Your windshield is one of your car's most essential safety features, yet it's also one of the most damaged parts. If your windshield gets damaged, you might wonder if your car insurance will cover the replacement cost.
The good news is that many insurance providers cover windshield and glass damage under comprehensive auto insurance policies. Also, many insurers offer fast and convenient glass claim services to make the repair or replacement process smooth.
This guide explains everything you need to know about windshield replacement, how insurance works, and proactive measures to prevent glass damage.
Does Comprehensive Coverage Pay For Windshield Replacement?
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, your policy will usually cover windshield replacement or glass repair. This type of optional coverage pays for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision.
Common incidents covered under comprehensive insurance are listed below.
Natural disasters and extreme weather conditions
Fires
Theft
Vandalism
Animal hits
Comprehensive coverage is not included in standard auto insurance. However, if you have an active auto loan or lease, your lender may require you to carry this coverage as part of the financing agreement.
Contact your insurance provider or agent to check if your policy has comprehensive coverage.
Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement?
Since windshield and glass damage are common claims under comprehensive coverage, insurance companies often apply a deductible before paying.
A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance. A car insurance deductible differs from your insurance premium, the ongoing payment to keep your policy active.
For example, suppose your comprehensive insurance deductible is fixed, and the cost of replacing your windshield exceeds that amount. In that case, you will pay your deductible, and your insurance will pay the rest.
Given the frequency of windshield damage claims, some insurers offer auto glass coverage with zero or lower deductible options. This means if your windshield gets damaged in a covered event, you may not have to pay anything out of pocket for the replacement.
Coverage for windshield repair or replacement is policy and state-specific. Comprehensive policies have a deductible, but some states have reduced or $0 deductibles when you sign up.
The states of Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Kentucky require insurance companies to cover windshield repair or replacement with no deductible (for free). Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York let you choose a lower or $0 deductible for windshield claims. Some insurance companies will waive the deductible for windshield repair no matter where you live.
It's vital to address windshield damage immediately, as even small chips can get worse over time and be a safety hazard. Filing a claim as soon as possible means timely repairs and road safety. If you want maximum coverage, opt for full glass coverage.
Windshield Insurance: What's Covered and What's Not?
Situations Covered for Windshield Replacement
Windshield replacement is usually covered under comprehensive insurance, which covers noncollision damages. Here are common scenarios where coverage applies:
Cracks and chips from debris on the road
Objects falling on the windshield (tree branch)
Animal collisions
Vandalism
Hail or Weather damage
Damage as a result of car theft
Most windshield damage is covered under comprehensive insurance, but there are instances where collision insurance may apply.
Collision coverage is for damages from an impact with another vehicle or object. If your windshield gets damaged from such an incident, your collision coverage may cover the replacement.
When Windshield Replacement Isn't Covered on your Vehicle
Windshield replacement insurance coverage depends on your policy and the damage situation. Although comprehensive coverage includes glass repairs and replacements, there are situations where coverage may be limited or not applicable.
No Coverage: If you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance won't cover windshield replacement.
Pre-existing Damage: Insurance won't pay for windshield replacement if the damage occurred before you bought your policy. For example, if you buy a used car with a cracked windshield, your new insurance policy won't cover the repair.
Deductible: If the windshield replacement cost is lower than your comprehensive deductible, your insurance won't cover it, especially if you don't have a separate glass deductible and your comprehensive deductible is high.
Third-Party Liability: If another driver hits your windshield, their liability insurance should cover the replacement cost.
Knowing your policy terms and deductible will help determine if your windshield replacement is covered.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Windshield Without Car Insurance?
The cost of a windshield replacement or repair without insurance varies by the make, model, and year of your vehicle and the type of glass used.
Generally, a windshield replacement costs between $100 and $400, but for high-end luxury vehicles with all the bells and whistles, the cost can be $500-$900.
If the damage is minor (less than 6 inches or a chip that is smaller than a quarter), repair may be a more cost-effective option. Windshield crack repairs at auto repair shops cost around $120, and resin-based fixes are the same price across all vehicle models. But if the damage is more than a dollar bill or in the driver's line of sight, a full replacement is usually required.
One way to save money on a windshield replacement is to go with an aftermarket (non-OEM) windshield instead of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass. OEM windshields are more expensive, and insurance companies don't have to cover the extra cost. Non-OEM windshields offer the same quality and durability at a lower price, making them a more cost effective option.
If you want to go DIY, windshield repair kits priced between $9 and $17 can fix minor rock chips and cracks. But for safety reasons, a professional windshield repair service is recommended for more serious damage.
How to File a Claim for Windshield Replacement
Filing an auto glass insurance claim can be intimidating. Most insurance companies have a dedicated claims department to make your windshield insurance claim easy.
The steps for filing a windshield replacement claim are listed below.
1. Inspect the Damage
Before filing a claim, check the extent of the damage. A complete replacement is usually required if the crack is 6 inches long. Smaller chips or cracks may be repairable without replacing the entire windshield. Call an auto glass service company if you're unsure whether to repair or replace your windshield.
2. Act Fast
Even tiny cracks can spread over time and compromise the windshield's integrity and safety. Address the windshield damage with your insurance carrier immediately to prevent further cracking and to start the claims process.
3. Get Your Policy Information Together
To file a claim, have your insurance card and policy number ready. Take clear photos of the windshield damage and measure its size to send to your insurer. This information helps your insurer expedite your claim and the assess the windshield damage.
4. File the Claim
Call your insurance company by phone, online, or visit a local agent. Submit the required information, including the damage extent and photos. Your insurance company will let you know if the windshield can be repaired or replaced.
5. Get Your Claim Number and Adjuster
Once you file your claim, you'll receive a claim number to track the progress and an insurance claims adjuster will be assigned to guide you through the process.
6. Complete the Damage Evaluation
Your insurance company may require an evaluation of the damage before approving the claim. Some companies offer in-shop inspections, while others offer mobile evaluations, where an adjuster comes to your location.
7. Repair or Replace the Windshield
Once your windshield claim is approved, you can proceed with the repair or replacement. Your insurance company can give you a list of approved glass repair shops. In some cases, mobile service may be available to come to you.
8. Settle the Claim and Get the Payment
Depending on your policy, the insurance company may pay the repair place directly or reimburse you after the work is done. The payment amount will be based on your policy terms, deductible, and coverage limits.
9. Verify Repairs and Review Policy
Once the windshield is repaired or replaced, check the work to make sure it's done correctly. Also, check your policy to see if filing the claim will affect your discount or future rates.
