Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? – Pas Trusted News

Separate insurance for auto glass coverage, which can have a lower deductible or no deductible, is available in select states from some insurance companies.

Yes, in many cases, car insurance does cover windshield damage. The cause and extent of the damage will determine which coverage and deductible, if any, apply. Insurers typically cover windshield repair and replacement under comprehensive coverage. However, if the damage is the result of an accident, your collision coverage may pay for it. Both coverages usually have a deductible to meet before the insurer will pay its portion.

Some insurance companies also offer specific auto glass coverage, which may have a smaller deductible than your typical comprehensive or collision deductible for qualifying claims, or no deductible at all. Auto glass insurance coverage can apply to both windshield chips or cracks and full windshield replacements, and may even extend to other windows on your car.

Many insurers won’t apply your deductible if the damage is just a small chip or crack that can be repaired, even if you don’t have full glass coverage.

A chip or crack can be repaired relatively quickly by injecting resin into the damaged area. Although a windshield replacement is more involved, technicians may be able to perform the work within one day.

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera recalibration also may be covered as part of your glass claim. Not all auto glass installers can perform the recalibration, so you may have to visit a dealership for repairs. Contact your insurance agent or company to see if this additional expense is covered by your policy.

Full glass coverage is an additional coverage that your carrier may offer if you elect comprehensive coverage.

By adding this additional coverage, you’ll typically have a small deductible or no deductible for windshield repairs or replacements when compared to other comprehensive claims. If there is no deductible, then the coverage is typically called full glass coverage.

Not all states offer additional glass coverage:

To find out if your policy offers additional glass coverage or a separate deductible, contact your agent or insurer.

Whether you should use insurance to replace a windshield is a personal choice. It may be worth it if the cost of the windshield repair or replacement is higher than your deductible. Glass claims tend to have little to no impact on your premium or claims history. However, it can vary by state, insurance company, and past claims history.

If you have a low deductible or no deductible, it is usually worth it to file a glass claim, especially if your car has an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera that requires recalibration. While a windshield replacement can cost between $300 and $600, a replacement with ADAS recalibration can cost $1,500 or more.

Before filing a claim, contact your insurance company or agent for details on how a glass claim can affect your policy.

That depends on the circumstances under which your windshield was chipped, cracked, or broken.

The procedure for filing a claim for windshield damage depends on your insurance company. Some insurers require you file a claim online or over the phone while others will refer you to a third-party provider like Safelite.

When contacting your agent or company directly, be prepared to provide the following details:

Many insurers use third-party claim services that work directly with a network of glass shops. This allows insureds to go directly to the glass shop of their choice to get the work done. The glass shop will then notify the insurance company and file the claim on your behalf.

If you are responsible for a deductible, you will pay it directly to the shop upon completion of the repair or replacement.

When contacting the glass shop, you may be asked to provide the following information:

To understand the correct glass claims filing process for your insurer, contact your agent or insurance company.

Whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced will dictate the cost, and in some instances, the deductible. So how do you know what to expect?

It’s important to contact a glass shop or dealership to assess the damage and determine which route is necessary. In general, some things that can indicate whether a windshield needs to be replaced include:

Glass specialists advise making an appointment sooner rather than later to avoid any further damage. You will also need to consider any rules applicable in your state. For example, in the state of Arkansas repairs are required if the damage impedes the driver’s line of sight and failure to make repairs could lead to a driving infraction and fine.

Some states have laws in place requiring insurers to provide automatic full glass coverage for those who purchase comprehensive coverage. These “zero deductible” states are:

However, Florida residents can only use their full glass coverage for windshields, not other glass replacements like quarter windows or sunroofs.

Other states aren’t required to automatically provide full glass coverage but must offer it as an option. These states include:

Just because your state isn’t listed above doesn’t mean there isn’t full glass coverage available. Even if it’s not legally required, some states and insurance companies will offer no-deductible or low-deductible glass coverage that’s separate from comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurance agent or provider to learn if this coverage option is available.

That depends on where you live. In some states, insurance companies must automatically include specific glass coverage while others offer it as an optional add-on or won’t offer it as an option but will provide coverage under the comprehensive portion of your policy.

Yes, USAA covers windshield damage, plus other windows in your car that need repairing or replacing. You can pay up front and request reimbursement or file a claim through Safelite.

Yes, American Family does cover windshield repair and replacement. It offers several ways to file a glass claim, including over the phone, online, or through the app. You can also file a claim via Safelite or American Family’s Dreams Restored Program (DRP).

Yes, State Farm covers windshield replacement and repair. A deductible may apply depending on your policy. Most policyholders can contact their agents, call LYNX services, or use their online accounts to file a glass claim.

Yes, Geico covers both windshield repair and replacement. With the proper coverage, you can have your deductible waived if a simple repair is required. Use Geico’s online service to file a claim.

Yes, Nationwide allows you to get a windshield replacement or glass repair. You can call the company to file a glass-only claim or complete the glass claim process online.

Yes, Farmers covers windshield replacement and glass repair. You can file a claim online, schedule an appointment directly with Safelite, or request reimbursement using your online account. If your windshield can be repaired, your deductible may be waived.

Yes, Travelers does cover windshield replacement or repair. It uses a network of glass shops that can file the claim on your behalf.

Yes, Allstate will cover windshield replacement and repair. Allstate does not require a deductible for repairs, but a deductible may apply to replace a windshield. You can file a claim with Safelite or use Allstate’s Glass Claims Express service to connect with 7,200 different shops.

Yes, AAA will cover windshield replacement if you have the correct coverage on your policy at the time of the glass damage. It offers an online facility locator to help you choose a glass shop.

Yes, Progressive does cover windshield replacement if the damage cannot be repaired. You can file a glass claim online, over the phone, or through Progressive’s mobile app.

For more information about auto insurance, see the following guides: