State Farm covers windshield replacement only if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy
State Farm does not automatically cover windshield damage. Whether your windshield replacement is covered depends entirely on what type of coverage you chose when you bought your policy. If you have comprehensive coverage — the part of your insurance that pays for damage not caused by a collision, like weather, theft, or vandalism — then windshield replacement is typically covered. If you only have liability and collision coverage, windshield damage is not covered.
The amount you pay out of pocket depends on your deductible. Most State Farm comprehensive policies have a standard deductible of $500 or $1,000, though you may have chosen a different amount. Some State Farm policies also offer a separate, lower deductible specifically for glass damage — often $0 or $100 — which means you could pay less for windshield work than you would for other comprehensive claims.
The best way to know what you have is to look at your actual policy documents or call State Farm directly. Your agent or a customer service representative can tell you in minutes whether comprehensive coverage is active on your account and what your glass deductible is.
Key Takeaways
- Windshield replacement is covered under State Farm comprehensive coverage, not under liability or collision coverage alone.
- You will pay your comprehensive deductible — typically $500 or $1,000 — unless your policy has a separate, lower glass deductible.
- Some State Farm policies offer a $0 or $100 glass deductible, which is cheaper than your standard deductible for windshield work.
- You can check your coverage by reviewing your policy documents or calling State Farm to confirm what type of coverage you have.
How to check what coverage you have on your State Farm policy
Your State Farm policy documents list exactly what coverage you have. If you have your policy paperwork, look for the page labeled "Declarations" or "Coverage Summary." This page shows each type of coverage and the deductible amount next to it. You will see lines for liability, collision, comprehensive, and any optional coverages. If comprehensive is listed with a dollar amount as the deductible, you have it. If that line is blank or says "not included," you do not have comprehensive coverage.
If you do not have your paperwork handy, log into your State Farm account online or through the State Farm mobile app. Your policy page will show your active coverages and deductibles. You can also call State Farm at 1-800-STATE-FM (1-800-782-8336) and ask an agent to confirm your coverage over the phone. Have your policy number ready, and the agent can tell you in under a minute whether comprehensive is active and what your glass deductible is.
What State Farm covers under comprehensive glass coverage
State Farm comprehensive coverage pays for windshield replacement when the damage is caused by something other than a collision — a rock hitting your windshield on the highway, hail, a tree branch falling on your car, or vandalism. The coverage also applies to other glass on your vehicle: rear window, side windows, and sunroof glass.
State Farm will typically pay to replace the entire windshield with a new one that meets the original manufacturer's specifications. If the damage is repairable rather than requiring full replacement — a small chip or crack that has not spread — some insurers cover repair instead, which costs less. State Farm will assess whether repair or replacement is appropriate when you file a claim.
The coverage does not explore to damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. If you hit something and your windshield breaks, that would fall under collision coverage instead, and you would pay your collision deductible, not your comprehensive deductible.
What happens if you do not have comprehensive coverage
If your policy shows no comprehensive coverage, State Farm will not pay for windshield replacement. You would pay the full cost out of pocket. Windshield replacement typically costs between $200 and $500 depending on your vehicle and whether you choose an original manufacturer's part or an aftermarket replacement.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage and want to add it, you can contact State Farm to modify your policy. You can add comprehensive coverage at any time, though it usually takes effect on the date you request it, not retroactively. If your windshield is already damaged, adding comprehensive coverage after the damage occurs will not cover that existing damage — the new coverage would only explore to future claims.
Understanding your deductible and what you will pay
Your deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim before State Farm pays the rest. If your comprehensive deductible is $500 and windshield replacement costs $350, you pay the full $350 because it is less than your deductible. If replacement costs $600, you pay $500 and State Farm pays $100.
Many State Farm policies offer a separate glass deductible that is lower than your standard comprehensive deductible — sometimes $0, $50, or $100. If your policy has this option and you chose it, you would use that lower amount for windshield claims instead of your standard deductible. Check your policy documents to see if you have a separate glass deductible listed.
Some people choose a higher deductible (like $1,000) to lower their monthly premium, while others choose a lower deductible ($250 or $500) to pay less when a claim happens. The deductible you have is the one you selected when you bought or last modified your policy.
How to file a windshield claim with State Farm
To file a claim, contact State Farm through any of these channels: call 1-800-STATE-FM, use the State Farm mobile app, or go to statefarm.com and start a claim online. You will need your policy number and details about when and where the damage occurred. Have photos of the damage ready if you can take them safely.
State Farm will assign a claims adjuster or direct you to a repair shop in their network. Many State Farm policies include access to preferred glass repair shops where you may pay less out of pocket or have your deductible waived entirely — this varies by location and policy. Ask the claims representative whether your policy includes this benefit.
After you file, State Farm typically contacts you within one business day to discuss next steps. The repair or replacement usually happens within a few days. You will pay your deductible at the time of service, and State Farm will pay the rest directly to the repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my windshield replaced without filing a claim?
Yes. You can pay out of pocket at any glass repair shop and not involve your insurance. This makes sense if the repair cost is less than or close to your deductible — you would pay the same amount either way, but filing a claim uses up your claim history. Some people prefer to avoid claims to keep their insurance record clean.
Does State Farm waive the deductible for windshield claims?
Not automatically, but some State Farm policies and some states have programs where the deductible is waived for glass claims. Ask your agent or the claims representative when you file whether your policy qualifies. This benefit varies by location and the specific policy you have.
What if I have a crack in my windshield but it is not broken all the way through?
State Farm will assess whether the damage can be repaired or requires replacement. A small chip or crack that has not spread across the windshield can often be repaired for less cost than replacement. The repair is still covered under comprehensive if you have it, and you would pay your deductible the same way.
If I add comprehensive coverage now, will it cover my existing windshield damage?
No. Insurance coverage only applies to damage that occurs after the coverage becomes active. If your windshield is already damaged, adding comprehensive coverage will not cover that damage. The new coverage would protect you against future windshield damage.
Do I have to use a State Farm repair shop?
No. You can take your car to any glass repair shop you choose. State Farm will still cover the claim under your comprehensive coverage. However, using a shop in State Farm's preferred network may result in a lower out-of-pocket cost or a waived deductible, so it is worth asking whether your policy includes this benefit before you choose a shop.