Allstate covers windshield replacement through your comprehensive coverage, but only if you have that coverage on your policy

Allstate does not automatically cover windshield replacement on every policy. Whether your windshield is covered depends on whether you purchased comprehensive coverage (also called "other than collision" coverage) as part of your auto insurance. If you have comprehensive coverage, Allstate will pay for windshield damage from most causes — rocks, hail, vandalism, weather — except collision with another vehicle or object.

The amount Allstate pays depends on your deductible. Most Allstate customers choose a $500 or $1,000 deductible for comprehensive coverage. When you file a windshield claim, you pay that deductible out of pocket, and Allstate covers the rest. Some Allstate policies offer a lower deductible — sometimes $0 or $100 — specifically for glass claims, which means you might pay little or nothing for windshield replacement.

If you do not have comprehensive coverage on your policy, Allstate will not pay for windshield replacement under any circumstances, even if the damage was not your fault. You would pay the full cost yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windshield coverage through Allstate requires comprehensive coverage on your policy; it is not included in liability-only or collision-only plans.
  • Your deductible for a glass claim is typically $500 or $1,000, though some Allstate policies offer $0 or $100 deductibles for glass specifically.
  • Comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage from rocks, hail, weather, and vandalism, but not from collision with another vehicle.
  • If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay the full windshield replacement cost yourself, regardless of fault.

What comprehensive coverage actually covers

Comprehensive coverage is the part of your Allstate policy that pays for damage to your car from causes other than collision. For windshields, this includes damage from rocks kicked up by other vehicles on the highway, hail storms, falling tree branches, vandalism, and theft. It also covers damage from weather events like high winds or flooding, as long as the windshield itself is damaged.

Comprehensive coverage does not cover windshield damage that results from a collision — that is, hitting another vehicle or object head-on, or being hit by another vehicle. If your windshield breaks because you hit a guardrail or another car hits you, that claim falls under collision coverage, which is a separate part of your policy with its own deductible.

The distinction matters because collision deductibles are often higher than comprehensive deductibles. If you have a $1,000 collision deductible and a $500 comprehensive deductible, and a rock hits your windshield, you pay $500. If you hit a pole and the windshield breaks, you pay $1,000.

How to find out what deductible you have for glass

Your Allstate policy documents spell out your deductible for comprehensive coverage, including glass. You can find this information in your policy declaration page, which lists all your coverage types and their deductibles. Log into your Allstate account online or through the Allstate mobile app to view your current policy, or call your Allstate agent directly.

Some Allstate customers have a separate, lower deductible for glass claims only. This is sometimes called a "glass deductible" or "glass waiver." If your policy includes this option, it will be listed separately from your standard comprehensive deductible. For example, you might have a $1,000 comprehensive deductible but a $100 glass deductible, meaning you pay only $100 when you file a windshield claim.

If you are unsure whether you have comprehensive coverage at all, your policy declaration page will show it. If comprehensive coverage does not appear on your declarations, you do not have it, and Allstate will not cover windshield damage.

The difference between OEM and aftermarket glass

When Allstate approves a windshield replacement claim, the company typically uses an approved glass repair shop. That shop will install either OEM glass (original equipment manufacturer — the same glass that came with your car when it was new) or aftermarket glass (a third-party replacement that meets safety standards but is not made by your car's manufacturer).

Allstate generally covers the cost of aftermarket glass, which is less expensive than OEM glass. If you prefer OEM glass, you may have to pay the difference between what Allstate covers and the actual OEM cost out of your own pocket. Some Allstate policies or riders allow you to request OEM glass at no extra cost, but this is not standard and depends on your specific policy.

When you file a claim, ask your Allstate adjuster or the glass shop whether OEM glass is available under your coverage. If it is not, you can still choose OEM glass and pay the difference yourself.

Filing a windshield claim with Allstate

To file a windshield claim with Allstate, contact your agent or call Allstate's claims line. You can also file a claim through the Allstate mobile app or website. Have your policy number and a description of what happened ready. Allstate will ask whether the damage is from a collision or another cause, because that determines which deductible applies.

After you report the claim, Allstate will direct you to one of its approved glass repair shops, or you can choose your own shop (though Allstate may not cover the full cost if you use an out-of-network provider). The shop will schedule an appointment, and you will pay your deductible at the time of service. Allstate pays the shop directly for the rest.

Some windshield damage can be repaired rather than replaced. If the damage is a small chip or crack, the glass shop may be able to fill it with resin, which is faster and cheaper than replacement. Allstate covers repairs the same way it covers replacement — you pay your deductible, and Allstate covers the rest.

What happens if you do not have comprehensive coverage

If your Allstate policy includes only liability coverage and collision coverage, you do not have comprehensive coverage, and windshield damage is not covered. You would pay the full cost of windshield replacement yourself, which typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on your vehicle and the type of glass.

You can add comprehensive coverage to your policy at any time, but it will not cover damage that has already occurred. If you want to add comprehensive coverage now, contact your Allstate agent. The cost depends on your car's value, your location, and your chosen deductible.

Some people choose to skip comprehensive coverage to lower their monthly premium, especially if they own an older car with low value. But this means paying out of pocket for any windshield damage, hail damage, theft, or weather damage. Weigh the savings against the risk before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Allstate cover windshield replacement if I was hit by another car?

If another vehicle hit you and damaged your windshield, the claim falls under collision coverage, not comprehensive coverage. You would pay your collision deductible (usually $500 or $1,000) rather than your comprehensive deductible. If the other driver was at fault, you can file a claim against their insurance instead, though that process takes longer.

Can I use any glass shop, or does it have to be Allstate's approved shop?

You can use any shop you choose, but Allstate typically covers the full cost only if you use one of its approved vendors. If you use an out-of-network shop, Allstate may pay less than the actual bill, and you would cover the difference. Ask Allstate for a list of approved shops in your area before scheduling.

What if my windshield has a small chip — does Allstate cover repair?

Yes, Allstate covers windshield repair the same way it covers replacement — you pay your comprehensive deductible, and Allstate covers the rest. Repair is often faster and cheaper than replacement, so the glass shop may recommend repair if the damage is small enough.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a windshield claim?

Most insurance companies, including Allstate, do not raise rates for comprehensive claims like windshield damage. However, your rates can still increase if you have multiple claims in a short time or if you file a collision claim. Ask your Allstate agent whether filing a windshield claim will affect your rates.

Can I add a lower glass deductible to my existing Allstate policy?

Yes, you can contact your Allstate agent and ask about adding a glass-specific deductible or lowering your comprehensive deductible. This will increase your monthly premium, but it reduces what you pay out of pocket when you file a glass claim. Get a quote for the premium increase before deciding.