What your insurance covers depends on your policy type and deductible
Whether insurance covers windshield replacement depends on what type of coverage you have. If you carry comprehensive coverage, your policy typically covers glass damage from things you cannot control — rocks on the highway, hail, vandalism, or collisions. If you only have liability coverage, windshield damage is not covered. The amount you pay out of pocket depends on your deductible, which can range from $0 to $1,000 depending on what you chose when you bought the policy.
Most people discover their coverage status only after damage happens. Before you call a glass shop, check your insurance documents or call your insurer to confirm what you have. This takes five minutes and tells you exactly what you will owe.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive coverage covers windshield damage; liability-only policies do not cover glass at all.
- Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket — the insurance pays the rest up to your policy limit.
- Many insurers waive the deductible for glass-only claims, so ask before you assume you owe the full amount.
- Some states require insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage, while others do not.
- Filing a claim usually does not raise your rates, because glass claims are not considered at-fault incidents.
How to check what your policy covers right now
Open your insurance policy documents or log into your insurer's website and look for the section labeled "Coverage" or "Declarations Page." Find the line that says "Comprehensive" and check whether it shows a dollar amount or says "Not Included." If comprehensive is listed with a number, you have coverage. If it says "Not Included" or does not appear, you do not.
Next to comprehensive coverage, you will see a deductible amount — this is what you pay when you file a claim. Common deductibles are $250, $500, or $1,000. If your deductible is $500 and the windshield replacement costs $800, you pay $500 and insurance pays $300. If the replacement costs $400, you pay the full $400 because it is less than your deductible.
If you cannot find your policy documents, call your insurance company's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask: "Do I have comprehensive coverage, and what is my glass deductible?" They will tell you in one minute.
Why some insurers waive the deductible for glass claims
Many insurance companies offer zero-deductible glass coverage as an add-on or as a standard benefit. This means you pay nothing out of pocket for windshield replacement — the insurer covers the full cost. Some insurers include this automatically; others charge a small monthly fee (usually $1 to $3) to add it.
Even if your policy does not mention zero-deductible glass, call your insurer and ask whether it is available. Some companies offer it only if you ask. If you do not have it now, you may be able to add it to your next renewal without waiting.
A few states — including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina — require insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage, though you still have to choose it. Check your state's insurance department website if you want to know whether your state has this requirement.
What happens when you file a glass claim
Call your insurance company and tell them you have windshield damage. They will ask for your policy number, the date the damage happened, and how it occurred (rock on highway, hail, vandalism, and so on). They will then either direct you to a preferred glass shop or tell you that you can use any shop you choose.
Many insurers have partnerships with glass repair companies like Safelite, Belron, or local shops. If you use a preferred shop, the insurer often handles payment directly and you pay only your deductible at the time of service. If you use a non-preferred shop, you may have to pay the full bill upfront and submit a receipt to your insurer for reimbursement.
The repair or replacement usually happens within a few days. Most windshield replacements take one to two hours. You will need to leave your car with the shop or stay nearby while they work.
Whether a glass claim affects your insurance rates
Glass claims typically do not raise your insurance rates because they are not considered at-fault incidents. You did not cause the damage through negligence or a collision you caused. Insurance companies treat glass claims as acts of nature or random events, similar to hail or theft.
However, rates vary by insurer and state. Some companies may not raise rates for one glass claim but might after multiple claims in a short period. The best way to know is to ask your insurer directly: "If I file a glass claim, will my rates go up?" They can tell you whether your specific policy would be affected.
What to do if you do not have comprehensive coverage
If your policy shows no comprehensive coverage, your insurance will not pay for windshield replacement. You have two options: pay for the replacement yourself, or add comprehensive coverage to your policy going forward.
Adding comprehensive coverage now will not cover damage that already happened, but it will protect you from future claims. Call your insurer and ask to add comprehensive coverage. They will quote you a monthly cost (usually $15 to $30 depending on your car and location) and you can choose your deductible. The coverage typically starts the next day or within a few days.
If you are financing or leasing your car, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry comprehensive coverage. Check your loan or lease agreement to see whether it is mandatory.
Repair versus replacement and what insurance covers
Insurance covers both windshield repair (filling a small chip or crack) and full replacement. A repair is cheaper and faster — usually $50 to $150 and done in 30 minutes — but only works for damage smaller than a dollar bill or in the driver's line of sight. Larger cracks or damage in the critical viewing area requires replacement, which costs $200 to $1,000 depending on your car.
Your insurer will not let you choose repair over replacement if the damage is too large to repair safely. The glass shop will assess the damage and recommend repair or replacement. If insurance covers it, you pay only your deductible regardless of which option is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any glass shop, or do I have to use the one my insurance recommends?
You can usually choose any shop, but using your insurer's preferred shop is simpler because they handle payment directly. If you use a non-preferred shop, you may pay upfront and submit the receipt for reimbursement. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm whether you have a choice.
What if my windshield was damaged in a car accident I caused?
Comprehensive coverage still covers glass damage from accidents you caused. However, if you file a claim for the accident itself (collision coverage), the glass damage falls under that claim and uses your collision deductible, which is often higher than your glass deductible. Ask your insurer whether to file it as a separate glass claim instead.
Do I have to report the damage to my insurance company, or can I just pay for it myself?
You do not have to report it. If you want to pay out of pocket, you can. But if you have comprehensive coverage with a low or zero deductible, filing a claim costs you less and does not raise your rates. It is worth the phone call to compare.
Will my rates go up if I file a windshield claim?
Most insurers do not raise rates for glass claims because they are not at-fault incidents. However, some companies may increase rates after multiple claims in a short time. Call your insurer and ask whether your specific policy would be affected before you file.
Can I add comprehensive coverage after my windshield is already damaged?
No. Insurance does not cover damage that happened before the coverage started. You can add comprehensive coverage now to protect against future damage, but it will not pay for existing windshield damage. The new coverage typically starts within a few days of your request.