Auto Glass Coverage: Arizona Insurance's Unspoken Rule

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. There are three primary levels of auto glass insurance available in Arizona: full glass coverage with no deductible, comprehensive glass coverage with a deductible, and no glass coverage. All auto insurance providers operating in Arizona are required to offer full glass coverage as an option to their customers. However, it is not automatic, and customers must opt for it.

Arizona's free windshield replacement law

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 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 result in increased rates. This law was passed due to the state's extreme weather conditions, which can cause thermal stress on windshields. Unnoticeable chips can quickly turn into large cracks due to temperature fluctuations. Arizona state officials want drivers to get their windshields replaced quickly without worrying about the cost.

It is important to note that Arizona's free windshield replacement law does not apply to liability-only policies. Liability coverage is for harm caused to others, whereas comprehensive/collision coverage is for damage to your own car. To take advantage of the windshield replacement law, you need to have a comprehensive policy covering your car.

While Arizona's law ensures that insurance rates will not increase after a windshield claim, it is worth mentioning that multiple claims in a short period may be interpreted as high-risk behaviour. Insurance providers may use this as a reason to drop a customer or increase their rates.

Arizona's windshield replacement law also states that if a crack impedes the driver's line of vision, the windshield must be replaced. While the law does not provide exact measurements, cracks larger than 3/4 inch in diameter or those intersecting with other cracks are generally not permitted. Ultimately, the assessment of whether a crack violates the law is left to the discretion of law enforcement officers.

Comprehensive glass coverage

Arizona has a zero-deductible full glass coverage law, which means auto glass coverage is included in all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies. This means that the policy deductible does not apply to windshield claims, and you pay nothing out of pocket.

Comprehensive insurance policies typically cover windshield replacement, but it is important to check the fine print to be sure. Comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by events other than collisions, such as vandalism, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters, including windshield damage.

Arizona's Zero-Deductible Law

Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, which means auto glass coverage is included with all Arizona comprehensive auto insurance policies. This law includes your policy deductible not applying to windshield claims, so you pay nothing out of pocket. This law was passed due to the extreme temperature fluctuations in Arizona, which can cause unnoticeable chips in windshields to turn into large cracks. These conditions are not the fault of drivers, and driving with a damaged windshield can be dangerous. Arizona state officials want drivers to get their windshields replaced quickly without worrying about the cost.

Insurance Rates

Your insurance rates will generally not go up after a windshield claim. Arizona law ARS 20-263 states that a "no-fault claim" for windshield replacement will not raise your rates. Therefore, your insurance company cannot raise your rates due to accidents caused by flying objects, vandalism, extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or kicked-up rocks.

Full glass coverage

Arizona is one of six US states with a free windshield replacement law. This means that auto glass coverage is included in 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.

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

While car insurance companies have to offer it, you are not required to purchase glass coverage in Arizona. Skipping glass coverage can help you get the lowest rates possible.

No glass coverage

If you have no glass coverage in Arizona, you will be responsible for all costs out of your own pocket, including the glass itself, any related installation, materials, and labor. This means that if you need to repair or replace your windshield, you will have to pay for it yourself.

While auto glass coverage is not mandatory in Arizona, it is worth considering adding it to your policy. The state has a zero-deductible full glass coverage law, which means that if you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company must offer you the option to add windshield replacement with no deductible. This can be helpful if you need to replace your windshield due to a crack or other damage.

The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield in Arizona can vary depending on the vehicle type, but it typically ranges from $150 to $400. Without glass coverage, you would have to pay for these costs yourself.

It's important to note that if you have a high number of claims per year, your insurance rates may increase. This is because it is assumed that you are consistently driving in high-risk areas such as heavy construction or unpaved roads. Therefore, it is essential to inform your insurance provider if you are in this situation to avoid fluctuating glass coverage pricing.

Additionally, if you have an auto insurance policy written in another state, Arizona's free windshield replacement law may not apply to you. In that case, you may need to pay a deductible on windshield claims. So, it's important to confirm whether your insurance policy will follow you to Arizona and abide by the state's laws.

The cost of windshield replacement

When it comes to insurance coverage, there are three different levels of glass coverage available in Arizona: Full Glass Coverage, Comprehensive Glass Coverage, and No Glass Coverage. Full Glass Coverage means that damage to any glass on the vehicle will be covered by insurance with zero deductibles, including installation, materials, and labor. Comprehensive Glass Coverage also covers damage to any glass on the vehicle through insurance, but the customer or the company performing the work will be responsible for a deductible, which can range from $50 to $1000. With No Glass Coverage, the customer will be responsible for all costs out of pocket.

It's worth noting that Arizona is one of six states with a free windshield replacement law, which means auto glass coverage is included with all comprehensive auto insurance policies, and the deductible does not apply to windshield claims. However, this law does not apply to liability-only policies. Full windshield replacements without insurance can cost anywhere from $300 to $400.

When considering the cost of windshield replacement, it's important to factor in the safety features of your vehicle. The windshield is an important safety component, supporting the structure of your car and ensuring your safety in the event of a crash. Choosing a reputable company with certified technicians is crucial to ensure a high-quality repair or replacement.

Additionally, if your vehicle has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, you may need to budget an additional $200 to $400 for calibration after the windshield is replaced. This is important to ensure the proper functioning of safety systems such as automatic braking and lane departure warning.

Frequently asked questions