Does Insurance Replace a Windshield?

Yes—auto insurance often pays to repair or replace a windshield. Comprehensive coverage typically covers glass damage from rocks, storms, vandalism, or theft; collision coverage can apply after a crash; and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance may pay if someone else caused the damage. Deductibles and state rules vary, and some states or policy add-ons allow $0-deductible glass claims.

How Windshield Coverage Works

Windshield damage is usually considered a glass claim. Which part of your policy pays—and whether you owe a deductible—depends on how the damage happened and the coverage you carry.

Types of coverage that may pay for a windshield

The following list outlines the most common policy features and scenarios that cover glass damage.

• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for non-collision damage such as flying debris/rocks, hail, fallen branches, theft, and vandalism. This is the most common path for windshield claims.
• Full glass or “zero-deductible glass” endorsement: An optional add-on in many states that waives your comprehensive deductible for glass repair or replacement.
• Collision coverage: Applies if the windshield is broken in a crash you cause (e.g., hitting a mailbox or another vehicle).
• Other driver’s liability: If another identifiable driver is at fault (for example, cargo fell from their truck), their liability insurance can pay for your glass.
• Manufacturer or installer warranty: Separate from insurance; may cover defects or workmanship but not road hazards.

If you only carry liability insurance on your vehicle, your own windshield damage generally isn’t covered unless an at-fault third party’s liability policy pays.

Deductibles and State Rules

Whether you pay a deductible—and how much—depends on your policy and where you live. Glass coverage is regulated at the state level, and insurers also offer different options by state.

Some states require $0 deductibles for windshield claims under comprehensive, while others allow insurers to offer optional “full glass” endorsements. Here’s what that typically looks like in practice.

• States that mandate $0-deductible windshield replacement under comprehensive: Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina (applies to most private passenger vehicles).
• States where insurers commonly offer an optional $0-deductible full-glass endorsement: Examples include Arizona and several others; availability, terms, and pricing vary by insurer and state.
• Chip repair deductible waivers: Many insurers nationwide waive the deductible for chip repairs to encourage fixes before cracks spread, even if replacement would otherwise have a deductible.
• Recent rule changes: Florida still mandates $0 comprehensive windshield deductibles but has tightened rules since 2023 (e.g., bans on assignment of benefits and incentives like gift cards for glass claims).

Because rules and offerings change, check your policy or your state Department of Insurance to confirm whether a deductible applies and whether $0-deductible glass is available to you.

Repair vs. Replacement

Insurers generally prefer repair when it’s safe, because it costs less and keeps the factory seal. Replacement is approved when safety or visibility is compromised.

These are the common criteria shops and insurers use to decide if a windshield can be repaired instead of replaced.

• Size and type of damage: Small chips (about a quarter or smaller) and short cracks (often under 6 inches) are usually repairable; longer or spreading cracks typically require replacement.
• Location: Damage in the driver’s direct line of sight or near the windshield edge is more likely to require replacement.
• Number of impacts: Multiple chips in close proximity may push the job to replacement.
• ADAS/camera area: Damage near forward-facing cameras or sensors often leads to replacement to ensure proper system performance.

If replacement is required, your comprehensive deductible (if any) usually applies unless you have a $0-deductible glass provision. Repairs are often covered with no out-of-pocket cost.

ADAS Calibration and Glass Types

Many newer vehicles have Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that use cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield. After replacement, those systems often need static and/or dynamic recalibration to function correctly. Insurers typically cover necessary calibration as part of a covered glass claim when it’s required by the manufacturer or the glass shop.

Insurers may default to high-quality aftermarket glass unless OEM glass is specified by the automaker or your policy, or if there’s no suitable equivalent. You can often request OEM glass and pay the difference if it’s not otherwise covered. Specialty features—acoustic/solar coatings, heads-up display, rain sensors, heating elements, or camera brackets—can affect both availability and cost, and they should be matched correctly to your vehicle’s build.

Claims, Costs, and Premium Impact

Filing a glass claim is straightforward, and many insurers partner with national glass networks to streamline scheduling, mobile service, and billing.

Use the following steps to navigate a windshield claim efficiently.

1. Document the damage: Take clear photos and note when and how it happened.
2. Check your policy: Confirm comprehensive/collision coverage, deductibles, and whether you have a $0 glass endorsement.
3. Contact your insurer or an approved glass network: They can verify coverage and connect you with an in-network shop, or you may choose your own shop.
4. Schedule service: Mobile repair/replacement is common; confirm if ADAS recalibration is needed and where it will be performed.
5. Complete repair/replacement and calibration: Follow any curing-time instructions before driving.
6. Inspect the result: Check for leaks, wind noise, trim fitment, and proper operation of cameras/sensors.
7. Keep receipts and records: Useful for warranties and any follow-up questions from your insurer.

Using in-network shops can simplify billing and warranty coverage, but in most states you retain the right to choose your repair facility.

Windshield costs vary widely based on your vehicle and features. The ranges below can help you estimate whether a claim makes sense relative to your deductible.

