Arizona Auto Insurance And Windshield Replacements: What's Covered?

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, meaning auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies. This law includes your policy deductible not applying to windshield claims, and you paying nothing out of pocket. However, this only applies if you have purchased a $0 glass deductible option with your insurer. If you haven't, you will have to pay a deductible before insurance covers the remaining portion of the repair.

Arizona's Zero-Deductible Full Glass Coverage Law

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, also known as the Zero-Deductible Full Glass Coverage Law. This law means that auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies.

The law includes your policy deductible not applying to windshield claims, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. However, it does not apply to liability-only policies. To be eligible for the free windshield replacement, you need to have a comprehensive policy covering your car.

The law was passed due to the unique climate of Arizona, with scorching desert days turning into cold nights, causing thermal stress on windshields. Unnoticeable chips can turn into large cracks due to the temperature fluctuations, which are not the fault of drivers. Arizona state officials want drivers to get their windshields replaced quickly without worrying about the cost.

The cost of a full windshield replacement without insurance can be anywhere from $300 to $400.

Comprehensive Insurance and Glass Coverage

Comprehensive insurance is an add-on protection for non-collision incidents that damage your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by civil disobedience, theft, collisions with animals, falling objects, and natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage is typically optional unless you are financing or leasing your car, in which case your lender may require you to carry it.

Comprehensive auto insurance policies often include coverage for auto windshield glass replacement, even if the damage was caused by something other than a collision, such as a falling tree branch. Comprehensive coverage may also include damage to other types of auto glass, such as headlamps and door window glass.

In certain states, including Arizona, state law requires that glass be covered with a zero-dollar deductible. This means that if you have comprehensive coverage, you can repair or replace your windshield without paying a deductible. However, the extent of glass and windshield coverage may vary across insurers and states.

Full glass coverage allows you to get your window or windshield fixed without paying a deductible. This coverage is typically not automatic and can be added or removed for each individual vehicle. If your car has glass damage only, you can file an insurance claim to get the glass fixed at no cost to you.

Repair vs Replacement

When deciding whether to repair or replace a windshield, the most important factor to consider is the impact on the driver's visibility and safety. If the damage impairs the driver's visibility or the structural integrity of the vehicle, replacement is necessary. Other factors to consider include the size, depth, and location of the chip or crack. If the damage is limited to the outer layer of glass and is not near the edge of the windshield, a repair may be possible.

Repairing Car Glass

Repairing a crack in a timely manner will help prevent it from spreading. Car glass technicians can usually fix minor cracks and chips in about 30 minutes, and the cost is relatively low. A well-repaired windshield should restore both durability and visibility. Car insurance companies typically favour repair coverage. However, there is a risk that the crack may still be visible after the repair, and the strength of the windshield may be compromised.

Replacing Car Glass

Windshield replacement involves removing the old windshield, bonding agents, trims, and gaskets, and installing a new windshield with new bonding agents, gaskets, and trims. When done properly, windshield replacement fully restores the vehicle's safety to the original manufacturer's standards or better. Replacement is a more expensive and time-consuming option, typically taking about 3 hours. However, it ensures the highest level of visibility and integrity, especially in cases of extensive damage or cracks reaching the frame.

Arizona's Regulations on Windshield Coverage

Arizona has a regulation that requires insurers to offer a $0 glass deductible option for comprehensive coverage policies. This means that insurers will cover all windshield replacement costs if the customer purchases the $0 deductible option. However, it is important to note that this option may increase the monthly insurance bill. Arizona's unique desert landscape, with small rocks and gravel, contributes to a high number of auto glass claims in the state.

Arizona's Windshield Replacement Law

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, which means that auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies. This law also includes your policy deductible not applying to windshield claims, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.

Arizona's ARS 20-263 law states that filing a "no fault" cracked windshield replacement claim will not raise your rates. However, this only applies if the crack impedes the driver's line of vision. This is generally understood to mean a crack longer than a dollar bill on the driver's side.

While Arizona law requires insurance companies to offer the option of windshield replacement, it is not mandatory to have windshield coverage as part of your insurance policy. If you are found without this type of insurance, you may face a fine from the state of Arizona.

If you have no insurance and need to pay cash for a windshield replacement, the cost can be anywhere from $200 to $1000, excluding the installation fee. The price depends on the vehicle make and model, though most models are in the $200-$300 range.

If you have a high number of claims per year, your insurance provider may assume that you are consistently driving in high-risk areas, such as heavy construction sites or unpaved roads. It is recommended that you inform your insurance provider if this is the case, to avoid fluctuating glass coverage pricing.

It is worth noting that Arizona does not have any auto insurance laws that make windshield replacement free. However, under Arizona's glass insurance law, you may be able to get the work performed without using your deductible. Check with your insurance company to be sure.

Insurance Scams

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, meaning auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies. This law also includes your policy deductible not applying to windshield claims, so you pay nothing out of pocket. However, this has led to an increase in insurance scams.

How the Scam Works

Scammers target car owners with offers of free windshield replacements, claiming they can fix chips or cracks for free. This scam is most common in Arizona and Florida, where insurance companies do not have deductibles for windshield damage. They may approach you at the gas station, car wash, or even your home. They may also offer incentives such as free car washes, movie tickets, or gift cards.

The scammer's goal is to profit from your insurance policy by filing a claim for unnecessary repairs or replacements. They may replace an undamaged windshield or one with minor damage that could have been repaired at a lower cost. They may also inflate your claim or sue your insurance company under your name to profit from your policy.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be wary of offers to fix your windshield for free, especially if they are accompanied by other incentives.
• Ask to see all accreditation. A properly staffed and licensed auto glass repair shop will have accreditation from the Auto Glass Safety Council.
• Ensure the repair shop works with your vehicle's manufacturer and only uses the glass intended for the specific make and model of your vehicle (i.e., OEM or similar).
• Read the fine print before signing any papers.
• Use a reputable auto glass repair company, and verify their partnership with your insurance company.
• Inspect your bill for inflated charges.
• Report suspected insurance fraud to your state insurance department or the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Frequently asked questions