Does My Car Insurance Cover A Cracked Windshield?

You may know the feeling of dread when you hear a rock hit your windshield at highway speeds. You might even be able to relate to seeing a chip in the windshield from that rock and hoping you make it to an auto glass repair shop before the chip sends out web-like cracks across your windshield.

If you've been there, you've probably wondered if your insurance will foot the bill for a repair. There's no universal answer because where you live and what kind of insurance you have change the answer. In three states, windshield repairs are covered by insurance according to state law. In other states, insurance companies won't even cover windshield damage.

Read on to learn how to decide if you need a new windshield, what kind of insurance you need for windshield repairs and replacement, how to file a claim, and more about free windshield replacement states.

Should you repair or replace your windshield?

You might wonder if you should have your windshield repaired or if you're better off getting a new windshield. The extent of the damage will dictate which option you should choose.

Repairing Windshield Chips

Most of the time, you can get chips repaired without replacing the entire windshield. If the chip is smaller than a quarter, it can usually be repaired. Don't wait to have the repair done, though, because chips are often the origin of cracks.

If you have the chip repaired, it's less likely to crack. But if you forget to make an appointment and the weather starts changing, don't be surprised to get in your car one chilly morning and find a nice long crack right across your windshield. 

The weather can encourage windshield cracks, and so can bumpy roads. To help keep your windshield damage as minimal as possible, schedule a chip repair as soon as possible and minimize the amount of driving you do until it's fixed.

Replacing Windshields After Cracks

Short cracks that are only a couple of inches long can be repaired most of the time. But, unfortunately, once a windshield starts cracking, those cracks almost always extend further than two or three inches. 

Usually, if you have a cracked windshield, you'll have to get it replaced. Most states have laws about driving with a cracked windshield. Some ban driving with any crack over a certain length. Others specify that windshield cracks must not obstruct the line of sight, indicating that you might not have to replace it if a crack is high or low on the windshield.

There's more to deciding if you should replace a windshield than legalities. Cracked windshields don't have the structural integrity and protective qualities that intact windshields have. So, whether you want to or not, you should replace a cracked windshield.

Will my insurance cover windshield damage?

Insurance might cover windshield damage, but it might not. The coverage will depend on the type of insurance you have and the nature of the incident.

Comprehensive Insurance Covers Windshields

If you don't have comprehensive insurance, your provider won't cover windshield repairs. A few states are labeled "free windshield states" because the state law requires insurance providers to waive the deductible for windshield replacements. 

So, you might think that if you live in one (Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina), you're good to go. But you don't get a free windshield, even in those states, unless you carry comprehensive insurance. 

Even in states without mandatory free windshield replacement, many insurance providers will waive the glass replacement and repair deductible.

When you're comparing car insurance providers by state, that's one thing you might want to include in your consideration. For example, if two companies require similar premiums, but one has better perks like glass replacement, you might have an easier decision.

Another Party's Insurance May Cover Windshields

Windshield damage happens from a rock getting kicked up and hitting your windshield most of the time. Even if you could prove whose tire kicked up the rock, their insurance isn't going to cover the damage. That's just how it is.

But, if your windshield gets cracked due to an accident caused by another party, their insurance provider will cover the cost of replacing your windshield. After the accident, be sure to document pictures of any damage. 

Should I file a claim for windshield replacement?

Before filing a claim, you need to decide if you should file a claim in the first place. If you live in a free windshield state and have comprehensive insurance, you should most definitely file a claim for windshield damage. 

If you're like most people and your state doesn't require insurers to waive deductibles for glass repairs, you'll have to find the answer to a few questions to help you make your decisions.

Do you have a glass rider?

You should file a claim if your insurance provider offers a glass rider covering windshield repair or replacement with a small or no deductible. The whole point of having a glass rider is to use it if you need your windshield replaced, so it would be a waste not to use it. 

Does your insurance provider waive the deductible for window repairs?

Some insurance providers waive or offer a low deductible for window repairs and replacement even when not required. If your provider has that perk, you should probably file a claim for your glasswork.

What is your deductible?

Many people have a $500 deductible for comprehensive coverage, and since a new windshield often costs less than that, it doesn't make sense to file a claim. 

Unless you have free or low-cost glass replacement as part of your insurance coverage, it usually doesn't make sense to file a claim for windshield replacement. 

If you bought a luxury vehicle, your glass replacement costs might be considerably higher than the average, so filing a claim might be warranted.

What do I need to remember about windshield repairs?

First, remember the general rule that cracked windshields should be replaced, while chipped windshields can be repaired. 

Next, keep in mind that comprehensive insurance covers glass repair, but unless you have a glass rider or your provider waives your deductible for windshield work, it's probably not worth filing a claim.

And finally, now that you know a bit more about windshield repairs and insurance, it might be time to contact your insurance provider to find out how they handle glass repairs and replacements and if you can opt into a benefit that covers glass for minimal out-of-pocket costs. 

Melanie Musson writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. She's passionate about helping others understand how the right insurance policy can protect their financial stability now and in the future.