Windshield Replacement: Insurance Coverage?

Whether you can have your windshield replaced with auto insurance depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. Collision coverage will also typically cover windshield damage resulting from a car accident, though a deductible may apply. Some insurers also offer full glass coverage as an add-on to comprehensive insurance, which is exclusively for glass repairs or replacements and often has a $0 deductible option.

Comprehensive coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage, you will typically be covered for auto glass repair, including a full windshield replacement. This includes damage caused by falling debris, collisions with animals, or other unexpected events. Comprehensive coverage can pay for a cracked or broken windshield, minus your deductible.

In some states, insurance companies offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims. For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are "zero-deductible" states, meaning auto insurance companies cannot apply a deductible for comprehensive insurance glass claims. Some states, like Florida, have windshield replacement laws that waive deductibles for broken windshields if the driver has comprehensive coverage.

If you have a cracked windshield, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible and before any repairs are made. The longer you wait to get your windshield fixed, the more likely a chip or crack will spread.

Collision coverage

If you are involved in an accident that was another driver's fault, their liability insurance should cover any repairs to your windshield. You will need to file a claim against the property damage liability portion of the other driver's auto insurance before any repairs are made.

If your windshield can be repaired rather than replaced, you may not need to pay anything, depending on your insurance provider and policy. However, if you require a full windshield replacement, you will likely need to pay your deductible amount.

In some states, including Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are required to offer windshield replacement without a deductible, so drivers in these states won't have to pay for repairs or replacement.

Full glass coverage

It's important to note that glass damage to your car falls under comprehensive coverage (also known as Comp) under the physical damage coverage on your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is optional but is usually required if you have a car loan. It covers damage from problems like theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, and collisions with animals. Comprehensive coverage typically has a deductible, which is the amount subtracted from your insurance check for a claim. However, some insurance companies waive the deductible for glass repair.

When it comes to repairing or replacing your windshield, it's important to act quickly. Even a small chip or crack can spread and become a major hazard if left unrepaired. It can also affect the structural integrity of your car, as the windshield provides some crush resistance in rollover crashes.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses

The amount you will need to pay out of pocket for a windshield replacement depends on several factors, including the type of car insurance you have, the state you live in, and the extent of the damage.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, minus your deductible. The deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage caused by falling objects, vandalism, weather, or collisions with animals.

In some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are not allowed to charge a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements, so you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. These are known as "zero-deductible" states.

Even if you don't live in a zero-deductible state, some insurance companies may offer a $0 deductible option for glass-only replacement claims or waive the deductible for minor repairs. It's important to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and deductible requirements.

If you only have liability insurance, which is the minimum requirement in most states, your policy will not cover windshield repairs or replacements unless the damage was caused by another driver in an accident that was not your fault. In this case, the other driver's liability insurance would cover the cost.

If you have comprehensive coverage but need to fully replace your windshield, you will likely need to pay your comprehensive deductible unless you have additional coverage or live in a zero-deductible state. The comprehensive deductible can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your policy.

It's worth noting that repairing a small chip or crack in your windshield may be less expensive than replacing the entire windshield, and some insurance companies may waive the deductible for minor repairs. Therefore, it's a good idea to get an estimate from a repair shop and compare it to your deductible to determine the most cost-effective option.

Filing a claim

To file a windshield damage claim, you must notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies allow you to contact them by phone or online. They may ask you how the damage occurred and request photos of the damage.

Before filing a claim, review your insurance coverage to verify that you are covered for repairs. Most comprehensive insurance policies cover windshield damage claims, but this is optional coverage unless you are financing, leasing, or renting the vehicle. In this case, the lien holder will require you to carry it.

If you carry comprehensive insurance, your windshield repair will be covered. However, you may have to pay a deductible if you don't have a zero-deductible policy. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from problems like theft, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, and collisions with animals.

After the incident, contact your insurance agent and follow their instructions to provide all documentation related to the accident and file your claim. Ask your agent about time limitations for filing claims and submitting bills, and when you can expect the insurance company to contact you.

You will then need to choose a glass and windshield specialist, either from the options provided by your insurance company or by selecting your own. If you choose a shop not recommended by your insurer, check that the price of the windshield service will be fully covered by your insurance.

Finally, submit the receipt and any other required documentation to your insurance company.

Frequently asked questions