Does car insurance cover windshield replacement?

Replacing a windshield can set you back hundreds of dollars. But the good news is that if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower for a covered windshield claim, minus your deductible amount. Even better, the replacement cost could be $0 if you live in a free windshield replacement state. Bankrate’s insurance team explains how different types of auto insurance can help you replace your windshield and how to file a claim for windshield damage.

Does car insurance cover windshield damage?

There are various types of car insurance available to drivers, but not all car insurance covers windshield replacement. If you have your state’s minimum insurance, for example, which is the least amount of coverage needed to drive legally, you may not have insurance that would pay for your windshield repair or replacement. Minimum coverage generally includes liability insurance, which covers the other car and its occupants in an accident you cause. If the other driver causes the accident, however, their policy should help pay for your repairs — including windshield damage.

On the other hand, if you have full coverage, it’s possible your windshield is covered by insurance. Full coverage typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance (in addition to liability). These coverage types help pay for damage to your vehicle caused by accidents and other vehicle mishaps, such as weather damage.

Here’s how collision, comprehensive and liability coverage might apply to a windshield in need of repair or replacement.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance pays for vehicle losses and repairs that were caused during a crash. If your windshield is cracked after you rear-end another vehicle or drive into a pole, collision insurance will likely cover the windshield damage minus the deductible amount you chose for this coverage.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance adds protection for other events not related to a collision. Say a tree branch falls on your vehicle, a rock hits the glass, you strike a deer or a severe hailstorm cracks your windshield. In any of the events mentioned, comprehensive insurance could pay to replace the damaged glass, minus your deductible.

Read more: Filing a car insurance claim: A step-by-step guide

Liability insurance

If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you may still be able to have your windshield replaced. If you were involved in an accident that damaged your windshield and the accident was the fault of another driver, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability would pay for your expenses. However, most other scenarios would fall under comprehensive or collision coverage, and without those coverage types, you would pay the expenses out of pocket.

What car insurance covers windshield replacement 100%?

Insurance companies may have a full glass coverage add-on available in many states that you can purchase in addition to comprehensive insurance. It is exclusively dedicated to glass repairs or replacement, often with a $0 deductible option.

Will I have to pay a deductible to fix my windshield?

According to the Insurance Journal, most auto insurers will waive the comprehensive insurance deductible for glass repair but not glass replacement. However, if you live in a “zero deductible” state — Florida, Kentucky or South Carolina — you should not have to pay a deductible for a replacement. State law does not allow carriers to sell full glass coverage with a deductible.

It is also worth noting that depending on the size of the damage, a glass repair shop may patch the crack for free, so you wouldn’t even have to make an insurance claim. Regardless, it may be a good idea to get a quote from a repair shop first. That way, you will have a general idea of what to expect and whether your deductible will be a factor if you file a claim.

How to file a claim for windshield damage

To file a claim for a windshield replacement, you should assess the extent of the damage first. A good rule of thumb suggests that if a crack in the glass is at least 6 inches long, a complete windshield replacement is more prudent.

Smaller chips or cracks could be repaired by a vehicle glass professional without removing the entire windshield. If you doubt whether you should repair or replace a windshield, your insurance company or a glass specialist will be able to tell you.

Time is of the essence if your windshield is damaged. Even a small chip or crack could quickly spread. And the damage to the glass could affect the strength and integrity of the entire windshield. For your safety and to protect against further damage, consider repairing or replacing your windshield when there are signs of cracking or chips.

To file a windshield claim:

1. Photograph and measure the damage to determine whether a repair is enough.
2. File a claim online, over the phone or by visiting your local insurance agent.
3. Provide the photos or size of the damage to your claims adjuster.
4. Choose a glass and windshield specialist from the available options your insurance company provides. You may need to take your vehicle to a facility, although many companies have a mobile windshield service that comes to you.

Windshield damage that is repaired under the comprehensive portion of your car insurance coverage typically does not impact your car insurance premiums. However, because you filed a claim, it is possible that you could lose out on a claims-free discount if your car insurance company offers one.

Frequently asked questions

• Does my insurance cover windshield replacement?

  Most auto insurers cover windshield replacement if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. In some cases, deductibles are waived for windshield repairs. However, if you need to fully replace the windshield, you will likely be responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible, unless you live in a “zero deductible state” or you have purchased optional no-deductible windshield replacement insurance.

• Should I replace or repair my damaged windshield?

  One method to decide whether glass repair is enough for your windshield is by measuring the damage. If the crack or chip is smaller than 6 inches, repairing the windshield may be all that you need to do. However, if the damage is more extensive, the glass could be unsafe, and replacing it with a new windshield could be the best option. You should consider getting the professional opinion of a glass repair specialist if you’re unsure whether your windshield should be replaced or repaired.

• How much does windshield replacement cost?

  Without windshield coverage, the cost to replace a basic windshield could be around $300 to $600. The actual cost will vary depending on the vehicle. It might be even higher — exceeding $1,000 — if you have a high-tech car. These vehicles sometimes have sensors that need specific recalibration. Depending on your car insurance company, it might be possible to purchase optional no-deductible windshield repair coverage. This means that if your windshield were to be damaged, you wouldn’t need to pay a deductible to repair or replace it. Instead, the car insurance company would cover the entire cost of fixing the windshield.

• Is windshield replacement free in California?

  While you likely won’t be able to get your windshield replaced for free, you may purchase auto insurance with a no-deductible windshield replacement clause in California. This clause prevents insurers from requiring you to pay a deductible for covered glass replacement claims, meaning your out-of-pocket costs could be $0. That said, if this clause isn’t in your contract, you may have to pay a deductible to replace or fix your windshield.