Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? State-by-State Breakdown

When your windshield cracks or shatters, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Will my insurance cover this? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no—it depends on the type of insurance you carry, the state you live in, and the specific laws governing auto glass coverage.

Windshield replacements can be surprisingly expensive, especially in modern vehicles equipped with sensors, cameras, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that require recalibration after glass installation. Knowing whether your policy covers these costs—and whether your state has special protections for auto glass claims—can save you time, stress, and money.

In this article, we’ll break down how car insurance typically handles windshield replacement and provide a state-by-state overview of auto glass laws across the U.S.

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How Insurance Typically Covers Windshield Replacement

Most insurance policies fall into three categories when it comes to glass coverage:

1. Liability Insurance (Basic Coverage)
   
   • This is the minimum required coverage in most states.
     
   • It only covers damages you cause to others—not your own car.
     
   • Windshield repair or replacement is not covered under liability-only policies.
     
2. Comprehensive Insurance
   
   • Covers non-collision damage such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, weather, and yes—glass damage.
     
   • If you have comprehensive coverage, your windshield replacement is usually covered, but you may still have to pay a deductible (often $250–$500).
     
3. Full Glass Coverage (Optional Add-On in Some States)
   
   • Some insurers offer this as an add-on.
     
   • With full glass coverage, your windshield repair or replacement is covered with no deductible.
     
   • This is particularly valuable for drivers in states prone to cracked windshields from rocks, road debris, or extreme weather.
     

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States with Zero-Deductible Windshield Replacement Laws

Several states have special laws that require insurance companies to repair or replace windshields without charging the policyholder a deductible, as long as they carry comprehensive insurance.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Florida – If you carry comprehensive coverage, windshield replacement is always free (no deductible).
  
• Kentucky – Comprehensive policies must provide full glass coverage at no deductible.
  
• South Carolina – Insurers must cover glass replacement without charging a deductible.
  

These states are often referred to as “zero-deductible glass states.” If you live here, you’re in luck—your windshield replacement should cost you nothing out of pocket, assuming you carry comprehensive coverage.

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State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Breakdown

The table below provides a quick-glance guide to windshield coverage laws across all 50 states:

State	Special Laws on Windshield Coverage	Key Notes
Alabama	None	Covered under comprehensive; deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage.
Alaska	None	Same as above.
Arizona	Insurers must offer full glass coverage with no deductible.	Optional add-on; highly recommended due to rock chip risks.
Arkansas	None	Deductible applies unless full glass coverage is purchased.
California	None	Comprehensive required; deductible may apply.
Colorado	None	Some insurers offer optional glass coverage.
Connecticut	Must offer full glass coverage as an option.	Customers can choose to add no-deductible glass protection.
Delaware	None	Comprehensive with deductible applies.
Florida	Zero deductible with comprehensive coverage.	Full replacement covered free.
Georgia	None	Deductible applies unless optional coverage is added.
Hawaii	None	Same as above.
Idaho	None	Deductible unless optional coverage purchased.
Illinois	None	Same as above.
Indiana	None	Same as above.
Iowa	None	Same as above.
Kansas	None	Some insurers offer optional full glass.
Kentucky	Zero deductible with comprehensive coverage.	Free windshield replacement.
Louisiana	None	Deductible applies unless full glass coverage purchased.
Maine	None	Deductible unless optional glass coverage added.
Maryland	None	Standard comprehensive rules apply.
Massachusetts	Must offer full glass coverage as an option.	No deductible if selected.
Michigan	None	Deductible applies unless full glass coverage added.
Minnesota	Must offer no-deductible glass coverage.	Optional add-on.
Mississippi	None	Deductible applies unless optional coverage added.
Missouri	None	Same as above.
Montana	None	Same as above.
Nebraska	None	Same as above.
Nevada	None	Same as above.
New Hampshire	None	Deductible applies unless optional full glass coverage purchased.
New Jersey	None	Some insurers offer optional glass coverage.
New Mexico	None	Deductible applies unless optional coverage added.
New York	Must offer optional full glass coverage.	Customers can choose no-deductible coverage.
North Carolina	None	Deductible applies unless optional coverage added.
North Dakota	None	Same as above.
Ohio	None	Same as above.
Oklahoma	None	Same as above.
Oregon	None	Same as above.
Pennsylvania	None	Same as above.
Rhode Island	None	Deductible applies unless full glass purchased.
South Carolina	Zero deductible with comprehensive coverage.	Free replacement required.
South Dakota	None	Deductible unless full glass purchased.
Tennessee	None	Same as above.
Texas	None	Same as above.
Utah	None	Same as above.
Vermont	None	Same as above.
Virginia	None	Same as above.
Washington	None	Same as above.
West Virginia	None	Deductible applies unless optional coverage added.
Wisconsin	None	Same as above.
Wyoming	None	Same as above.

Tips for Filing a Windshield Insurance Claim

1. Check Your Policy First – Find out if you have comprehensive or full glass coverage.
   
2. Confirm Deductible Amounts – If your deductible is higher than the cost of replacement, you may want to pay out-of-pocket.
   
3. Ask About ADAS Coverage – Verify if recalibration is included.
   
4. Use Approved Shops – Some insurers require you to use certain auto glass shops to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.
   
5. Act Quickly – A small chip can spread into a full crack, making the replacement more expensive.
   

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The Bottom Line

Whether car insurance covers windshield replacement depends largely on your policy type and your state’s laws. Drivers in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina benefit from zero-deductible laws, while others may need to add full glass coverage for extra protection.

Since policies and costs vary widely, it’s always best to compare local auto glass shops before making a decision.

👉 Use our free quote tool to compare prices from up to three auto glass shops in your area and find the best option for your windshield replacement.