you meet legal requirements for tinted windows, work with a bonded and insured installer. Otherwise, you risk trouble from your insurance company or law enforcement. Illegal tinting could cancel your policy and increase your chances of getting pulled over for window tint.
Here are the average rates for all drivers in the country.
U.S. Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Type| Years | Average Annual Liability Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Collision Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Comprehensive Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $492.03 | $284.60 | $131.80 | $908.43 |
| 2012 | $503.28 | $287.87 | $133.30 | $924.45 |
| 2013 | $517.88 | $295.27 | $137.77 | $950.92 |
| 2014 | $530.01 | $308.32 | $143.45 | $981.78 |
| 2015 | $538.73 | $322.61 | $148.04 | $1,009.38 |
| Average | $516.39 | $299.73 | $138.87 | $954.99 |
If your policy is cancelled, it may cause you to pay more because of the coverage lapse.
Auto Insurance Coverage After Lapse| Auto Insurance Companies | Car Insurance Rates Increase After Lapse |
|---|---|
| Geico | 7.77% |
| Liberty Mutual | 16.38% |
| Progressive | 2.15% |
| Farmers | 11.90% |
| Nationwide | 13.10% |
Your window tint isn’t likely to have a huge impact on your rates, but other things can. Make sure you keep a clean driving record and decent credit, then you’ll only have to worry about how dark your car window tinting should be.
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Report Tinted Windows and Other Modifications to your Auto Insurance Company
Auto insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle to its pre-loss condition after an unexpected loss. If you tint your windows, and your insurance company doesn’t know about it, then your tinted windows will not be covered after a loss. Make sure your insurer is aware of any modifications, and consider discussing coverage with a window tinting business insurance provider.
That’s why we recommend reporting tinted windows – and all other vehicle modifications – to your insurance company. This ensures clarity on does car insurance cover tinted windows and helps avoid any coverage issues.
This video talks a little about the different types of window tint you could have for your vehicle.
Obviously, you may be hesitant to report tinted windows to your insurance company if you want to avoid higher insurance rates. However, as mentioned above, it’s unlikely for tinted windows to affect insurance premiums.
Additionally, When deciding to tint your car windows, it’s crucial to inform your insurance provider about the modification. Do I need to tell my insurance provider if I tint my windows? Yes, you have to declare your window tints to your insurance to ensure your modifications are covered properly.
This step helps prevent complications with claims and policy issues down the line. Another consideration is whether window tint tickets affect my insurance rate.
While a single ticket may not immediately impact your premiums, repeated violations could suggest higher risk, potentially leading to increased insurance costs. Keeping your insurer informed about any changes to your vehicle ensures you maintain comprehensive coverage and avoid unexpected consequences.
Does Window Tinting Increase the Chances of an Automotive Accident
Studies have shown that window tinting increases the likelihood of an accident. Tinted windows let in less light than ordinary windows. They can obstruct your vision, making it difficult to see other vehicles and other road hazards.
Despite the increased risk of an accident, however, no major insurance company charges higher premiums specifically because of window tinting.
Moreover, research have indicated that window tinting can increase the likelihood of an automotive accident due to the reduction of light entering the vehicle, which may obstruct the driver’s vision and make it harder to see other vehicles and road hazards. This leads to concerns such as does window tint void my insurance or tinted windows affect my insurance policies.
However, despite the elevated risk of accidents associated with tinted windows, no major insurance company currently charges higher premiums specifically because of window tinting. While tinted windows count as a modification, they do not result in increased insurance costs, which might be surprising given the potential safety implications.
What are the Benefits of Window Tinting
Window tinting has its own benefits, and many people search for cheap car tinted windows near me to enjoy benefits such as reduced glare and enhanced privacy. Some of the benefits of window tinting include:
Benefits of Tinting Your Car Windows| Benefits of Tinting Your Car Windows |
|---|
| Making it more difficult for thieves to see inside your vehicle when it’s parked (reducing the chances of a break-in where you could lose possessions) |
| Enhancing privacy |
| Reducing the natural degradation of your car’s interior due to sunlight over time |
| Aesthetic appeal |
| Limiting exposure to sunlight for passengers or the driver |
Window tinting can even save on energy costs, as it will keep the car cooler during those hot summer months. Many consider places to get your car windows tinted to benefit from this energy-saving feature while enhancing comfort inside the vehicle.
Some medical conditions, in fact, require drivers to have tinted windows. In this case, you may be able to get a special exemption from your state – particularly if window tinting is otherwise illegal in your state. For those in need, seeking affordable window tinting can help manage such conditions while staying within legal requirements.
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Your Premiums may Rise if you Want Your Tinted Windows Covered
If your tinted windows are damaged in an accident, then your auto insurance company will not repair your tinted windows unless they’re explicitly covered by your auto insurance policy.
Contact your insurance company to notify them that your windows are tinted.
