Updated November 2026.
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 a simple yes or no. It depends on the coverage you carry, the state you live in, and whether your state has special rules for auto glass.
Windshields on newer cars can be surprisingly expensive to replace, especially when the cameras and sensors behind the glass for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have to be recalibrated afterward. Knowing what your policy covers, and whether your state waives the deductible, can save you real money and a lot of back-and-forth.
This guide walks through how insurance handles windshield damage, which states offer zero-deductible glass coverage, a state-by-state table, when it makes sense to file a claim instead of paying yourself, and how to file.
The short answer:
- Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage. Rock chips, cracks from road debris, hail, falling branches and vandalism are comprehensive claims. You’ll usually pay your comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only policies don’t cover your own windshield.
- Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina waive the deductible on windshield claims when you have comprehensive coverage.
- Arizona, Connecticut and Minnesota require insurers to offer no-deductible glass coverage as an option. In most other states, many insurers sell “full glass” coverage as an add-on.
How Car Insurance Covers Windshield Replacement
Which part of your policy pays depends on what caused the damage:
- Liability insurance is the minimum most states require. It pays for damage you cause to other people and their property, not your own car, so it won’t pay for your windshield.
- Comprehensive coverage pays for damage that isn’t from a collision: rocks and road debris, hail and storms, falling objects, vandalism, theft and animals. This is the coverage behind most windshield claims. Your comprehensive deductible, often $250 to $1,000, usually applies unless your state or your policy waives it for glass.
- Collision coverage applies when the windshield breaks in a crash, along with your collision deductible.
- Full glass coverage is an optional add-on many insurers sell. It removes the deductible for glass claims and often costs only a few dollars a month.
If another driver caused the accident that broke your windshield, their liability insurance should pay for the glass along with the rest of your repairs.
States With Zero-Deductible Windshield Laws
Three states require insurers to waive the deductible on glass claims for drivers who carry comprehensive coverage. They’re often called “free windshield replacement” states.
- Florida. State law says the comprehensive deductible doesn’t apply to windshield damage (Fla. Stat. § 627.7288). The rule covers the windshield only, so side and rear windows may still be subject to your deductible.
- Kentucky. Comprehensive policies must cover glass-only claims with no deductible (KRS 304.20-060). That includes the windshield and your other vehicle glass.
- South Carolina. Your policy deductible doesn’t apply to automobile safety glass when you carry comprehensive coverage (S.C. Code § 38-77-280). In 2026, lawmakers considered a bill (H.4817) that would have allowed glass deductibles starting in 2027. It passed the House but stalled in the Senate, so the zero-deductible rule is still in place. If you live in South Carolina, it’s worth watching for future changes.
In these states, a covered windshield replacement should cost you nothing out of pocket. It’s still recorded as a comprehensive claim with your insurer.
States Where Insurers Must Offer No-Deductible Glass Coverage
A few more states don’t waive the deductible automatically, but they require insurers to give you the option. You have to choose it; it isn’t added on its own.
- Arizona. Insurers must offer, at your option, glass coverage with no deductible (A.R.S. § 20-264). With how common rock chips are on Arizona highways, it’s worth asking about.
- Connecticut. Comprehensive policies must include an option for no-deductible repair or replacement of safety glass (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-339).
- Minnesota. Insurers must provide no-deductible glass coverage at the policyholder’s option (Minn. Stat. § 65B.134).
Two other states have their own rules:
- Massachusetts. Glass is covered under comprehensive. Many insurers default to no glass deductible, but a separate glass deductible is allowed, so check your declarations page.
- New York. A $0 comprehensive deductible isn’t allowed, but insurers offer full glass coverage as an option, which removes the deductible for glass claims.
Everywhere else, whether you can get no-deductible glass coverage depends on your insurer. Many sell it as an add-on and some don’t, so ask your agent or check your insurer’s app.
State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage
Use this table as a quick reference. Laws change and policies differ, so confirm the details with your insurer.
