Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

While driving, your car may get hit by a rock, street debris, or even by ice shards during a hailstorm. All these objects pose a substantial risk to your car’s windshield. Even a single hit can lead to a major crack, or it may even break your car’s windshield. 

Apart from random objects, your car’s windshield can crack and even break if you collide with another vehicle. Regardless of how the damage has occurred, the main question is, does car insurance cover windshield replacement?  

Yes, car insurance does cover both windshield repair and replacement, but you need the right coverage based on the situation and how the damage occurred.

If you’re dealing with a cracked windshield, this guide will help you understand: 

• When car insurance covers windshield damage 
• What types of coverage apply 
• When windshield replacement isn’t covered 
• The cost of repair vs replacement 
• Whether you need to pay a deductible 
• If filing a claim will affect your premiums 
• How to file a windshield damage claim step by step

When Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

In most cases, car insurance will cover windshield damage if you have comprehensive coverage. This applies whether your windshield needs a minor repair or a full replacement.  If the damage is caused by an unexpected event outside your control, such as a flying rock, vandalism, severe weather, or a collision, your insurance policy will typically cover the cost.

Here are some of the most common situations where car insurance covers windshield damage as follows. 

• Road debris or rocks hitting your windshield while driving 
• Hailstorms cause cracks or shatter the glass 
• Falling objects like tree branches or construction debris 
• Vandalism, such as intentional damage or breakage 
• Animal collisions where impact damages the windshield

What Type of Car Insurance Covers Windshield Damage and Replacement?

If you’re relying on insurance to repair or replace your windshield, it’s important to understand which types of car insurance coverage actually apply. Not all car insurance policies cover windshield damage, and coverage depends on how the damage occurred. 

While comprehensive coverage covers windshield damage in most cases, there are situations when you may need collision coverage, and specialized endorsements like a full glass replacement add-on in your auto insurance policy to cover windshield repair or replacement.  

Let’s explore how each of these coverages apply for windshield damage as follows.

Comprehensive Coverage   

Comprehensive coverage is the primary type of car insurance that covers windshield damage and replacement. It applies when your windshield is damaged by events outside your control, rather than a collision with another vehicle. 

For example, if your windshield is cracked by a flying rock, damaged during a hailstorm, or broken due to vandalism, comprehensive coverage will typically pay for the repair or replacement. 

Generally, insurers prefer to repair small chips or cracks instead of replacing the entire windshield, as repairs are quicker and more cost-effective. However, if the damage is severe or affects your visibility, your insurer will usually approve a full windshield replacement. 

You may still need to pay a deductible before your coverage applies, unless you have full glass coverage included in your policy.

Full Glass Coverage

Full glass coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that specifically covers your car’s windshield and other glass damage. Unlike comprehensive coverage, it can cover the full cost of repair or replacement without requiring you to pay a deductible. 

This means if your windshield is cracked or shattered, you won’t have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. In many cases, insurers will also waive the cost of minor repairs, such as fixing small chips, to prevent further damage. 

Full glass coverage is especially useful if you frequently drive on highways or in areas where road debris, construction, or severe weather increases the risk of windshield damage. It provides added protection and peace of mind, knowing that even small damage can be fixed quickly without extra cost.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage applies when your windshield is damaged as a result of an accident involving another vehicle or object. This includes situations like hitting another car, a pole, or a guardrail, where the impact causes damage to your windshield. 

Unlike comprehensive coverage, collision coverage only applies when the damage is directly related to a crash. So, if your car’s windshield gets damaged due to an accidental collision with another vehicle or object, the collision coverage will pay your car’s repair and replacement costs.  

However, if you accidentally collide with an animal, collision coverage may not apply, as animal-vehicle collisions are considered unexpected events that are beyond your control, which is specifically covered by comprehensive coverage.

Liability Coverage

If you accidentally hit another vehicle and damage its windshield, you’ll be responsible for covering the repair or replacement costs. This is where liability coverage comes in. It covers the damage you cause to another person’s vehicle, including their windshield, if you’re at fault in an accident. 

However, liability coverage does not cover damage to your own windshield. If your windshield is cracked or broken, you’ll need comprehensive or collision coverage, depending on how the damage occurred.

UI/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) Coverage

According to NAIC and IRC, it was found that 15% of drivers were uninsured, and about 18% of drivers were uninsured between 2017 and 2023. This trend remains on a similar scale, as many drivers still refuse to comply with federal and state auto insurance laws. 

This can also affect you if an uninsured or underinsured driver accidentally hits your car and damages your windshield. If they’re uninsured or underinsured and if they can’t pay out of pocket, then they won’t be able to compensate for your windshield’s repair and replacement costs. 

So, with the UI/UIM coverage, your car insurance policy can cover the expense that the other driver’s liability insurance was supposed to cover. This coverage is an essential backup in case the other driver who’s at fault for the accident is unable to cover their liability expense.

