Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Yes, auto insurance typically covers windshield replacement if you carry comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from events other than collisions, including road debris, hail, and vandalism. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible amount, but several states have special glass coverage laws that can reduce or eliminate your deductible entirely. Colorado requires insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage under CRS 10-4-613, meaning most Colorado drivers pay $0 for a full windshield replacement. Glass-only claims do not raise your insurance premiums in the vast majority of cases. ADAS calibration is also covered as part of the windshield replacement claim when your vehicle requires it.

Windshield damage is one of the most common auto insurance claims in the country. A rock kicked up on the highway, a hailstorm, or even a temperature swing can crack your windshield with no warning. The good news is that most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement. The key question is how much you will pay out of pocket.

Comprehensive Coverage Is the Key

Windshield replacement is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy -- not collision. Comprehensive covers damage caused by events other than a crash: hail, falling objects, theft, vandalism, and road debris. If you carry comprehensive coverage (also called “other than collision” coverage), your windshield replacement is almost certainly covered.

If you only carry liability insurance (the legal minimum in most states), windshield replacement is not covered. You would need to pay the full cost out of pocket.

How Deductibles Work for Glass Claims

Your comprehensive deductible determines what you pay out of pocket. Common deductible amounts are $100, $250, $500, and $1,000. If your windshield replacement costs $450 and your deductible is $500, insurance would not cover any of it because the cost is below the deductible. This is why deductible amounts matter significantly for glass claims.

However, several states have special glass coverage laws that override your standard deductible.

States with Special Glass Coverage Laws

Several states require insurers to offer or include zero-deductible glass coverage:

• Colorado: CRS 10-4-613 requires insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage. See our Colorado guide
• Florida: Zero-deductible windshield replacement is included with all comprehensive policies
• Arizona: Insurers must offer optional zero-deductible glass coverage
• Kentucky: No deductible can be applied to glass repair or replacement
• South Carolina: Insurers must offer zero-deductible glass coverage option
• Massachusetts: Glass claims have a separate, lower deductible ($100 max in most policies)

If you live in one of these states, check your policy -- you may already have zero-deductible glass coverage without realizing it.

Will a Windshield Claim Raise My Rates?

This is one of the most common concerns, and the answer is reassuring: in the vast majority of cases, a glass-only claim will not raise your premiums. Most insurers treat windshield claims as a no-fault event. Colorado, Florida, and several other states have laws explicitly prohibiting rate increases for glass-only claims.

That said, if you file multiple comprehensive claims in a short period (glass plus theft plus hail, for example), your insurer may consider the overall claims history at renewal time. A single glass claim on its own is virtually never a problem.

Repair vs Replacement Coverage

Almost every insurance company covers windshield chip repairs at zero deductible, even if you do not have special glass coverage. Insurers prefer to pay $50 to $100 for a chip repair rather than $300 to $800 for a full replacement later. If you have a small chip (smaller than a quarter), call your insurer about repair before it spreads into a crack.

Does Insurance Cover ADAS Calibration?

Yes. ADAS calibration is considered a necessary part of windshield replacement for vehicles equipped with forward-facing cameras. When you file an insurance claim for windshield replacement, the calibration charge ($150 to $500) is included in the claim. Some insurers have been slow to accept calibration charges, but industry standards and OEM requirements have established it as standard practice.

How to File a Windshield Insurance Claim

The process is straightforward:

1. Call your insurer (the number on your insurance card) and tell them you need a windshield replacement. Ask about your glass coverage and deductible.
2. Get a claim number. Your insurer will open a claim and give you a reference number.
3. Choose your installer. You have the legal right to choose any auto glass company -- you are not required to use your insurer's preferred vendor.
4. Provide the claim number to your installer. The glass company will bill your insurance directly. You pay only your deductible (if any) at the time of service.

Most glass companies can also file the claim for you. When you call to schedule, give them your insurance information and they will handle the paperwork.

When to Skip Insurance

There are situations where paying cash may make more sense than filing a claim:

• Your deductible is higher than the replacement cost (for example, $500 deductible on a $400 replacement)
• You have already filed multiple comprehensive claims recently
• Your vehicle is older and the replacement cost is low enough to pay comfortably out of pocket

For tips on getting the best price when paying cash, see our guide on how to save money on windshield replacement.

Check Your Coverage Now

The best time to find out what your insurance covers is before you need it. Pull out your insurance card, call the number on the back, and ask two questions: “Do I have comprehensive coverage?” and “Do I have zero-deductible glass coverage?” It takes two minutes and can save you hundreds. For a detailed overview of Colorado-specific coverage, visit our insurance coverage guide.