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