Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

Yes, car insurance typically covers windshield damage under your comprehensive coverage. If a rock kicks up on the highway and cracks your windshield, or hail damages the glass, comprehensive coverage pays for the repair or replacement minus your deductible — and in some states, glass claims have no deductible at all.

How windshield claims work

A windshield crack or chip is considered a comprehensive claim because it results from something other than a collision — road debris, weather, vandalism, or falling objects. When you file the claim, your insurer sends you to an approved glass repair provider or allows you to choose one. Small chips can often be repaired in under 30 minutes. Larger cracks usually require a full windshield replacement.

Deductible considerations

• States with zero-deductible glass: Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are among states that require insurers to offer full glass coverage with no deductible, or they waive the deductible for glass claims by law.
• Full glass coverage endorsement: In other states, you can add a zero-deductible glass endorsement to your policy for a small additional premium. This means you pay nothing out of pocket for windshield repairs or replacements.
• Standard deductible applies: Without a glass endorsement or a state law requiring it, your regular comprehensive deductible applies. If your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $300, you would pay the full cost yourself.

Repair vs. replacement

Insurance companies prefer repairs over replacements when possible because they are cheaper. A small chip can be filled for $50 to $100, while a full windshield replacement costs $200 to $500 or more. Repairing a chip early prevents it from spreading into a crack that requires replacement. Some insurers waive the deductible for repairs even when they would not for replacements.

Does a windshield claim raise your rate?

In most cases, a single comprehensive claim for glass damage does not significantly impact your premium. Comprehensive claims are generally treated more favorably than collision or liability claims when it comes to rate calculations. However, multiple comprehensive claims in a short period can still affect your rate.

What Truscott recommends

If you drive frequently on highways or in areas with loose gravel, a zero-deductible glass endorsement is a smart add-on. The cost is minimal and it eliminates out-of-pocket expense for one of the most common auto claims. Request a Truscott policy checkup and we will check whether your glass coverage is set up correctly.