Does Arizona Auto Insurance Cover Glass Repairs?

Arizona has an insurance regulation that requires state insurers to offer an option for a $0 glass deductible if a customer purchases comprehensive coverage in their car insurance policy. This means that, under comprehensive coverage, insurers will pay for all windshield replacement costs. However, this only applies if a customer has purchased the $0 deductible option with their insurer.

There are three different levels of glass coverage available on auto insurance policies in Arizona: full glass coverage, comprehensive glass coverage, and no glass coverage. Full glass coverage means that damage to any glass on the entire vehicle will be covered through insurance with zero deductible. Comprehensive glass coverage means that damage to any glass on the entire vehicle will be covered through insurance, but the customer (or the company performing the work) will be responsible for a deductible.

Full Glass Coverage

Arizona is one of six US states with a zero-deductible windshield replacement law. This means that auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies, and policyholders pay nothing out of pocket.

Comprehensive Glass Coverage is also available and covers damage to any glass on the entire vehicle. However, the customer or the company performing the work will be responsible for a deductible, generally between $50 and $1000.

It's important to note that Arizona law requires that all drivers have insurance that covers damage to their vehicle's windshield. This is due to the high number of auto glass claims in the state, often caused by the desert landscape and construction debris.

Comprehensive Glass Coverage

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law. This means that 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.

There are three different levels of glass coverage available on auto insurance policies in Arizona. These are full glass coverage (also known as full safety equipment coverage), comprehensive glass coverage, and no glass coverage.

Full glass coverage means that damage to any glass on the entire vehicle will be covered through insurance with zero deductible. Comprehensive glass coverage, on the other hand, means that damage to any glass on the entire vehicle will be covered through insurance, but the customer (or the company performing the work) will be responsible for a deductible. Deductibles vary from policy to policy, but they are generally between $50 and $1000. After the deductible is paid, comprehensive glass coverage will cover the entire cost of fixing any damaged glass, including labor and all related installation materials.

Comprehensive glass policies cover a broader range of glass products than a standard policy, which usually only covers plate glass. They also provide coverage whether the glass was damaged accidentally or deliberately. The policy covers windows, doors, decorative glass displays, and signs.

While windshield coverage is standard in auto insurance, adding a comprehensive glass policy can save you money on out-of-pocket costs against headlamps and door window glass damage.

No Glass Coverage

If your auto insurance policy does not include glass coverage, you will be responsible for all costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged glass. This includes the cost of the glass itself, as well as any related installation materials and labour.

In Arizona, auto insurance providers are not required to include glass coverage in their policies. However, they must offer it as an option to their customers. Therefore, if you do not have glass coverage, it may be possible to add it to your policy.

It is worth noting that even if you have comprehensive coverage, it may not include glass coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects against damages caused by events other than collisions, such as vandalism, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters. However, glass coverage specifically refers to the repair or replacement of damaged glass, and it is typically offered as an optional add-on to comprehensive coverage.

If you are unsure whether your policy includes glass coverage, it is important to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider for clarification.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged glass without insurance coverage. These costs can vary depending on the vehicle and the extent of the damage but typically range from $150 to $300 for a car. In some cases, the cost of repairing or replacing a windshield can be even higher, ranging from $300 to $400. Therefore, if you live in an area where cracked or broken windshields are common, it may be worthwhile to consider adding glass coverage to your policy to avoid unexpected expenses.

Arizona's Zero-Deductible Law

Arizona is one of six states with a zero-deductible law for windshield replacement. This means that auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies, and policyholders pay nothing out of pocket. The law was passed due to the unique climate in Arizona, where scorching desert days turn into cold nights, causing thermal stress on windshields. Unnoticeable chips can turn into large cracks due to the temperature fluctuations, and Arizona state officials want drivers to get their windshields replaced quickly without worrying about the cost.

The zero-deductible law applies to comprehensive insurance policies, which cover damages caused by events other than collisions, such as vandalism, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters. It is important to note that the law does not apply to liability-only policies, as these only cover harm caused to other people. Additionally, new residents, snowbirds, visitors, and some students with insurance policies written in another state may not be covered by Arizona's law and may need to pay a deductible on windshield claims.

Arizona also has its own laws regarding windshields, which expand on federal regulations and apply to all motor vehicles operating in the state. These laws include requirements for adequate windshields, exceptions for certain vehicle types, equipment requirements, and guidelines for stickers and tinting.

In terms of insurance coverage, there are three different levels of glass coverage available in Arizona:

• Full Glass Coverage (No Deductible): This covers damage to any glass on the entire vehicle with zero deductible. It includes installation, materials, and labor.
• Comprehensive Glass Coverage (Deductible): This covers damage to any glass on the vehicle, but the customer or the company performing the work is responsible for a deductible, which can vary from $50 to $1000.
• No Glass Coverage: Policies with no glass coverage will not cover any damaged glass, and the customer will be responsible for all costs out of pocket.

When it comes to choosing a windshield replacement service provider in Arizona, policyholders have the right to choose their own vendor, and insurance companies cannot require the use of specific vendors. Additionally, mechanics can use aftermarket parts, but they must be of similar quality and have a similar warranty to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

Choosing a Repair Vendor

When choosing a repair vendor for auto glass repair, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to prioritize quality. Look for a company that uses high-quality materials and has a good reputation in the market. You can check online reviews and ask the company about the type of materials they use. It is also beneficial to choose a company with sufficient experience in the auto glass repair industry. A well-established company is more likely to have qualified technicians who can handle various types of windshield damage.

Another crucial aspect is licensing and insurance. Ensure that the company you select is licensed and certified, with all their documentation up to date. This provides assurance that you are dealing with a qualified and professional business. Additionally, inquire about warranties and guarantees to cover any potential damages during the repair process. Comparing prices between different vendors is also recommended, as it can help you get the best deal. Don't forget to ask for a free estimate before committing to any service.

It is also advisable to choose a vendor that follows a "repair first" policy. This means they will prioritize repairing the windshield over replacing it, which can save you money. If a full replacement is necessary, they should use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass, which meets all safety standards and is approved for use in automobiles.

Lastly, consider the convenience of the repair service. Most glass damage can be repaired at your preferred location, including your home or workplace. However, in certain situations, you may need to take your vehicle to the vendor's facility, depending on the type of vehicle or extent of the damage.

Frequently asked questions