Can I Use Car Insurance To Replace My Windshield?

You can typically use your car insurance to cover the cost of windshield replacement, but coverage may vary depending on the type of insurance you have and what caused the damage to your windshield. Windshield replacement can be costly, especially if your car uses advanced sensors in the glass, so using insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Keep reading to learn more about car insurance windshield replacement and repair, including what damage should be repaired promptly, what types of insurance may cover replacement and what to expect for costs.

On This Page

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  Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

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  What Types of Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

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  What Is the Average Cost To Repair or Replace a Windshield?

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  How To File a Claim After Your Windshield Breaks

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  FAQs

Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Car insurance may cover the cost of an entire windshield replacement. Additionally, car insurance typically covers repairs even if the windshield has only minor cracks or chips. However, it depends on the nature of the windshield’s damage and the type of auto insurance you have.^[1] Below, we’ll discuss the different types of insurance you might consider and how each can help cover the costs of replacing your windshield.

When Do I Need To Replace My Windshield?

Having your windshield shatter due to a falling object or collision necessitates getting a replacement. Still, considering a repair or replacement is typically a good idea, even if you only notice minor damage to your windshield. If you notice the following types of cracks or chips, it’s worth making an auto insurance claim — if you have the relevant coverage — and getting a repair:^[2]

• A crack longer than a dollar bill
• A crack that extends more than halfway deep into the windshield
• A crack that extends to the outside edge of the windshield

Any of these cracks could compromise your windshield’s integrity and cause it to break or shatter more easily — especially if the cracks or chips worsen. If you notice small cracks or chips before they’ve had a chance to expand, you may be able to repair them rather than replace the windshield entirely, which can lower your costs.^[1] In some rare cases, your windshield may be made with tempered glass instead of laminated, and it will likely need to be replaced if any cracks or chips appear.^[2]

Even if you believe that the damage to your windshield is too minor to justify a repair or replacement, continuing to drive with it may put you at risk of getting a ticket, depending on state laws.

What Types of Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Below, we’ll cover a few different types of car insurance and when they may accept a claim for windshield replacement.

• Comprehensive coverage: If your windshield was damaged due to a peril covered by your policy — such as hail, vandalism or collision with a deer or rock — you’ll likely get the replacement covered by comprehensive insurance.
• Collision coverage: If your windshield was damaged in a car accident, collision insurance would likely cover the replacement cost regardless of who was at fault.
• The other driver’s property damage liability insurance: If you were in an accident where the other driver was at fault, you might get windshield replacement paid for by their liability insurance. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to prove the damage to the windshield was caused by the accident and was not preexisting, or you may not get your claim approved.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): If you get into an accident where the other driver is at fault but doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover repairs, UM/UIM insurance can help cover the cost of a windshield replacement.
• Full glass coverage: Sold as an endorsement to comprehensive coverage, full glass insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, often with no deductible. However, this endorsement may not be available in all states.^[1]

Will I Have To Pay a Deductible?

Depending on your policy and state, you may have to pay a deductible for a damaged windshield claim. For example, if you have a comprehensive coverage deductible of $500 and the windshield replacement costs $1,000, you would need to cover the remaining $500 of your deductible out of pocket. However, if the repair of the windshield only costs $300, you would likely need to pay the full amount out of pocket, since the cost is less than your deductible.

There are some scenarios where you may not need to pay a deductible, and your insurance will likely cover the full cost of the windshield repair or replacement — up to your coverage limits. Some of these scenarios include:

• Your comprehensive coverage includes a glass repair agreement: This may waive the deductible if your windshield only requires repair.
• Another driver damages your windshield: If you use the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to pay for the repair or replacement, you may not have to pay a deductible. This may also apply to a hit-and-run if the at-fault driver is identified and you file a successful liability claim.^[4]
• You have full glass coverage: This endorsement could help pay for your windshield repair or replacement with no deductible applied. States that offer this coverage include Airzona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York.^[5]
• Some state laws mandate that no deductible can be applied to windshield claims under comprehensive coverage: These states include Florida, Kentucky and North Carolina.^[6]

What Is the Average Cost To Repair or Replace a Windshield?

The average cost to replace a windshield varies, typically ranging from $800 to $1,000.^[7] Older models may be cheaper, costing between $300 and $600.^[8] However, some popular car models could have replacement costs running $1,500 or higher. This is due to the increasingly advanced technology built into modern vehicle windshields, such as software for automatic wipers, lane-departure sensors and advanced driver assistance systems.

Replacement of some high-tech windshields often requires recalibration, which can significantly add to the cost.^[7]

If possible, you should repair your windshield instead of replacing it, as repairs can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. On average, minor windshield repairs can cost as little as $60 to $90.^[7] However, time is critical — damage can spread within days, making a full replacement the only safe option.^[9]

Keep in mind that repair costs may vary by shop. It’s a good idea to shop around to find the best price for your windshield repair.

How To File a Claim After Your Windshield Breaks

You can file a claim by contacting your agent, submitting a claim on your insurer’s website or using your provider’s mobile app. Make sure you have the following information ready when you submit your claim:

• Policy number
• Details about the damage (including pictures)
• Vehicle make, model and year
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)