While the federal government sets some laws and regulations regarding windshield replacement and vehicles in general, most decisions are left for states to decide. There are no laws that dictate how insurance companies must handle windshield repairs and replacements in most states. However, Kentucky and South Carolina are two of the five states referred to as “zero-deductible states.” 

What is a Zero Deductible State?

When purchasing a comprehensive auto policy, there is always an accompanying ‘deductible.’ (To learn more about deductibles, click here). However, states with zero-deductible windshield, such as Kentucky and South Carolina, require insurance companies to waive the deductible on windshield replacements. Unlike mandates in Massachusetts and Florida exclusively covering windshields, South Carolina and Kentucky companies must cover all automobile glass.

What if I don’t have comprehensive coverage?

According to state legislation, these deductible provisions apply only to those with comprehensive coverage. This means that for those with state-minimum or only collision coverage, this legislation would not apply.

What if I don’t live in a zero-deductible state?

Despite many states not requiring insurance companies to waive deductibles for windshield replacements or repair, some have implemented them anyway. For Geico’s comprehensive policyholders, chips smaller than a quarter or cracks smaller than a dollar bill can be repaired for free with no deductible. This list has continued to grow over the years, as windshield replacements continue to rise in price, and fixing damage early can save a big headache and a large chunk of change. 

Click here to learn more about how large insurance companies handle windshield damage and repairs.

If you are unsure whether this applies to you, reach out to your insurance agent.

Regardless of your auto policy, it can be costly and dangerous not to repair your windshield if it has suffered damage. Use our instant quote tool to connect with one of our preferred providers and get back on the road safely today!

Why would they do this?

While those with older vehicles lacking any sort of ADAS, windshield replacements often fall within the range of $200-400. However, a Tesla Model X panoramic windshield can cost up to $2300 — quite the difference. With more and more vehicles implementing technology to improve safety via ADAS or other telematics, the average replacement and calibration cost continues to rise. 

Comprehensive policy holders facing a replacement cost of $400 and a deductible of $250 may choose to pay out of pocket, but technology in windshields becomes increasingly prevalent this scenario becomes much more infrequent. The Model X may seem like a drastic example, but even a 2020 Honda Civic can come with a $900+ price tag for a windshield replacement. A healthy chunk of this is not going towards the glass itself, but to the technology calibration, a vital procedure to ensure your safety features are in fact keeping you safer.  By choosing to be proactive and stop the damage before it spreads, windshield repairs can often be done for less than $150.

Does my windshield need replaced or can it be repaired?

There are many factors that determine whether a windshield needs to be replaced, or if it can simply be repaired. Most commonly, the factors include proximity to edge, size, quantity, and the damage’s impairment to the driver’s line of sight that dictate the outcome. Click here to learn more about when your windshield cannot be repaired and needs replaced.

Which companies offer this?

Here is a list of some major insurance companies, and their policies on waiving deductibles for windshield repairs. If your policy provider is not listed, they may still offer a waiver. Please consult your policy or contact your insurance agent to have any questions answered.

Regardless of your auto policy, it can be costly and dangerous to not repair your windshield if it has suffered damage. Use our instant quote tool to connect with one of our preferred providers and get back on the road safely today.

For many car owners, navigating the world of auto insurance policies, coverage needed, and deductibles can be a daunting and frustrating experience. While there are hundreds (if not thousands) of different choices and options to choose from, the right choice often comes down to personal preference and individual needs. 

What’s the difference?

One of the most common questions we get regarding insurance, is ‘what is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage’? In the most simple terms, collision coverage covers damage that takes place during a collision (duh), and comprehensive policies provide coverage for incidents other than collisions. Most common instances of this would be fire damage, flooding, hail damage, tree branches, etc.  

What is covered by comprehensive insurance?

• Fire
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Natural disasters
• Damage done by animals

What does collision insurance cover?

• Collision with another vehicle
• Collision with an object (yes, the moving light pole that came out of nowhere counts)
• A single-car accident that involves rolling or falling over

Want help deciding whether to make a claim? Try out our Claim Calculator to get a recommendation.

What is required by law?

All 50 states have a state minimum requirement for auto insurance, however, that almost entirely consists of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. They’re just trying to be sure you can pay if you do damage to someone else. But what about your coverage? These minimums leave many additional decisions about your auto insurance coverage in your hands. Collision, ride-sharing, or even sound system coverage are up to the discretion of the owner. While the intricacies of the auto insurance world can be confusing at first, it allows vehicle owners to find a policy that works best for their individual needs.

*Note: Many leasing companies often require comprehensive coverage of their vehicles

This post is designed to help you begin to understand the differences between insurance policies but is not meant to be a substitute for a licensed insurance agent. If you have questions regarding your insurance policy, we highly recommend reaching out and speaking to your agent to further identify your needs and find a policy that works best for you.

Getting your windshield replaced can be an expensive ordeal. Thankfully, some states require insurers to offer “endorsements” on their auto insurance policies that take the sting out of your wallet. These coverage options guarantee that you’ll get your windshield replaced at no cost or for a lower-than-normal deductible. 

You’ll need to be sure that your policy has these endorsements in these states but it’s well worth checking. Here’s a breakdown of what each “endorsement” state offers:

Arizona (AZ)

There is an optional “full glass” or “safety equipment” coverage that you can purchase, which pays for windshield repairs with no deductible. [Source]

Connecticut (CT) 

Has an optional “Full Glass Coverage” option that covers broken safety glass (including windshields) with no deductible. [Source: Connecticut Insurance Department] 

Massachusetts (MA)

If you have comprehensive insurance, the repair/replace is either at no cost to you or there is a $100 deductible (only if you opted in to it), regardless of your normal comprehensive deductible. 

Minnesota (MN)

Insurance companies are required to offer optional Full Glass Replacement coverage; if you have this, there is no cost for you to repair or replace a windshield. [Source: Minnesota Statute]

New York (NY)

Insurers may offer policies with no deductible for glass. [Source: State of New York Insurance Department]