Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?

While comprehensive coverage will pay for damages, is it better to pay out-of-pocket?
Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Author profile picture

Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Does insurance cover windshield repair or replacement?

Your auto insurance policy likely covers windshield repair or replacement, though you will need to carry comprehensive coverage. However, using your insurance may not be the best or cheapest way to take care of windshield damage.

Read on to find out more about how insurance companies handle auto glass damage. Or, enter your ZIP code above if you're ready to start comparing quotes for free!

windshield car

Key Takeaways

  • If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance will likely cover windshield damage
  • When damage is relatively small and repairs would likely be less than your deductible, it may not be worth making a claim 
  • Glass claims may cause your rates to rise, but not nearly as much as other possible claims
  • If your windshield was damaged by vandalism, be sure to file a police report immediately

Windshield damage and car insurance

Your windshield and auto glass are covered by your car insurance if you carry comprehensive coverage. This coverage can protect your vehicle from non-collision damages including weather damage (like hailflooding, etc.), theft and animal damage (including colliding with larger animals such as deer). When paired with collision coverage, this combination is often referred to as “full coverage.” Consider adding comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is worth $4,000 or more. Bear in mind that comprehensive claims are often subject to a deductible.

If your windshield is damaged in an accident in which you were not at fault, the damage will be paid for by the property damage liability coverage of the at-fault party. 

question magnifying glass
Does car insurance cover windshield replacement?

Yes. If the cracks or chips are too big to be repaired with resin, your auto insurance provider will pay for the installation of a new windshield. In many cases, the cost to replace a windshield is more expensive than the deductible, meaning that going through insurance could be a good idea.


Should I use my car insurance to fix my windshield?

Using your insurance coverage could be wise if it seems likely that you will have to get a new windshield entirely. However, if it’s just a small chip or minor damage, it may not be wise to file a claim. Generally speaking, if your deductible is higher than $1,000, it will not likely be worth filing a claim, as most repairs won’t cost that much.

However, full windshield replacement will likely be too expensive for most folks to simply pay out-of-pocket. Unless your deductible is on the higher end, filing a claim with your insurance is probably the way to go.


Do I have to pay a deductible to file a claim?

Because windshield claims are covered by your comprehensive insurance, your standard deductible will apply. The deductible is the portion of the cost that you are responsible for, with your insurance company covering the rest. Car insurance deductibles are typically set anywhere between $250 to $1,000. When choosing a deductible, remember: the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly payments will be.

Some companies, such as GEICO, may waive your deductible for small glass repairs if you carry comprehensive coverage. Consult your insurance company to find out if the insurer will waive the deductible for windshield repair claims. Be aware, however, that just because such a claim doesn’t affect your rate with one company, the same may not be true if you try to switch to another.


Will windshield claims cause my insurance rates to go up?

Chipped or cracked windshields are considered comprehensive claims and can cause your rates to rise. The average increase for a comprehensive insurance claim is $34 over the course of a six-month policy. Such a claim can stay on your record for three to five years, meaning that you could be paying more for insurance over a prolonged period of time. 

In general, glass claims are not likely to increase your rates as much as other types of claims. For instance, a collision coverage claim raises your insurance rates an average of $335 for a six-month policy. The rate increase tends to be much higher when using collision insurance because such claims are considered to be more within the control of the driver, while comprehensive claims are less likely to be in their control.


Use our handy claims calculator to find out whether you should file a claim.


How to file a damaged windshield claim

A glass claim is usually no different than a standard claim. The process will nearly always start by contacting your car insurance company. This can typically be done by calling your insurance agent or filing online. Making a claim online or through a mobile app is usually quite easy and can allow you to upload photos instantly to get the claims process started. 

If your windshield was damaged in an act of vandalism, you should file a police report as soon as possible. After contacting the police, begin the claims process with your insurer as you normally would. Check out our list of car insurance companies offering the best customer experience.

insurance agent

How to get your windshield fixed

Most often, minor glass damages like a little chip or crack can usually be fixed without having to replace the entire windshield — as long as you act fast enough. As soon as you notice small chips or cracks, it’s best to get your windshield repaired as soon as possible to prevent this damage from getting worse. Cracks that form can be worsened by sun exposure, temperature extremes, excessive moisture and even bumps in the road. Quick action can help prevent you from having to purchase an entirely new windshield.

Most insurance companies have a list of trusted repair shops with whom they partner. There are many companies that specialize in auto glass replacement and repair. Local body shops or more nationally-known specialists like Safelite can typically repair glass or windshield damage quickly and affordably. Mobile glass repair has become quite popular, allowing technicians to travel to your home or work to fix your windshield. Remember that glass claims will most likely require you to pay a deductible, as noted above. 


Windshield repair with insurance: considerations

Whether or not you should use your insurance to repair a cracked or broken windshield depends on a number of factors: your coverage, the cost of repair, and your deductible. If you do decide to make an auto glass claim through your comprehensive coverage, it’s not likely to raise your premiums by much. In some cases, you may not even need to pay the deductible.

If you’re looking for cheap car insurance after a windshield claim, it pays to shop around. Insurance companies rate certain factors differently, meaning your claim for windshield damage could cost you far more with one insurance company versus another.

The Zebra is a great place to start your search for insurance, allowing you to compare rates from most of the top insurers in the country. Simply enter your ZIP below to get started.

windshield

Compare auto insurance rates today.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

RECENT QUESTIONS

Other people are also asking...

Will my rate go up if I file a claim for a damaged side mirror?

Put simply, any time you file a claim, there is usually a rate increase. Since you don't know who it is that hit you, you would have to go through your coverage. Glass claims fall under a comprehensive claim, which tends to be small. However, even small claims can lead to a rate increase.I rec…
Jun 18, 2019 Houston, TX

How do I get a false claim off my insurance report?

I would call my prior insurance company (your renters provider) showing the false claim and see how they have it marked. I would also have them send confirmation that the claim was dropped and not paid out. Most companies will allow you to dispute the claim if you have proof on hand that shows it i…
Jan 30, 2020 Atlanta, GA

What happens if someone makes a false car insurance claim against me?

Thank you for your question. After an accident, I recommend taking pictures and recording as much information as possible. If the fault is difficult to determine, call 911 and file a police report. If you have any of this information currently, it can be helpful.At this point, I recommend contactin…
Sep 25, 2019 Madison, WI

If I backed into my neighbor's expensive vehicle, should I file a claim or pay for the damage out of pocket?

I would recommend waiting to hear back from your neighbor about the estimates. That's really going to be what helps you make your decision. If the repair costs are reasonable, you might consider paying for the damage out of your own pocket. Our 2016 State of Insurance Report shows that, in Flo…
Nov 19, 2016 Palm Beach Gardens, FL

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.