Your car’s windshield can be cracked if something hits it hard enough, like a piece of debris. Because a windshield is imperative to driving safely, some states offer free replacement and repair services.
While this may or may not be the case for where you live, you should still know your state’s laws regarding windshield replacement because they may determine how much you will pay for windshield services.
How much full glass coverage does your state have? How does your car insurance play into a broken or cracked windshield? And most importantly, how much will you pay? In this post about windshield replacement, we answer all these questions and more.
What Are Ways to Receive Windshield Replacement Coverage?
Because of some state laws in place, windshield replacement coverage varies, as does cost and level of coverage. Here is how you can receive windshield replacement coverage and what exactly the different levels of insurance they offer:
- Levels of car insurance - Liability and comprehensive insurance will cover windshield replacement, but only with the policyholder paying a glass deductible if the windshield needs to be replaced.
- Full glass coverage - Some auto insurance companies and states offer full glass coverage, which insures windshield replacement without the glass deductible.
- Free windshield replacement - The states of Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are known to waive the broken glass deductible. This means that your insurance can wholly cover the windshield replacement.
Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement And Repair?
Using car insurance for a crack may not be worth it since repair costs are low. When the whole thing needs to be replaced, the auto shop bill can get steep. Suppose your windshield was broken in an accident that another driver caused. In that case, your property damage car insurance will cover it.
Comprehensive coverage will also cover windshield damage and replacements. However, several auto insurance companies charge a windshield replacement deductible before providing a payout. But depending on your state and car insurance provider, you can get around the broken windshield deductible.
Can Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Comprehensive car insurance protects you against any damage to your car while it is parked and you are away from it. Suppose your windshield is broken by a falling object or vandalized. In that case, your comprehensive coverage will cover your windshield replacement. However, the glass deductible must be paid if required in your state.
However, if your windshield was damaged in an accident, you were responsible for it. Your collision insurance may cover it without the glass deductible.
How Does Full Glass Coverage Insure a Broken Windshield?
Full glass coverage is a handy car insurance rider to add to your policy. It covers windshield replacement without you having to pay the glass deductible. It fully insures your car’s glass, including door windows and sunroof glass. These claims are filed just as any other auto claim would be.
What Are The States That Have Free Windshield Replacement?
Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina don’t have glass deductibles that the auto policyholder must pay in case of a windshield replacement claim.
However, this may only be true if you carry comprehensive coverage in those states. This way, you can have a windshield replacement entirely covered by your car insurance provider.
How Much Does Windshield Replacement Cost?
On average, windshield replacement can run from $200 to $450. It can also depend on the car you drive and the state you live in. This, of course, is if you need car insurance. Comprehensive car insurance will be your best bet to get the absolute best protection for your windshield.
What Does The Utah Windshield Replacement Law Mean?
While some states, like Florida, offer free windshield replacement, others require payment. This law was created in Utah and requires the insurance company to get a quote for a windshield replacement that is less than the actual replacement cost.
Other states with this law besides Utah are Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
Are There Other State Laws For Windshield Replacement?
While on the topic, let’s look at other state-specific laws regarding windshield replacement. For example, New Jersey requires drivers replacing their windshields to pay a $750 deductible.
Some states also have laws regarding what parts can and can’t be used in the replacement.
What Parts Are Allowed For Windshield Replacement?
There are original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts. The original automaker makes OEM parts of your car, which are factory parts. Aftermarket parts are parts made by another manufacturer with the intended purpose of replacing an existing part.
Thirty-six states allow aftermarket parts to be used in windshield replacements. Some states may allow aftermarket parts with special permission or documentation. Check your state’s laws regarding OEM parts, as everyone has different requirements.
In Rhode Island, for example, aftermarket parts are only allowed if the car is under 30 months old. Meanwhile, New Hampshire allows repairs with aftermarket parts for drivers with cars under two years old and no more than 30,000 miles.
