In most cases, your car insurance will cover windshield damage. If you have full coverage (comprehensive and collision), your windshield is likely covered. For minor chips or cracks, your insurer may even waive your deductible. But for major damage requiring full replacement of the windshield, you'll likely pay your deductible unless you have full glass coverage or live in a state that waives deductibles for windshield replacements. If another driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the costs.
Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
Updated: September 23, 2024
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Key Takeaways
In most cases, with full coverage car insurance (comprehensive and collision), your insurer will cover your windshield damage or repair. Some insurers might even waive the deductible for a repair.
If the accident wasn't your fault, you can file a claim with the other driver's insurance, saving you from a deductible or higher rates.
Some states, like Kentucky and South Carolina, require insurers to waive deductibles for windshield replacements with comprehensive coverage.
What Insurance Types Cover Windshield Damage
Several types of car insurance can cover windshield damage, depending on your policy and the cause of the damage:
Coverage Type | Deductible? | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
Comprehensive Insurance | ✔ | Repairs or replacement for chips, cracks or shattered windshields caused by incidents other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters |
Collision Insurance | ✔ | Windshield damage resulting from a collision |
Full Glass Coverage | Usually no | Repairs or replacement for all types of glass damage, including windshields |
If another driver is at fault for your windshield damage, you might be able to file a claim with their insurance instead of your own. This could save you from paying a deductible and help you avoid a potential rate increase on your own policy.
How to File a Windshield Claim
Contact your insurance company immediately to report windshield damage. Follow these steps to file a claim for windshield damage:
- 1
Report the damage
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the windshield damage. Most insurers allow you to file a claim online, through their app or by phone.
- 2
Provide documentation
Your insurer might ask for photos of the damage and a copy of the police report (if applicable).
- 3
Get a repair estimate
Choose a reputable repair shop and get an estimate for the repairs or replacement. Some insurers have preferred shops, but you're usually free to choose your own.
- 4
File your claim
Submit the repair estimate and any other requested documentation to your insurer. They will review the information and determine if the damage is covered under your policy.
- 5
Schedule the repair
If your claim is approved, schedule the repair or replacement with the shop of your choice.
When Your Windshield Claim Might Not Have a Deductible
In some cases, you might not have to pay a car insurance deductible for your windshield claim. Here are a few scenarios where that might happen:
Small claims
Some insurance companies waive the deductible for small claims, especially for chip repairs that are inexpensive and quick to fix.
Zero-deductible states
If you live in Kentucky or South Carolina, state laws prevent insurers from charging a deductible for windshield replacement if you have comprehensive coverage.
Full glass coverage
If you have full glass coverage as an add-on to your comprehensive policy, your deductible for windshield repairs or replacement may be waived or significantly reduced.
The other driver is at fault
If another driver caused the damage to your windshield, you can file a claim against their liability insurance, which typically doesn't require a deductible from you.
Disappearing deductibles
Some insurers offer disappearing deductibles that decrease or disappear after a certain number of years without claims.
Florida used to be a zero-deductible state for windshield replacement, but that's no longer the case. Other states like Connecticut and Massachusetts offer it as an optional add-on.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE GLASS COVERAGE
You can usually find out if you have full glass coverage by checking your online account through your insurer's website or app, or by reviewing your policy's declarations page. If you're unsure, call your insurance company to confirm and ask about the specifics of your coverage.
When It’s Worth It to File a Windshield Claim
It’s worth filing a claim for a damaged windshield if the repair or replacement cost exceeds your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $200 and the repair costs $500, filing a claim saves you $300. However, filing a claim can cause your insurance premium to increase in the future, so make sure the payout from the insurance is worth it to you. In this case, you may be better off simply paying the extra $300 out of pocket if you can afford it.
Some insurers waive the deductible for windshield repairs, so always check with your provider to see if it’s worth it.
DO I NEED TO REPAIR MY WINDSHIELD?
Yes, even a small chip in your windshield needs repair. Driving with a damaged windshield is illegal in many states and poses a safety risk. Not only can it impair your visibility, but a small chip can quickly spread into a larger crack, compromising the structural integrity of your windshield and endangering you and others on the road.
FAQ About Windshield Damage
Have questions about windshield insurance claims? Here are some answers to common queries:
Can you claim a windshield on insurance?
Yes, you can typically file a claim for windshield damage under your comprehensive car insurance or collision coverage if the damage was caused by a collision. However, you'll usually need to pay your deductible unless you have full glass coverage or live in a state that waives deductibles for windshield replacement.
Can I drive with a cracked windshield?
Driving with a cracked windshield is often illegal and unsafe. It can mess with your view of the road and break more easily in an accident.
Does a windscreen claim increase insurance?
Filing a windshield claim could potentially increase your insurance premiums, as it's considered a claim on your policy. However, the impact is usually less significant than an at-fault accident claim, and some insurers even offer full glass coverage that won't raise your rates.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- Auto Glass Safety Council. "Auto Glass Reform Bill Introduced in Kentucky." Accessed September 23, 2024.
- Auto Glass Safety Council. "Florida Overhauls Auto Glass Laws Eliminating AOB and Zero Deductible." Accessed September 23, 2024.
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Understanding Whether Your Auto Coverage Pays for Damage to Your Windshield." Accessed September 23, 2024.
- Connecticut Insurance Department. "Auto Insurance Coverage Information." Accessed September 23, 2024.