Does Your Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

An intact windshield helps ensure a safe driving experience, so you should repair or replace a cracked or broken windshield immediately. Car insurance covers windshield replacement sometimes, depending on your chosen coverage and auto insurer. Here’s what you need to know about how auto insurance covers windshield replacement.

Does car insurance cover damage to windshields?

An auto insurance policy can cover windshield damage, but it all depends on the type of coverage you purchase. You’ll likely need to meet specific criteria for your policy to pay for windshield repairs or replacement. For example, you might have to first pay your deductible out of pocket before your insurance kicks in and covers the rest. Certain auto insurers provide no-deductible glass coverage.1

You may also have to prove the cause of the windshield damage, as some insurers only provide coverage for it in certain situations. Read the terms of your policy to determine how it applies to windshield damage.

Types of coverage for windshield repair and replacement

Several types of car insurance coverage for windshield repair and replacement are available, offering different aspects of coverage. Your options include:

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your vehicle that come from non-accident events. These might include floods, windstorms, gravel hitting your windshield, or vandalism. In most cases, this type of coverage covers a set amount and only applies after you pay a deductible. While adding comprehensive coverage to your policy costs more than having basic car insurance coverage, it can give you more protection for your vehicle. It may even be required if you have an auto loan.^[1]

Collision

This insurance type covers vehicle damage that results from accidents. Just like comprehensive coverage, collision coverage usually has set policy limits and involves paying your deductible before coverage kicks in. If your windshield damage stems from an accident after you rear-end another car, for example, collision coverage can apply.^[2]

Full coverage

A combination of comprehensive, collision, and liability coverages, full-coverage insurance protects you from a wide variety of damages. With full coverage, you can receive coverage for windshield damage, regardless of whether it stems from an accident.

Full auto glass coverage

If purchased, full auto glass coverage covers the entire cost of windshield repairs and replacements without requiring a deductible. If you have comprehensive coverage and live in Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, your deductible for windshield replacement will be waived as long as you meet your coverage requirements. Other states may offer full glass coverage as an add-on or rider for an additional cost.

How much does fixing a broken windshield cost?

Whether you should repair or replace your windshield depends on the size and location of the damage, the number of cracks, and your deductible. If you have a tiny chip in your windshield, for example, a simple repair might make sense.

However, if your windshield has a huge crack or shattered glass, you’ll most likely need to replace it. If you’re unsure whether you’re in need of a repair or replacement, consult a professional at a trustworthy repair shop.

Filing a windshield claim typically won’t affect your premium, but it may increase if you have multiple glass claims over a short period of time. Consider this when deciding whether it makes sense to file a claim.

Cost to repair

If your windshield damage only includes a few chips or a crack that’s six inches or smaller, it can typically be repaired. While windshield repair costs depend on factors like location, auto glass service provider, and the type of damage, repairing a single chip costs around $60 to $100. Larger chips and cracks will likely cost more to fix, closer to $125 and $150. You might earn a discounted rate for repairing additional chips on the same windshield.

Cost to replace

You may have to replace your windshield if the damage exceeds six inches in length, puts a hole through your windshield, adds to several existing small repairs, or sits directly in your field of view. The cost to replace a windshield depends on the type of vehicle you drive, your location, windshield replacement servicer, and more. Windshield replacement typically costs from $250 to $400 for a non-luxury vehicle. Luxury vehicle owners may have to pay between $1,000 and $4,500 for windshield replacement on the higher end.

Filing a claim

Since any windshield damage can interfere with your safety on the road, it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible. To do so, follow these steps.

Notify your insurer and file a claim

Most insurance companies allow you to file a claim online or over the phone. If another party caused your damage, your insurer may need to refer you to or file the claim through the other party’s insurer. When you file a claim, be prepared to provide the following type of information:

• Date and time the windshield damage occurred

• Vehicles involved

• What happened or caused the damage

• Policy number and contact details

Make repair or replacement decisions

Once you file a claim, your insurance company will likely provide you with a list of trusted repair shops that partner with them. These might include local body shops, nationally recognized shops, or mobile shops. If you find a different shop you’d like to work with, you’ll need to receive approval from your car insurance company first to avoid missing out on coverage.

You’ll need to take your vehicle to the glass repair shop or arrange for them to come to you for windshield repair or replacement. You’ll likely have to provide the repair shop with the following information:

• Name of your auto insurance company

• Car insurance policy number

• Vehicle year, make, and model

• Deductible amount

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Receive payment or reimbursement

If your car insurance policy requires you to pay a deductible for windshield repair or replacement coverage, you may have to pay this amount to the auto glass shop directly. Alternatively, if windshield repair or replacement is covered, you might pay with your own out-of-pocket funds and ask your insurance company to reimburse you. You should make your insurance provider aware of repair costs in advance so that you get reimbursed entirely. You don’t want to end up in a situation where your repair costs exceed your insurer’s reimbursement limit.

Companies that cover windshield replacement

Fortunately, many reputable insurance companies pay for windshield replacement, including:

• Allstate

• American Family

• Farmers

• GEICO

• Nationwide

• Progressive

• State Farm

• Travelers

• USAA

The type of policy you have and the cause of the windshield damage will determine whether your coverage applies. If you have collision coverage, for example, you can expect coverage for a cracked windshield following an accident. Basic liability coverage doesn’t cover your windshield damage. Check the terms of your policy before assuming your coverage covers windshield repair or replacement.

Auto glass deductibles

The out-of-pocket amount you’ll have to pay before your insurance policy kicks in, an auto glass deductible covers the rest of your windshield repair or replacement. If you live in a zero-deductible state, like Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina, you won’t have a deductible for windshield damage. If you’re not in a zero-deductible state, understand your policy’s deductible and the cost of the repair or replacement. If the difference is minimal, it might make sense to cover the bill yourself.

Windshield replacement coverage FAQs