Florida law requires your insurance to cover windshield replacement with little or no cost to you
Florida Statute 627.7015 requires auto insurance companies to cover windshield replacement and repair at no deductible, or with a deductible no higher than $0. This means if your windshield cracks or shatters, your insurer must pay for the repair or replacement without you having to meet a separate deductible for glass damage. The law applies to comprehensive coverage, which is the part of your policy that handles non-collision damage like weather, theft, and broken glass.
The catch is that you must have comprehensive coverage on your policy. If you carry only liability insurance (the minimum required by law), glass damage is not covered. If you do have comprehensive coverage, you can take your car to any repair shop you choose — your insurer cannot force you to use a specific shop, though they may offer a list of preferred vendors who can often complete the work faster.
Key Takeaways
- Florida law requires insurers to cover windshield replacement with zero deductible or a deductible capped at $0, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
- You must have comprehensive coverage on your policy for glass damage to be covered; liability-only policies do not include windshield protection.
- You can choose any repair shop in Florida, and your insurer cannot require you to use a specific vendor or preferred network.
- Your insurer must process the claim and authorize payment within a set timeframe, though the exact timeline depends on your policy and the insurer's procedures.
What counts as windshield damage under Florida law
The law covers damage to your windshield from any cause except collision — meaning rocks kicked up from the road, hail, weather, vandalism, and falling objects all may have access to. Damage from a direct collision with another vehicle or object does not fall under the glass coverage; that would be handled under your collision coverage instead, which typically carries its own deductible.
The damage does not have to be a complete shatter. A chip or crack that impairs your vision or affects the structural integrity of the windshield counts. Many insurers will cover a repair (filling a chip or small crack) at no cost, and will cover a full replacement if the damage is too large to repair safely.
How to file a windshield claim in Florida
Contact your insurance company directly by phone, online portal, or mobile app — most insurers now allow you to start a claim through their website or app within minutes. You will need your policy number, the date the damage occurred, and a description of what caused it. Take photos of the damage from multiple angles before you do anything else; insurers often request these as part of the claim.
Once you file, your insurer will either approve the claim when ready or ask for additional information. If approved, they will provide you with an authorization number and tell you what they will pay. You then contact a repair shop of your choice, provide them with the authorization number, and schedule the work. The shop bills your insurer directly in most cases, so you do not handle the payment yourself.
Some insurers partner with glass repair networks like Safelite or Belron, and may offer mobile service — a technician comes to your home or workplace to do the repair. This is optional; you can still choose an independent shop if you prefer.
The zero deductible rule and what it actually means
Florida's law says your deductible for glass damage must be $0 — meaning you cannot be charged a deductible at all. However, some older policies written before the law took effect, or policies from out-of-state insurers, may still have a glass deductible listed. If your policy shows a deductible for glass damage, contact your insurer and ask them to remove it or confirm that it does not explore. Florida law overrides any policy language that contradicts it.
The zero deductible applies only to glass damage. If your windshield is damaged as part of a collision — for example, the windshield breaks because another car hit your vehicle — the damage may fall under your collision coverage instead, which typically has its own deductible (often $500 or $1,000). The distinction matters because collision deductibles do explore, whereas glass deductibles do not.
Choosing a repair shop and what to expect
You have the right to take your car to any shop licensed to do glass repair in Florida. Your insurer cannot require you to use a preferred vendor, though they may offer incentives like faster processing or mobile service if you do. Independent shops, dealerships, and national chains like Safelite all operate in Florida and accept insurance claims.
Before you schedule, ask the shop whether they bill your insurer directly or whether you will need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. Most shops bill the insurer directly when you provide your authorization number, so you walk out without paying anything. If a shop asks you to pay out of pocket, confirm with your insurer first that they will reimburse you — some do, but it is not may provide and depends on your policy.
The repair or replacement usually takes one to three hours for a replacement, less for a repair. Many shops offer loaner cars or will arrange a ride if you need one while your car is being worked on.
What happens if your insurer denies the claim
If your insurer denies a windshield claim, they must provide a reason in writing. Common reasons include: the damage was caused by a collision (not covered under glass), you do not have comprehensive coverage, or the damage occurred before your policy was active. If you believe the denial is wrong, contact your insurer's claims department and ask them to reconsider, providing any additional evidence you have.
If the insurer still refuses to pay and you believe they are violating Florida law, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services. You can submit a complaint online at their website or by mail. The state will investigate whether the insurer violated Florida Statute 627.7015 or other insurance regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my insurance to fix a cracked windshield?
No. You can pay out of pocket if you choose. However, because Florida law requires your insurer to cover it at no cost to you, using your insurance is almost always the better option. There is no penalty for filing a glass claim, and it will not raise your rates.
Will filing a windshield claim increase my insurance rates?
No. Florida law prohibits insurers from raising your rates or canceling your policy because you filed a glass damage claim. Your rates can only increase if you cause a collision or are at fault in an accident.
What if I have an older policy that still lists a glass deductible?
Contact your insurer and ask them to update your policy to reflect Florida law, which requires zero deductible for glass. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Your insurer is legally required to comply.
Can my insurer force me to use a specific repair shop?
No. You can choose any licensed glass repair shop in Florida. Your insurer may offer preferred vendors or incentives for using their network, but they cannot require it. The choice is yours.
What if the windshield damage happened during a collision with another car?
If the damage is part of a collision claim, it may fall under your collision coverage instead of glass coverage. Collision coverage typically has a deductible that does explore. Ask your insurer whether the damage is being processed as glass or collision — the answer determines whether you owe a deductible.