In most cases, your insurance company will not raise premiums. However, if you want your tinted windows to be covered by your auto insurance policy limits, then your insurer may raise premiums to cover the possibility of the expense.
Why would insuring your window tint raise your auto insurance rates? It all comes down to cost and risk for the insurer. If you get into a car accident and something happens where the tint is damaged, the insurer typically won’t’ cover that. If you get it insured, they’ll have to pay for the repair. Like all extra modification you may insure, the insurance company wants to recoup some of that cost upfront.
Also, tinting your windows beyond the legal limits could even cause your insurance policy to be declared void. In the eyes of your insurance company, you are driving an illegal vehicle, and your insurer could refuse to cover any medical expenses, losses, or damages that come after. That’s why it’s so important to disclose that you have window tint — or any modification — on your vehicle, even if you don’t want to insure it.
Furthermore, your premiums may increase if you want your $100 window tinting in Maryland covered by your auto insurance. Insurers typically won’t repair tinted windows damaged in accidents unless explicitly covered.
Disclose all vehicle modifications to avoid potential coverage issues, including whether you can tint your windshield in Washington state or the cost of window tint tickets in Iowa as well as the cost of window tint tickets in Michigan. Understanding state laws and insurance implications is crucial to avoid policy voidance and ensure proper coverage.
Window Tinting Legal Requirements
Different states have different rules regarding window tinting. There are laws governing the type of shading that is applied, so it’s best to get it done with a reputable dealer. Most states have set specific levels of opacity regarding window tinting – especially on the front windows.
Some states don’t allow window tinting at all.
California, for example, allows up to 70% window tinting on the front side windows and up to 100% window tinting on all other windows.
New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont, meanwhile, do not allow any level of window tinting on the front side windows.
Can you get pulled over for window tint that’s too dark? Check out the video below.
If the level of tint in the front window exceeds the maximum percentage allowed in your state, then your insurance company could raise premiums substantially.
Do tint tickets go on your record? Generally, no. Tint tickets are considered to be non-moving violations, similarly categorized with parking tickets and other minor violations. If you get ticketed, make sure you fix it before it becomes a bigger offense.
FindLaw notes that too many non-moving violations can make your rates increase, but you’re safe if you fix the issue before the window tint ticket affects your insurance.
You can view state-by-state window tinting requirements here. AAA has helpfully compiled a list of window tinting requirements by state. Each state is very different, with a lot of hotter, sunnier states allowing more tinting. That’s good news if you’re always parking in an unshaded spot.
Also, AAA car insurance coverage has sparked inquiries regarding the potential implications of window tinting on insurance policies. Studies indicate that window tinting can elevate the risk of automotive accidents by diminishing the amount of light entering the vehicle, thereby potentially obstructing the driver’s vision and hindering visibility of other vehicles and road hazards.
This heightened risk prompts considerations about whether AAA insurance covers windshield replacement policies are affected. Despite these concerns, major insurance providers, including AAA, do not currently impose higher premiums specifically due to window tinting.
While tinted windows are categorized as a modification and may suggest increased safety risks, they do not result in elevated insurance costs. Moreover, for those curious about whether AAA insurance free windshield replacement or AAA insurance windshield replacement services are influenced, it is noteworthy that these services are unaffected by the presence of window tinting under AAA car insurance coverage.
At a certain point, too much window tinting makes it challenging to drive. It increases the likelihood of an accident. For that reason, your insurance company believes you are more likely to make a window tint insurance claim, which is why they’ll possibly charge higher rates. Most states have no restrictions on the degree of tinting for back windows. However, your rear windshield must still meet specific requirements.
Understanding state-specific window tinting laws is crucial to avoid fines and ensure road safety for all drivers.
In addition, Understanding the regulations surrounding Indiana windshield replacement law is crucial for vehicle owners, as it dictates the specific requirements and procedures for replacing windshields within the state. Compliance with these laws ensures that replacements are conducted safely and legally.
Similarly, being aware of car tint laws in Mississippi and Louisiana window tint exemption is vital to avoid penalties. These laws specify allowable levels of tint darkness and conditions under which exemptions apply, such as medical necessity.
In states like Rhode Island and Maine, knowing Rhode Island window tint exemption and window tint laws in Maine respectively helps car owners navigate permissible tint levels and understand any exemptions that may apply. Staying informed about these regulations not only ensures adherence to the law but also promotes safer driving conditions.
By understanding the maximum legal window tint limit in Michigan and other states is essential for vehicle owners to comply with laws and ensure safety. States like California allow up to 70% tint on front side windows but require clear visibility through rear windows, while New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont prohibit any tint on front side windows.
Awareness of these regulations prevents fines and promotes safer driving. Whether considering Indiana windshield replacement law, car tint laws in Mississippi, Louisiana window tint exemption, or similar rules in Rhode Island and Maine, staying informed ensures adherence to legal requirements and safe vehicle operation.
