AAA covers windshield damage through its glass coverage add-on, but only if you have purchased it as part of your membership plan

AAA does not automatically cover windshield replacement or repair. The organization offers glass coverage as an optional add-on to certain membership tiers, and whether you have it depends on what you paid for when you joined or last renewed. If you have AAA Plus or AAA Premier membership, glass coverage may already be included, but you need to check your membership card or log into your account to confirm.

The coverage itself works differently than a standard insurance claim. When you have AAA glass coverage and experience windshield damage, you contact AAA roadside information, and they dispatch a preferred glass repair shop to your location. You typically pay a deductible (usually between $0 and $100, depending on your plan), and AAA covers the rest of the repair or replacement cost up to your plan's limit.

If you do not have glass coverage through AAA, you can still use your auto insurance's comprehensive coverage if you have it, or you can pay out of pocket at any glass repair shop. Some auto insurers offer glass coverage with no deductible, which may be a better deal than AAA's add-on.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA glass coverage is an optional add-on that is not included in basic membership; you must have purchased it separately or have AAA Plus or Premier membership to use it.
  • When you file a claim, AAA sends you to one of their preferred glass shops and you pay a deductible while AAA covers the remaining repair or replacement cost.
  • Your auto insurance's comprehensive coverage may offer glass repair with no deductible, which could save you money compared to AAA's deductible.
  • If you do not have AAA glass coverage or auto insurance glass coverage, you can contact any local glass repair shop and pay the full cost yourself.

How AAA glass coverage works when you file a claim

If you have AAA glass coverage and your windshield is damaged, call AAA roadside information at the number on your membership card. Tell them you need glass repair or replacement. AAA will ask for your location, vehicle information, and the type of damage (chip, crack, or full replacement).

AAA then dispatches one of their network glass shops to come to you. The shop will assess the damage and determine whether it can be repaired or needs full replacement. You pay your deductible at that time, and the shop bills AAA for the remainder. The entire process usually takes one to two hours for a repair, or up to a few hours for a full windshield replacement.

The coverage limit varies by plan. Some AAA plans cover up to $500 for glass repair or replacement, while others may cover more. Check your membership documents or call AAA directly to learn your specific limit and deductible amount.

AAA membership tiers and what they include

AAA offers three main membership levels: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Classic membership is the basic tier and does not include glass coverage. AAA Plus and Premier memberships may include glass coverage, but this varies by region and by when you joined.

The best way to know whether you have glass coverage is to check your membership card (it will list your coverage) or log into your AAA account online. You can also call your local AAA club directly and ask them to review your membership benefits. If you have Plus or Premier membership but glass coverage is not listed, you can usually add it for a small annual fee.

Costs for adding glass coverage to an existing membership typically range from $20 to $50 per year, depending on your region and membership tier. This is much less than a single windshield replacement, which can cost $200 to $500 or more.

Comparing AAA glass coverage to auto insurance comprehensive coverage

Most auto insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage, which covers windshield damage caused by weather, vandalism, or collision with an object (but not collision with another vehicle). Many insurers now offer glass coverage with a $0 deductible, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.

If your auto insurance offers $0 deductible glass coverage, that is usually a better deal than AAA's add-on, which typically charges $50 to $100 per claim. However, using your insurance glass coverage may cause your rates to increase at renewal, while AAA coverage does not affect your insurance rates.

Some people carry both AAA glass coverage and auto insurance glass coverage. This allows them to choose which to use based on the situation. For example, if your deductible through insurance is $0 but you worry about rate increases, you might use AAA instead. If your insurance deductible is high, you might use AAA to avoid paying it.

What types of windshield damage AAA glass coverage includes

AAA glass coverage typically covers damage from weather (hail, ice), road debris, vandalism, and accidents. This includes chips, cracks, and full windshield replacement. The coverage applies to the front windshield, rear window, and side windows.

Damage caused by a collision with another vehicle may or may not be covered under glass coverage, depending on your plan. Some plans treat collision damage as a collision claim rather than a glass claim, which means a different deductible may explore. Ask AAA whether your specific damage is covered under glass or collision before you file.

Damage that results from normal wear and tear, such as a crack that develops slowly over time, is typically not covered. The damage must be sudden and caused by an external event.

Steps to take if you have windshield damage and AAA coverage

First, check your membership card or account to confirm you have glass coverage and note your deductible amount. If you are unsure, call AAA before you proceed.

Once you have confirmed coverage, call AAA roadside information using the number on your card. Provide your membership number, vehicle details, and a description of the damage. AAA will tell you whether they can send someone to you or whether you need to go to a shop location.

If AAA sends someone to you, stay with your vehicle and have your membership card ready. The technician will assess the damage and complete the repair or replacement. You will pay your deductible at that time. If you are sent to a shop, AAA will give you the address and hours.

Keep your receipt and any documentation from the repair. If you also have auto insurance, you may want to report the claim to your insurer as well, depending on your coverage and deductible situation.

What to do if you do not have AAA glass coverage

If you do not have AAA glass coverage, you have two main options: use your auto insurance if it includes glass coverage, or pay out of pocket at a local glass repair shop.

To use your auto insurance, call your insurance company and ask whether comprehensive coverage includes glass repair. If it does, ask about your deductible and whether filing a claim will affect your rates. Many insurers now waive the deductible for glass claims, so it may cost you nothing.

If you do not have auto insurance glass coverage or prefer to pay out of pocket, search for local windshield repair shops in your area. Get quotes from at least two or three shops before deciding. Prices vary widely based on your vehicle model, the type of glass, and whether it is a repair or replacement. A repair typically costs $50 to $150, while a full replacement can range from $200 to $500 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA glass coverage if I do not have a car insurance policy?

Yes. AAA glass coverage is independent of auto insurance. You can use it even if you do not have an insurance policy at all. You will still pay your AAA deductible, but AAA will cover the rest of the repair or replacement cost.

Does using AAA glass coverage affect my auto insurance rates?

No. AAA glass coverage claims do not report to your auto insurance company and do not affect your insurance rates. This is one advantage of using AAA over your insurance's glass coverage, which may cause your rates to increase at renewal.

How long does it take to get a windshield repaired through AAA?

AAA typically dispatches a glass shop to your location within a few hours of your call. A repair usually takes one to two hours, while a full replacement may take two to four hours. The exact time depends on your location and how busy the shop is.

What if the glass shop AAA sends me to is not convenient?

You can ask AAA for a different shop location in your area. AAA has a network of preferred shops, and you can usually choose which one you prefer. If you go to a non-network shop, you may have to pay more out of pocket, so confirm with AAA first.

Can I add glass coverage to my AAA membership if I do not have it?

Yes. You can add glass coverage to most AAA membership tiers for an annual fee, typically between $20 and $50 depending on your region. Contact your local AAA club or log into your account online to add it.