Windshield Insurance and Auto Glass Coverage, Cost Guide

By Randy Luton | Last Updated: 12/15/2022

Key Insights

  • Windshield and auto glass insurance coverage are included in comprehensive and collision insurance.
  • If you were not at fault in the accident then the other driver’s company will pay for the damages caused to your windshield. It does not matter if you have comprehensive or collision coverage or not.
  • You can not ask for windshield repair if the damage is significant and risky
  • Most insurance companies will waive the deductibles in case of repairing

Unexpected hailstorms and road hazards can damage the windscreen of your car anytime and anywhere. The windshield and glasses of any vehicle can not be repaired most of the time, you will have to get it replaced. And the cost to replace the windshield or any glass can be expensive.

Car insurance companies provide coverage for windshields and broken glass as well and it is not much expensive as compared to the cost of replacement.

But most of the drivers are not aware of this insurance hence RateForce has decided to write this detailed blog to help you understand everything you need to know about Windshield and auto glass coverage.

What is windshield insurance coverage?

If the windshield of your car gets damaged due to any reason then your windshield insurance will come into the picture. Your car insurance company will provide coverage to repair or replace the windshield as a result you will not have to pay for the expense from your pocket.

There are different types of windshields as well as glass insurance. Your company will first check the type of your policy and then will decide the claim amount.

Does every car insurance cover windshield damage?

In most situations comprehensive or collision car insurance covers windshield damage. If your car is damaged because of a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian or even an animal then collision coverage will pay for the windshield. For example, you wanted to save a puppy on the road and get collided with a tree or fence.

If your car is damaged in natural calamity or vandalism then comprehensive coverage will come into the picture. Comprehensive insurance covers situations that are not in our control like hailstorms, volcanic eruptions, a tree branch falling on your car, etc. If your car is damaged because of a natural calamity or situation that is out of your hands then your car insurance company will pay for the windshield damage or replacement.

Know more: Does car insurance cover windshield damage?

When car insurance covers your windshield?

  • If you have comprehensive or collision coverage then depending on the type of incident you will get coverage. 
  • If you have selected glass coverage as an add-on in your liability coverage policy then also you will get this coverage.
  • Finally, if you get into an accident and another driver was at fault then that driver’s insurance company will pay for the repair or replacement of your windshield.

When car insurance does not cover your windshield?

  • The first and most basic situation where you can never get coverage for the windshield is if you do not have comprehensive or collision insurance. If you are driving only on liability coverage then you can not ask for windshield insurance.
  • Secondly, If the damage is caused by you intentionally. Your insurance company will inspect the entire accident and then only will accept your claim. If you fail to prove that the windshield was damaged by accident then your comprehensive or collision insurance will not work.
  • Thirdly, if we were driving under the influence at the time of the accident. Driving under the influence is also considered intentional harm as a result the company will not provide any claim money for the repair or replacement of the windshield.

What to do if you have a broken windshield?

Now that you have a broken windshield what will be the next step? We have created a step-by-step process that will help you to determine your course of action and file the claim accordingly.

  • Step 1: Check the impact of the damage. See if it is repairable or not, check the size of the damage and the position with respect to the driver.
  • Step 2: If the size of the damage is small and outside the visibility of the driver then you can get it repaired otherwise you will have to get it replaced.
  • Step 3: Check your policy to make sure you are covered. If you have collision and comprehensive insurance then you don’t have to worry about the cost of replacement. 
  • Step 4: Check the deductibles in your policy. If the cost of the deductible is higher than the cost of repair then there is no point in paying a deductible and adding a claim to your record.
  • Step 5: File a claim. You will not get the cost of replacement or repair until you file a claim. Your insurance company will explain the next course of action. Mostly your insurance company will get the repair or replacement done. Or else you can get it repaired or replaced and submit the receipt.
  • Step 6: If you have to get the repair or replacement by yourself then find an AGSC (Formerly known as AGRSS)-certified company shop for the process.
  • Step 7: Submit the receipt and get your claim.

How to know if my windshield needs to be repaired or replaced?

This is one of the most important questions that comes to our mind after checking the damage caused to our windshield. You will have to consider different factors like the impact of the damage on the visibility of the driver, the dimension of the damage, and the threat imposed on driving ability.

If the damage is caused on the other side of the windshield outside the visibility area of the driver then you can get it repaired. But if the damage is huge and can cause distraction then replacement is the best option.

Below are some situations where replacement is better than repair:

  • There are several other small repairs on the windshield
  • The size of the damage is larger than 6 inches
  • The damage is directly in the line of the driver’s vision
  • The damage has caused a puncture on the windshield and you can feel the wind coming into the car while driving

How much does it cost to fix a broken windshield?

The cost to fix a broken windshield can not be predicted without the knowledge of the adversity of the damage. There are scenarios where the damage is minute and you might not have to pay anything and then there are scenarios where the damage is so huge that you will have to get the windshield replaced.

