State Farm covers windshield damage through your auto insurance policy, but the exact coverage depends on which policy type you have and what your deductible is set to

State Farm offers windshield replacement and repair coverage as part of comprehensive insurance, which is optional on most policies. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for a cracked or shattered windshield. State Farm will either repair the damage if it's small enough, or replace the entire windshield if repair isn't possible. You pay your comprehensive deductible — typically $250, $500, or $1,000 depending on what you chose when you bought the policy — and State Farm covers the rest.

The process starts with calling State Farm or filing a claim online through their website or mobile app. You'll need your policy number, a description of the damage, and photos if you're filing online. State Farm will then direct you to one of their approved glass repair shops, or in some cases you can choose your own repair facility. The shop handles the work and bills State Farm directly for their portion.

Key Takeaways

  • Windshield coverage is part of comprehensive insurance, which is optional and costs extra on top of your base policy.
  • You pay your comprehensive deductible (usually $250 to $1,000) and State Farm covers the remaining repair or replacement cost.
  • State Farm has preferred glass shops that can often complete repairs the same day you call, and some shops come to your location.
  • If you use a non-preferred shop, you may pay more out of pocket or wait longer for reimbursement.
  • Some State Farm policies include zero-deductible glass coverage, so check your policy documents to see what you actually have.

What counts as windshield damage under State Farm comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage caused by events outside your control: rocks kicked up by other vehicles, hail, falling tree branches, vandalism, or collisions with animals. It does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, intentional damage, or damage that happened before you bought the policy.

The size and location of the damage matter for repair versus replacement. Small chips or cracks — typically smaller than a dollar bill or in the outer edges of the glass — can often be repaired rather than replaced. Repairs cost less and your deductible may be waived on a repair-only claim at some State Farm locations. Larger cracks, cracks in the driver's line of sight, or damage near the edges usually requires full replacement.

How to file a windshield claim with State Farm

Start by contacting State Farm directly. You can call your local agent, call State Farm's claims line at 1-800-STATE-FM (1-800-782-8336), or file online through your State Farm account. Have your policy number ready. Tell them the date the damage occurred, what caused it, and whether the windshield is still safe to drive on.

State Farm will ask you to choose a repair location. They have a network of preferred glass shops that have agreed to their pricing and quality standards. Using a preferred shop is usually faster and simpler — the shop bills State Farm directly, and you only pay your deductible at the time of service. If you prefer to use a different shop, you can, but you may have to pay the full bill upfront and then submit a receipt to State Farm for reimbursement, which takes longer.

After you choose a shop, call them to schedule an appointment. Many preferred shops can fit you in the same day or next day. Some shops offer mobile service and will come to your home or workplace to do the repair or replacement. The entire process — from claim filing to completed work — usually takes one to three business days.

What you pay out of pocket for windshield work

Your out-of-pocket cost is your comprehensive deductible. If your deductible is $500 and the windshield replacement costs $800, you pay $500 and State Farm pays $300. If the repair costs $200 and your deductible is $500, you still pay $500 (your full deductible), not $200.

Some State Farm policies include zero-deductible glass coverage, which means you pay nothing for windshield repair or replacement. This is more common on newer policies or in states where it's bundled into comprehensive coverage. Check your policy documents or call your agent to confirm whether you have this option. If you don't have it now, you can usually add it for a small monthly premium increase.

If you use a non-preferred repair shop, State Farm will reimburse you based on what they consider reasonable for your area. If the shop charges more than that amount, you'll have to pay the difference yourself. This is why using a preferred shop is usually cheaper and simpler.

Preferred glass shops versus independent repair facilities

State Farm's preferred network includes chains like Safelite AutoGlass, as well as local independent shops. Preferred shops have agreed to State Farm's pricing, so there's no surprise bill. They also typically have glass in stock and can schedule you quickly. When you use a preferred shop, you pay only your deductible at the time of service, and the shop handles all the paperwork with State Farm.

If you choose an independent shop not in State Farm's network, you'll likely pay the full bill upfront and then submit your receipt, photos, and proof of payment to State Farm for reimbursement. State Farm will reimburse you up to what they consider reasonable for your area, which may be less than what you paid. This process takes two to four weeks. You should only do this if you have a specific reason to use that shop — for example, if it's the only one available in your area or if you trust them for other work on your vehicle.

What happens if you don't have comprehensive coverage

If your policy includes only liability and collision coverage, windshield damage is not covered. Liability covers damage you cause to other people's property; collision covers damage to your car from hitting something or being hit. Neither of these covers a rock hitting your windshield.

If you don't have comprehensive coverage and your windshield breaks, you'll pay the full cost of repair or replacement out of pocket. A windshield replacement typically costs $300 to $1,000 depending on your vehicle make and model. You can still use any repair shop you want, but you'll pay the full amount yourself.

If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry comprehensive coverage, so you would have it automatically. If you own your car outright, comprehensive is optional, but adding it is usually worth the cost if you live in an area with frequent hail, heavy traffic, or construction zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a State Farm preferred glass shop?

No, you can use any repair shop you want. However, using a preferred shop is simpler because they bill State Farm directly and you only pay your deductible. If you use a non-preferred shop, you pay the full bill and then wait for State Farm to reimburse you, which takes longer and may not cover the full amount if the shop charged more than State Farm's reasonable rate for your area.

Will my insurance rates go up after a windshield claim?

No. Windshield claims do not typically increase your premiums because the damage was not your fault. State Farm treats glass claims differently from collision or at-fault accident claims. However, if you file multiple claims in a short time, your rates could increase, so check with your agent if you're concerned.

Can I get a zero-deductible glass claim added to my existing policy?

Yes, most State Farm policies allow you to add zero-deductible glass coverage for a small monthly fee, usually $3 to $8 depending on your state and vehicle. Call your agent or log into your State Farm account to see if this option is available and what it costs. Once added, you won't pay anything for windshield repair or replacement.

What if the windshield is damaged again before I pay my deductible from the first claim?

Each claim is separate, so you would pay your deductible again. However, if you have zero-deductible glass coverage, you would pay nothing on either claim. If you're having repeated windshield damage, ask your agent whether your deductible is too high or whether zero-deductible coverage would save you money.

How long does a windshield replacement take?

A repair usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. A full replacement typically takes one to two hours. Many preferred shops can fit you in the same day you call, especially for repairs. If you use mobile service, the shop comes to you, so you don't have to drive anywhere. The entire process from claim filing to completed work usually takes one to three business days.