Read more: Does Progressive auto insurance cover windshield replacement?
What Happens if you Don’t Report Window Tinting to Your Auto Insurance Company
Regardless of the modifications or customizations made to your car, you should always report it to your insurance company.
Even if you only paid $100 for window tinting, you want that amount to be covered in the event of an accident. Even if it causes premiums to rise slightly, it will still be cheaper than replacing tinted windows after a crash.
If you don’t tell your insurance company about window tinting, however, then it could make your insurance policy void. You modified your vehicle and refused to alert your insurance company. In this case, your insurer could refuse to cover medical expenses, damages, and other losses after an accident.
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Final Word on Window Tinting and Auto Insurance Rates
Tinting your window shouldn’t cause insurance rates to rise – assuming window tinting is legal in your state and you didn’t exceed any opacity limits set by your local government.
However, if you want your tinted windows to be covered by your auto insurance policy, then your premiums could rise by a few dollars per year. Overall, that small increase is probably worth it.
You need to inform your auto insurance company right away about the tint effect reviews tinted windows, even if you’re not seeking coverage for them. Failing to do so could lead to your policy being canceled, which would invalidate any future insurance claims. This ensures transparency and compliance with your insurance provider’s policies regarding vehicle modifications like window tinting.
Compare rates on your tinted vehicle with our FREE quote box below and see if there are ways to save on your auto insurance today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tinted windows affect auto insurance rates?
Tinted windows won’t affect your auto insurance rates as long as you stay within the legal tint limits of your state. Insurance companies generally don’t raise rates specifically because of window tinting.
What should I consider before tinting my windows?
Before tinting your windows, make sure to check the legal requirements for window tinting in your state. Working with a reputable and insured installer is recommended to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Will my insurance cover tinted windows after a loss?
If you have tinted windows, it’s important to report the modification to your insurance company. Otherwise, they may not cover the repair or replacement of tinted windows in the event of a loss.
Can tinted windows increase the chances of an accident?
Tinted windows can reduce visibility and potentially increase the risk of accidents. However, major insurance companies typically don’t charge higher premiums solely due to window tinting.
What are the benefits of window tinting?
Window tinting can offer advantages such as increased privacy, reduced glare, and protection against UV rays. It can also help keep the car cooler during hot months and may be required for certain medical conditions.
Does a windshield replacement increase the claim from Progressive Insurance?
Generally, a windshield replacement claim with Progressive Insurance shouldn’t increase your rates, as it’s often covered under comprehensive insurance, which typically doesn’t impact premiums.
How much do tinted windows add to insurance cost?
Tinted windows usually don’t increase insurance costs directly, but check with your insurer to confirm any potential impact on premiums.
How much does a window tint ticket in Tennessee cost?
In Tennessee, a window tint ticket usually costs about $50. However, fines can increase if you have multiple violations or do not correct the tint. You may also need to remove the illegal tint and show proof of compliance to avoid additional penalties.
How to get a window tint ticket dismissed?
To dismiss a window tint ticket, you may need to correct the tint to comply with state laws and provide proof to the court. Consulting with a lawyer could also help navigate the process.
Does a tint ticket affect car insurance in Alberta?
A tint ticket in Alberta may not directly affect your car insurance rates, but repeated violations or failure to comply could lead to increased premiums.
Does a window tint ticket affect your insurance?
Generally, a window tint ticket is considered a non-moving violation and typically doesn’t affect your insurance rates. However, check with your insurer for specific policies.
Does a window tint ticket go on your record?
A window tint ticket is usually classified as a non-moving violation and may not appear on your driving record, but this can vary by jurisdiction.
Does a window tint ticket raise insurance cost?
A single window tint ticket typically won’t raise insurance costs, as it’s often considered a minor violation. However, repeated offenses could lead to higher premiums.
Does Liberty Mutual Insurance cover windshield replacement?
Liberty Mutual Insurance often covers windshield replacement under comprehensive coverage, which typically includes glass damage.
Does Mercury Insurance cover windshield replacement?
Yes, Mercury Insurance generally covers windshield replacement under comprehensive coverage, subject to deductible.
Does Progressive Insurance raise rates for windshield replacement?
Progressive Insurance typically doesn’t raise rates specifically for windshield replacement claims covered under comprehensive insurance.
Does tinting Tesla windows void warranty?
Tinting Tesla windows might not void the warranty, but it’s recommended to check Tesla’s specific warranty terms regarding modifications.
Does car insurance cover window tint?
Car insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of window tinting itself, as it’s considered a cosmetic modification.
Does insurance cover window tint replacement?
Insurance typically doesn’t cover the replacement of window tint, as it’s considered a maintenance item rather than a covered loss.
Does illegal tint void my insurance?
Illegal window tint could potentially void insurance coverage if it contributes to an incident or if you fail to comply with legal requirements. It’s important to adhere to state regulations.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.