On average, the cost of fixing a windshield occurs between $30 to $100. If the cost of repair is higher than $100 then it is better to get the windshield replaced.

What is auto glass coverage?

Auto glass coverage provides coverage for all the glasses in your vehicle including the windows and glass roof. You can apply for the claim of damages caused to any part of the car that is made from glass.

Difference between windshield and auto glass coverage

On the other hand windshield coverage; as the name suggests, is only for the windshield of the car. While some companies cover other glass parts of the car in the policy, the final choice is in the hand of the insurer.

Some insurance companies and some insurance policies cover both auto glass and windshield and others do not. It is always advisable to ask your company and get clarity before buying any policy.

List of companies that offers windshield insurance

If you are still searching for companies that can provide you with affordable windshield insurance then we have a well-researched list for you. Every company has its own rules and laws when it comes to windshield insurance; some ask for deductibles, others do not.

Finding a suitable company that can provide you with affordable yet beneficial coverage can be a big task. Hence we have created a list of all the top companies in our country that provides windshield insurance.

RateForce have also added the column where you can check if the company asks for a deductible at the time of windshield repair or not.

Insurance CompanyRequires deductible for repair?
FarmersYes
NationwideNo
GeicoNo
ProgressiveNo
AllstateNo
American Family MutualNo
Liberty MutualNo
TravelersNo
USAANo
State FarmNot required until asked by law

Things to keep in mind with windshield damage

  1. Keep your options open for non-OEM parts:
    Your insurance company will provide an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass only but keep in mind that you will have to pay the difference in the claim with OEM parts only. If you are open to non-OEM parts then your insurance company will replace your windshield with the next best high-quality glass available. This will save a lot of your money.
  2. If you will have to pay from your pocket then don’t file the claim:
    Always check for the deductibles before filing any claim. If you will have to pay from your pocket then what is the point of paying for a car insurance premium?
  3. Try to repair minor damages yourself:
    You can repair small chips and damage yourself and save your money. Especially when it comes to paying labor costs. With small patience and practice, minor damage repairs are easy.
  4. If your insurance company increases your premium after windshield claim then switch to another company:
    You will get other car insurance companies that can provide affordable insurance policies with a little bit of research.

FAQs on Windshield Insurance

  • Does insurance cover windshield replacement? If yes then which part of car insurance covers the windshield?

    Yes, your car insurance will cover windshield replacement. Comprehensive car insurance provides windshield coverage for all drivers. All you have to show is proof of your comprehensive policy and you will get the claim.

  • Do I have to pay for the deductible in windshield coverage?

    Yes, you will have to pay for the deductibles while applying for a windshield repair or replacement coverage. But this also depends on your car insurance company. There are some companies that ask for deductibles on major repairs or replacements. On the other hand, there are companies that ask for deductibles on all the repairs no matter how small the claim is.

  • How does windshield replacement insurance work in Geico?

    Geico provides windshield replacement as a part of the company’s comprehensive insurance. If you are at fault in the accident then your collision policy will cover the damages but if you are not at fault in the accident then the other driver’s insurance company will pay for the replacement. In most of the states, Geico requires a deductible in case of full windshield replacement.

  • Should I use insurance to replace the windshield? If yes then will my insurance premium go up after I claim for windshield repair or replacement?

    It depends on the deductible you are paying. If the deductible amount is equivalent to windshield replacement then there is no need of filing a claim. And in most situations, your insurance company will not increase your claim after a windshield repair or replacement as it comes under comprehensive coverage.

  • Does the USAA insurance company provide windshield coverage?

    Yes, USAA covers windshield replacements and repairs under comprehensive as well as collision insurance. The company wives deductibles in case of repairs but for full replacement, you will have to pay the deductibles.

  • How much is the approximate cost to replace a windshield without insurance?

    There are a lot of different factors that affect the cost of replacing the windshield like the model of the car, availability of the windshield, type of accident, etc. On average, the windshield replacement cost goes between $150 to $500.

  • Can I drive with a Cracked Windshield?

    For most drivers, a cracked windshield is not much of a big deal and they prefer ignoring it but it is important to note that in most of the states it is illegal to drive with a cracked windshield as you will be putting other’s lives in danger too. Moreover; the windshield is to protect you from flying debris and a cracked windshield can get shattered or broken more easily and cause injuries.

  • How do I know if my insurance covers windshield replacement?

    If you have comprehensive, collision, or full coverage insurance then you have windshield replacement. It is better to confirm it with your insurance company at the time of buying or renewing your policy.

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Editorial Guidelines: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of auto insurance. This information does not refer to any specific auto insurance policy. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. References to costs of coverages/repair, average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, etc., are indicative and may not apply to your situation. We encourage you to speak to our insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

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Randy Luton is the Founder and CEO of RateForce. He is passionate about InsurTech services and has in-depth knowledge about the auto insurance sector of the USA.