| State | Glass deductible rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Alaska | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Arizona | Insurers must offer a $0-deductible glass option | Not automatic. Ask your insurer to add it. |
| Arkansas | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| California | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Colorado | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Connecticut | Insurers must offer a $0-deductible glass option | Not automatic. Ask your insurer to add it. |
| Delaware | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Florida | Deductible waived for windshields | $0 windshield replacement with comprehensive coverage. Side and rear glass may not be included. |
| Georgia | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Hawaii | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Idaho | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Illinois | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Indiana | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Iowa | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Kansas | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Kentucky | Deductible waived for glass | $0 glass repair or replacement with comprehensive coverage. |
| Louisiana | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Maine | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Maryland | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Massachusetts | Separate glass deductible allowed | Many policies default to a $0 glass deductible. Check your declarations page. |
| Michigan | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Minnesota | Insurers must offer a $0-deductible glass option | Not automatic. Ask your insurer to add it. |
| Mississippi | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Missouri | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Montana | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Nebraska | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Nevada | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| New Hampshire | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| New Jersey | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| New Mexico | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| New York | $0 comprehensive deductible not allowed | Full glass coverage is available as an option and removes the deductible for glass claims. |
| North Carolina | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| North Dakota | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Ohio | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Oklahoma | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Oregon | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Pennsylvania | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Rhode Island | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| South Carolina | Deductible waived for safety glass | $0 glass replacement with comprehensive coverage. A 2026 bill to change this stalled in the Senate. |
| South Dakota | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Tennessee | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Texas | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Utah | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Vermont | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Virginia | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Washington | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| West Virginia | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Wisconsin | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
| Wyoming | None | Covered under comprehensive. Your deductible applies unless you add full glass coverage. |
Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
Having coverage doesn’t always mean you should use it. Here’s how to decide.
When filing a claim makes sense
- The replacement costs more than your deductible. Windshields with cameras, rain sensors, heated glass or head-up displays often cost $600 to $1,500 or more.
- You have zero-deductible or full glass coverage. There’s little reason to pay yourself.
- Your car needs ADAS recalibration. Calibration often adds $150 to $400 or more to the bill. Here’s how insurance handles ADAS calibration.
- You want OEM glass. Some policies pay for original-manufacturer glass, especially on newer vehicles. Ask before the job is scheduled. (See OEM vs. OEE vs. aftermarket glass.)
When paying yourself may be better
- Your deductible is higher than the quote. If your deductible is $1,000 and the windshield costs $450, insurance won’t pay anything.
- It’s a small chip. Chip repair often costs $60 to $120, and many insurers waive the deductible for repairs anyway. Not sure which you need? Read repair vs. replacement.
- You’d rather keep a claim off your record. Glass damage is a comprehensive claim and usually affects rates less than an at-fault accident, but several claims in a short time can still affect your premium.
- You need it done fast. Skipping the claim can save a step or two.
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield costs $800, deductible is $250 | Insurance | You pay $250 instead of $800 |
| Windshield costs $300, deductible is $500 | Out of pocket | Insurance won’t pay anything |
| You have full glass or zero-deductible coverage | Insurance | No deductible |
| Your car needs ADAS recalibration | Usually insurance | Calibration raises the total cost |
| Small chip repair | Either | Often free through insurance and inexpensive in cash |
If you’re unsure, get a price first. Once you know the real cost, comparing it with your deductible usually makes the decision easy.
How to Check What Your Policy Covers
- Open your declarations page, the summary of your policy. It’s usually in your insurer’s app or online account.
- Look for comprehensive (sometimes called “other than collision”). If it isn’t listed, your own policy won’t pay for windshield damage.
- Check the deductible next to comprehensive, and look for a separate glass deductible or a full glass line.
- Ask about ADAS calibration and OEM glass before the work is scheduled.
- If anything is unclear, call your agent.
How to File a Windshield Insurance Claim
- Document the damage. Take photos and note when and where it happened.
- Contact your insurer by phone, app or online. Many insurers handle glass through a dedicated glass claims line. Be honest and specific about what happened.
- Choose a shop. Your insurer may recommend one, but in many states you have the right to choose your own.
- Ask about calibration if your car has lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking or similar features.
- Keep your paperwork, including the invoice and any calibration report.
Don’t wait too long. Small chips can spread into long cracks, especially with temperature swings, and a crack in your line of sight can get you a ticket in some states. Here are the cracked windshield laws by state. Hail damage? See when to repair, replace or file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does liability insurance cover windshield replacement?
No. Liability pays for damage you cause to others. To cover your own windshield, you need comprehensive coverage, or collision if the glass broke in a crash.
Which states have free windshield replacement?
Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina, for drivers who carry comprehensive coverage. In Florida, the rule applies to the windshield only.
Will a windshield claim raise my insurance rates?
Usually less than an at-fault accident, because glass damage is a comprehensive claim. Insurers set their own rules, though, and several claims in a short period can affect your premium. Your insurer can tell you how it treats glass claims.
Is windshield chip repair free with insurance?
Often. Many insurers waive the deductible for chip repair because fixing a chip is much cheaper than replacing the windshield later. Check your policy to be sure.
Does insurance cover ADAS calibration after windshield replacement?
Usually, when calibration is required as part of a covered replacement. Confirm before the work is done. Read more about ADAS calibration and insurance.
The Bottom Line
Whether insurance pays for your windshield comes down to two things: whether you carry comprehensive coverage and what your state requires. Drivers in Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina pay nothing for a covered windshield replacement. In Arizona, Connecticut and Minnesota you can choose no-deductible glass coverage, and in most other states you can add full glass coverage for a small cost.
Before you file, compare the real price of the job with your deductible.
