- Learn when car insurance may help pay for a cracked or broken windshield and how comprehensive and full glass coverage work.
- Compare full glass coverage, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage so it’s easier to understand which one may apply.
- Find out whether it makes sense to file a windshield claim, what out-of-pocket costs to expect and how state inspection rules can differ.
- Get quick answers to common questions about windshield insurance, repairs, replacement and premiums.
Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Windshield damage is common, whether it’s caused by road debris, weather or another covered event. Depending on the coverage you carry, your auto insurance policy may help pay for repairs or replacement.
Key Takeaways
Glass damage is often covered through comprehensive coverage or optional full glass coverage, though deductibles and coverage details can vary.
What is full glass coverage?
Full glass coverage1 is an optional add-on to your auto policy that can help pay for glass repair or replacement without a deductible in some cases. This type of coverage can cover windshield, window, mirror and light replacement, depending on your state. Full glass coverage isn't required, but it can be valuable, especially if you live in an area that sands or salts the roads in the winter, which can cause rocks to be churned up by cars in front of you.
Quick takeaway: Full glass coverage is an optional coverage that can help with windshield and other auto glass damage. In many cases, it offers broader glass protection than comprehensive coverage alone.
When does insurance cover windshield replacement?
Depending on the coverage you carry on your auto policy, windshield replacement may be covered. Let’s say you’re driving along, and a rock flies up and cracks your windshield and a replacement is needed. There are three types of auto glass coverage that can help you cover your car glass repair.
Comprehensive coverage, or “other than collision,” is a type of auto insurance coverage that includes glass coverage. Any deductible you have for this coverage will apply. With comprehensive coverage through Amica, if a glass repair is needed, such as filling a chip, your deductible might be able to be waived.
Full glass coverage, often added to the auto policy as an endorsement, can also cover a windshield replacement in this instance, and you may not need to pay a deductible.
Comparing the two, full glass coverage often provides more coverage than comprehensive coverage since there’s typically no deductible. Both types of coverage may apply to other windows on your car, not just the front windshield.
Collision coverage can also cover windshield replacement, but only when the damage happens as part of a covered crash. So, in the example described above, collision coverage likely wouldn’t apply.
| Coverage type | When it may help | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Full glass coverage | A rock cracks your windshield or another covered piece of car glass is damaged | Often has no deductible, but availability and details vary by state |
| Comprehensive coverage | Windshield damage from road debris, hail, vandalism or other non-collision events | A deductible may apply for replacement, though some repairs may be covered without one |
| Collision coverage | Windshield damage caused by a covered accident | Applies only when the glass damage is part of a collision loss |
Does insurance cover cracked or chipped windshields?
In many cases, yes. If you carry comprehensive and/or full glass coverage, your policy may help cover a cracked or chipped windshield. If you don’t have full glass coverage, this could be covered under comprehensive coverage, after you pay the deductible. If you do have a full glass coverage endorsement, you may not need to pay a deductible. The exact circumstances on how much insurance would cover your car glass repair depends on which coverage(s) you carry and the extent of the damage.
How much does it cost to replace a windshield with and without insurance?
Small holes and cracks can often be filled with heated resin. If you’re not insured for glass damage, these car glass repairs can cost around $100 for standard vehicles. If the damage is considered too large to repair, full windshield replacement could cost closer to $400 – and up to $1,000 or more, depending upon the vehicle. Replacement cost only increases as new integrated technology develops, from features like rain-sensing to night vision to heating systems.
Whether you should use insurance to replace a windshield often comes down to the size of the repair bill and your deductible. If the replacement cost is close to or below your deductible, filing a claim may not provide much financial benefit.
Quick decision guide:
Repair cost below your deductible? → Pay out of pocket
Repair cost well above your deductible? → File a claim
Have full glass coverage with no deductible? → Use your insurance
Does filing a windshield claim affect my insurance premium?
Whether or not a glass claim will impact your premium depends on your state and the amount the insurer pays out on the claim. Some states allow for glass claims to impact your premium over a certain dollar amount, and others don’t. If your insurance company offers a claim-free discount, a glass claim might not disqualify you from the discount.
Make sure you have the coverage you need
It’s a good idea to review your auto policy in advance of any future claim. Glass damage usually falls under comprehensive coverage, which is optional unless your vehicle is leased or financed and it’s required by the lender. If you have it, clarify whether the coverage applies to all of the car’s windows, just the windshield, or lights and mirrors too. Also establish whether you have a deductible as it may factor into your decision to file a claim or not.
If you’re reviewing your policy, it may also help to compare comprehensive vs. collision coverage, learn how to file an auto insurance claim and see whether car insurance covers flood damage. For broader protection, you can also explore Amica auto insurance.
Get an auto insurance quote today
FAQs about windshield insurance
It depends on the cost of the replacement, your deductible and whether you have full glass coverage. If your deductible is close to the repair cost, paying out of pocket may make more sense.
People often use the term “windshield insurance” informally, but coverage is usually provided through comprehensive coverage or a full glass coverage endorsement.
Not always. Depending on your state and policy, full glass coverage may also apply to side windows, rear windows, mirrors or lights.
Document the damage, review your policy and contact your insurer if you think coverage may apply. Acting quickly can help prevent a small chip from spreading into a larger crack.
Each state has different requirements as to what windshield defects will and won’t be allowed to pass inspection. Some states allow for minor chips and cracks as long as they aren’t within the driver’s view. Other states don’t allow any defects in the windshield at all. For an accurate answer in your state, you’ll want to check with your department of motor vehicles (DMV).
Coverage may vary by state and policy.
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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