Glass, headlights, and bumper: what stones damage in the first half of 2026

      In the first half of 2026, cases of solid objects hitting vehicles accounted for 39% of all reported incidents in one type of auto insurance. This data was provided by specialists who analyzed the portfolio of insurance claims.

      One of the most expensive incidents occurred in May on the Yaroslavl Highway in Moscow. A stone from the wheels of an oncoming vehicle damaged the windshield of a Range Rover SUV. The payout for this case exceeded 700,000 rubles.

      However, flying objects are not always related to road traffic. In May of this year, a stone hit a Subaru Forester during grass mowing. The owner received compensation of more than 60,000 rubles. In April, a solid object damaged the rear left headlight of a GWM TANK 400 in Moscow — the damage was estimated at nearly 80,000 rubles.

      As experts explain, glass, headlights, bumpers, hoods, and rearview mirrors can all be affected. At the same time, it is impossible to predict the trajectory of a flying stone.

      Drivers are warned about a common mistake after a hit to the windshield: many immediately turn on the "wipers." This should not be done, as micro-particles of dirt that settled on the body during movement turn into an abrasive and convert a chip into a deep scratch. Such glass can no longer be repaired — it can only be replaced.

      Specialists recommend a different algorithm: stop immediately, cover the chip with tape, and then calmly get to a service center. This will protect the damaged area from moisture and prevent the crack from spreading across the entire glass.

      Restoring even a modern car after a single impact can cost hundreds of thousands of rubles, as in the case of premium SUVs. According to experts, one way to cover such expenses is to choose a policy that takes such risks into account. For example, in the portfolio of the insurance company "Soglasie," the share of such cases reached 39% of the total number of reported incidents.