When is Windshield Replacement Not Covered by Car Insurance?

While car insurance generally covers windshield replacement if you have comprehensive and collision insurance, there are situations when certain exclusions apply. Here’s an overview of the key reasons when windshield replacement is not covered by car insurance.  

• Manufacturer’s defect: If the damage is caused by a defect in the windshield itself, it is not covered by insurance. Instead, it may be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.   
• Liability-only coverage: Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Without comprehensive or collision coverage, your policy won’t pay for windshield repair or replacement.   
• Pre-existing damage: If your windshield was already cracked or damaged before your policy started, the cost of replacement will not be covered.   
• Custom or upgraded glass: Insurance typically covers the cost of standard replacement. If you install a custom or upgraded windshield, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket.   
• High deductible: If your deductible is higher than the cost of replacement, your insurance won’t provide a payout even though the claim technically falls under your coverage.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Cracked or Broken Windshield?

It can cost you about $75 to $150 or more to repair your car’s windshield if it has a small chip or a minor crack. However, if it’s major damage to a significant crack, or if the glass is broken, you need to get it replaced. 

While the exact cost of replacing a car’s windshield varies depending on your car’s make and model, the average replacement cost can range from $300 to $1,500 or more. If you have an ADAS system that requires recalibration to install a new glass, your windshield replacement cost may increase by $150 to $500 or more.

Do You Need to Pay Deductibles for Windshield Replacement?

Generally, you’ll need to pay a deductible for windshield replacement if you’re using comprehensive or collision coverage. However, there are a few exceptions. 

According to the Insurance Journal, in states like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurance providers are required to waive deductibles for windshield replacement under comprehensive coverage. This means you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for glass damage in these states. 

If you live in any other state, you can still avoid paying a deductible if you have full glass coverage included in your policy. Otherwise, your deductible will apply, and you’ll need to pay it before your insurance covers the remaining cost.

Will Filing a Windshield Claim Increase Your Premium?

It depends. If you have claimed your car insurance for windshield damage due to a natural disaster, vandalism, animal collision, or any event that’s beyond your control, most insurers won’t increase your premium. 

However, if it’s due to an accidental crash in which collision coverage may apply, your car insurance premiums may significantly increase during renewal, or when you switch insurers.  

Additionally, if you are at fault in an accident and your liability coverage is used to pay for another driver’s windshield damage, your insurer will cover the cost, but your premium will likely increase.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim for Windshield Damage?

Filing a car insurance claim for windshield damage is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to document the damage and explain how it occurred. To make the process easier, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a windshield damage claim quickly and correctly. 

• Assess the damage and determine if it needs repair or full replacement 
• Take clear photos of the windshield damage as evidence 
• Review your policy to check your coverage and deductible 
• Contact your insurance provider or file a claim online 
• Provide details about how the damage occurred 
• Schedule an inspection or get approval for repair/replacement 
• Choose a repair shop or use an insurer-approved provider 
• Pay your deductible (if applicable) and get the windshield fixed or replaced

The Bottom Line: Is Car Insurance Worth It for Windshield Replacement?

Yes, car insurance is definitely worth it for windshield replacement, especially if you have comprehensive coverage or full glass coverage. 

Windshield damage is common and can happen unexpectedly due to road debris, severe weather, or vandalism. Without insurance, replacement costs can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on your vehicle. 

With the right coverage, your insurance can cover most or all of these costs, helping you avoid paying out of pocket. If you also have full glass coverage, you may even be able to replace your windshield without paying a deductible. 

Overall, having the right auto insurance coverage provides financial protection and peace of mind when dealing with unexpected windshield damage. If you’re looking for a reliable insurance provider with affordable options, you can contact us to get started with a free quote and expert guidance today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my insurance covers windshield replacement?

Check your auto insurance policy details or contact your insurer directly. If you have comprehensive coverage or full glass coverage, your windshield repair or replacement is typically covered, depending on your deductible and policy terms.

Does your insurance go up if a rock hits your windshield?

Not usually. If the damage is caused by a rock and covered under comprehensive coverage, insurers typically don’t increase your premium. However, frequent claims or policy details may still affect your rates.

Is it worth it to claim a cracked windshield on insurance?

It depends on the cost of repair and your deductible. If the repair cost is lower than or close to your deductible, it’s usually better to pay out of pocket. But if the damage requires a full replacement and costs significantly more, filing a claim, especially under comprehensive or full glass coverage, can be worth it.

Who is responsible if a rock hits my windshield?

In most cases, no one is held responsible if a rock hits your windshield; it’s considered a random road hazard. Your comprehensive coverage typically pays for the damage. However, if the rock came from a specific vehicle (like a truck with unsecured cargo), that driver may be liable, though it can be difficult to prove.