• Chip repair: About $0–$150 (often $0 under comprehensive).
• Standard windshield replacement (no ADAS): Roughly $250–$500.
• Windshield with ADAS/camera and recalibration: About $400–$1,500+ depending on make/model and calibration complexity.
• Luxury or specialty glass (HUD, acoustic, heated, solar): $700–$3,000+.

If your deductible is close to the replacement cost, paying out of pocket might be simpler; if you have $0-deductible glass or an at-fault third party, a claim is usually cost-effective.

Glass claims are typically comprehensive and are less likely to raise premiums than at-fault collision claims, but outcomes vary. Consider these factors.

• Frequency: Multiple comprehensive claims in a short time can affect rates or eligibility for loss-free discounts.
• State rules: Some states limit surcharges for not-at-fault or weather-related claims; others do not.
• At-fault vs. not-at-fault: Collision or liability-at-fault determinations matter more for surcharges than comprehensive glass claims.
• Counting claims: Even if filed through a glass vendor, the claim typically appears on your record.

Ask your agent how your carrier treats glass claims and whether a small out-of-pocket repair might preserve discounts if you’ve had recent claims.

Frequently Asked Practical Questions

Can I choose the shop?

In most states you have the right to choose any licensed glass shop. Insurers often recommend in-network partners for streamlined billing and warranties, but steering you away from your choice is restricted or illegal in many jurisdictions.

How long does replacement take?

Replacement typically takes 1–3 hours, plus cure time before driving (often 30–90 minutes, depending on adhesive). ADAS recalibration may add 1–2 hours or require a separate appointment.

Will my inspection sticker, toll tag, or dashcam be handled?

Glass shops usually transfer toll tags and advise on reattaching dashcams after cure time. Inspection/registration stickers follow state rules; some states require new stickers or documentation for reissue.

Do I get a rental car?

Most windshield jobs don’t require a rental because mobile service is common and downtime is short. If you carry rental reimbursement and the vehicle must stay longer for calibration or parts delays, ask your insurer about eligibility.

Summary

Insurance often covers windshield repair or replacement—most commonly under comprehensive coverage—though deductibles and rules vary by state and policy. Some states mandate $0-deductible glass claims, and many insurers waive deductibles for chip repair. If replacement is needed, ADAS recalibration and the correct glass specification are important and usually covered when required. Check your policy, compare costs with your deductible, and choose a reputable shop to ensure safety systems work as designed.

Does GA replace windshields for free?

In Georgia, windshield replacement is not automatically free. However, if you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, it will likely cover the cost of windshield replacement, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage typically applies when the damage is caused by falling objects, vandalism, or animal collisions. If the windshield damage occurs during a car accident, collision coverage may apply instead. 
Here’s a breakdown:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This type of insurance is your best bet for covering windshield replacement in Georgia. It generally covers damage from events like falling debris, vandalism, or animal impacts. 
• Deductible: Even with comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely have to pay your deductible amount out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the rest of the replacement cost. 
• Collision Coverage: If the windshield damage occurs in a car accident, collision coverage might be applicable instead of comprehensive. 
• No-Deductible Options: Some insurance companies offer a glass-specific rider or endorsement that covers windshield replacement with no deductible, or a lower deductible than your comprehensive coverage. 

Does insurance pay for windshield replacement?

Comprehensive coverage typically pays to replace your windshield after you meet your deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file a claim.

Does AZ have free windshield replacement?

No, windshield replacement is not automatically free in Arizona; however, Arizona law requires insurers to offer an optional $0 deductible for glass coverage with a comprehensive policy, which means you can pay nothing out-of-pocket if you choose and purchase this option. Without this specific $0 glass deductible, your standard comprehensive deductible will apply, and you will be responsible for that amount. 
How it works in Arizona:

1. 1. Arizona Law (ARS 20-263): State law mandates that insurance companies must offer comprehensive policyholders the option to waive their deductible for windshield replacement or repair. 
2. 2. Optional $0 Glass Deductible: To have a “free” replacement (meaning no out-of-pocket cost), you must specifically add this $0 deductible option to your comprehensive insurance policy. 
3. 3. Cost of the Option: Adding this $0 deductible option to your policy may increase your premium. 
4. 4. If You Don’t Have the Option: If you don’t have the $0 glass deductible on your policy, your standard comprehensive deductible will apply to any windshield claims. 

What to do: 

• Check Your Policy: Review your current comprehensive auto insurance policy to see if the $0 glass deductible is included.
• Contact Your Insurer: If you don’t see it, ask your insurance provider if they offer this option.
• Evaluate Your Needs: Consider your history of vehicle glass damage and how often you anticipate needing repairs or replacements to decide if the cost of the $0 deductible option is worth it for your situation.

Is it worth filing an insurance claim for a cracked windshield?

Generally speaking, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim for minor auto glass repairs. Since chip and crack repairs usually aren’t expensive and won’t exceed the cost of a deductible (unless yours is $0), pay for those repairs out of pocket.