Window tinting is now a fairly standard modification for cars. Especially in places with lots of heat and sun. While some states do continue to ban some window tinting, most states now allow it, although there can be restrictions as to which windows can be tinted and how dark. If you have your windows tinted by a bonded and insured professional, they should be able to guide you so that you are not breaking the law.
How Window Tinting Effects Auto Insurance
Generally, you won’t see a change in your auto insurance rates just because you have tinted your windows. As long as window tinting and the type of tinting you have chosen are legal in your state, you should be ok.
Drawbacks of Car Window Tinting
Window tinting has been proven to be effective in cutting down on glare but if the tint is too dark, it can actually impair your ability to see things clearly, especially at night. This is why there are limits to how dark you can go, at least on some of your car’s windows.
Benefits of Car Window Tinting
There are many benefits to tinting your car windows. For instance, not being able to see inside your car makes it less attractive to thieves. If you park your car in a busy or theft-prone area, this can deter break-ins, which costs the insurance company money.
Also, tinted windows, even if they are not super-dark, do enhance your privacy and can also reduce the damaging effects of sunlight on your car’s interior dash and seats. It can also keep vehicle occupants cooler by keeping full sun off of them.
Finally, some people just like how tinted windows look, regardless of any other benefits.
Legal Requirements for Tinting Window
As we said, window tinting requirements vary by state. States can regulate the type of shading that you use as well as which windows you can put tinting on. For example, in California you can tint your front side windows only up to 70%, while you can tint all other windows up to 100%. Other states, like New Hampshire and New Jersey don’t allow any tinting on the front side windows at all.
Remember, you can get pulled over and can be fined for tinting your windows too darkly.
Window Tinting and Your Car Insurance
If you do receive a fine, you may see this reflected in your auto insurance rates the next time you renew.
Also, you should report window tinting to your insurance company. If you have an accident and are going to receive a payout for a total loss, or you get an estimate for repairs, the insurance company must know that your windows were tinted. If the insurance company doesn’t know, they will not cover the cost of tinting your replacement windows.
Need New Car Insurance?
If you want to compare rates for tinting the windows on your car, or if you just want to see if you can save some money, shopping around is the best way to go. Use the InsuranceWins free quote form to see if there are ways we can help you save on your auto insurance today.
