Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

When your windshield gets cracked or damaged, one of the first questions you might ask is: Does insurance cover windshield replacement? The answer depends on the type of coverage you have on your auto insurance policy. Let’s break it down so you can understand what to expect when filing a claim for a damaged windshield.

Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage Types

Most auto insurance policies consist of three primary types of coverage:

1. Collision Coverage – This covers damage to your vehicle if it results from an accident involving another vehicle or object. If your windshield is damaged in a crash, your insurance company may cover the replacement under collision coverage, minus your deductible, as part of your collision repairs.
   
   
2. Liability Coverage – Liability insurance pays for damage that you cause to another person’s vehicle, property, or injuries in an accident. However, it does not cover your own vehicle, including windshield damage.
   
   
3. Comprehensive Coverage – This is the coverage that typically applies to windshield replacements. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, weather-related incidents, contact with an animal, and falling objects.
   
   

How Comprehensive Coverage Applies to Windshield Damage

Comprehensive coverage generally includes the replacement or repair of windshields when the damage results from:

• Breakage of glass from an unknown cause
• Contact with an animal (such as a deer, bird, or even a turkey)
• Missiles or falling objects (including rocks, which are a common cause of windshield damage)

If you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender typically requires comprehensive coverage. This means if you are still making payments on your vehicle or leasing it, your insurance is likely to cover windshield replacement.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your windshield replacement will typically be covered, but you will be responsible for paying your deductible first. Any remaining cost beyond your deductible is paid by your insurance provider.  Many windshields on newer vehicles can exceed $1000 after ADAS calibrations so many times at least some of it will be covered by insurance, especially if you only have a $500 deductible.  However older vehicles might only cost $250-$300 for a windshield replacement so they might not have any coverage with your insurance.

No-Deductible Windshield Replacement: How Some States Handle Glass Coverage

In some states, including Arizona, special coverage applies to windshield replacements. Many people refer to this as “glass coverage”, but technically, it is a waiver of the deductible for safety equipment. If you pay for this additional coverage, a windshield replacement is fully covered by insurance, meaning drivers pay nothing out of pocket. This special coverage is not required, though Arizona insurers must offer it when a policy has comprehensive coverage and it is on most policies in the state, so it is important to check your individual policy.

Other states also have variations of no-deductible glass coverage, but the specifics differ from one state to another. If you live in a state that has this type of coverage, you may not have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement.

Does Insurance Cover a Rental Car During Windshield Replacement?

One aspect of insurance coverage that many people overlook is rental reimbursement coverage. If you have rental car coverage as part of your policy, it may apply when filing a windshield replacement claim. Most people assume rental reimbursement is only for accident-related repairs, but in reality, it applies to both collision and comprehensive claims.

If your windshield damage is covered under comprehensive insurance and the damage renders the vehicle unsafe to drive, or if you need to leave your vehicle at a shop for the replacement (more common when ADAS calibrations are required), rental coverage may kick in to provide you with a temporary vehicle. The terms and limits of rental coverage vary by policy:

• If the vehicle is undrivable, rental coverage typically lasts until repairs are complete.
• Otherwise, coverage starts as soon as the car is dropped off for repairs, even if it was drivable before that.
• Different policies cover different daily rental rates and may have a maximum coverage period or a coverage split.

Many glass shops are unaware that rental reimbursement applies to glass claims, so it is always a good idea to verify with your insurance provider or better yet check if you have rental coverage, because many glass claims representatives are also uninformed about rental coverage for glass claims.  In addition, most policies cover rental costs even if the underlying claim is less than your deductible.  For example, if you have a $1000 deductible, and your windshield is only $400, you are still typically covered for rental reimbursement even though the insurance isn't covering any of your windshield replacement.

Steps to Take When Filing a Windshield Replacement Claim

If your windshield is damaged and you need a replacement, follow these steps to ensure a smooth insurance claim process:

1. Choose a Trusted Auto Glass Shop – A reputable shop like Magic Glass Prescott can guide you through the entire claims process, working directly with your insurance company to ensure a hassle-free experience.
2. Check Your Policy – Look at your insurance policy or contact your provider to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage and if your deductible applies.
3. File a Claim – Contact your insurance company to report the damage. Some insurers allow online claims, while others require a phone call. If you are working with a glass shop, let them make the claim call with you to avoid your insurance attempting to steer you to the shop that most benefits them (most of the time the claim call is actually handled by a national glass shop, so they have every incentive to direct you to themselves)
4. Schedule Your Replacement – Work with the shop to get your windshield replaced at a convenient time.
5. Confirm Rental Coverage (If Needed) – If you need a rental car while your windshield is being replaced, check with your insurer about eligibility under your policy.

Why Choose Magic Glass for Your Windshield Replacement?

If you are in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, or Dewey, Magic Glass is your go-to expert for windshield replacement. Our technicians ensure quality workmanship, and we work directly with insurance companies to make the process hassle-free. Whether your insurance covers 100% of the cost or you have a deductible, we help you understand your options and get back on the road safely.

For expert windshield replacement, contact us today!

Magic Glass Prescott
720 6th St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: 928-541-0101
https://www.magicglassprescott.com/windshield-replacement/windshield-replacement-prescott-valley-az/

Author: Grant Smith, Owner of Smith Diagnostics, ADAS Technician, Glass Shop Consultant, and Former Auto Glass Technician.