Imagine that you’re driving on the freeway and then a rock flies into your windshield, leaving a ding or crack. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this happens to many people every day, and it’s just one of several ways your front windscreen can sustain damage. If add full auto glass coverage to your auto insurance policy, you can get your windows replaced without having to pay a thing.
In most cases, this coverage pays for windshield repairs and replacement. In this case, you’d pay a deductible. But if you have it on your policy, you won’t need to pay a cent if you file a claim.
In this article:
- How it works
- Auto glass vs. comprehensive
- How much it costs
- States requirements
- Is this coverage worth it?
- Insurers offering glass coverage
- Do glass claims raise rates?
- Frequently asked questions
How Glass Coverage Works
Full auto glass is a type of coverage that replaces your vehicle’s glass without a deductible. This means you can file a claim to repair your windshield for free. To get it, you must add it separately to your policy, which would incur an extra cost to your monthly premium.
Without deductible-free coverage, your comprehensive or collision would pay to fix your car, depending on the situation. However, you’d need to pay a deductible. You also could end up paying for these expenses out of pocket. This would happen if the repair costs were less than the deductible. Glass insurance eliminates all of this because it would just take care of the entire claim.
What It Covers
Auto glass coverage pays for any damage to vehicle windows. This includes the following:
- Front Windshield or Windscreen
- Sunroof
- Passenger windows
- Back or rear window
What It Doesn’t Cover
If you break your windshield, either accidentally or intentionally, your auto glass coverage won’t pay to fix it it. Below are some situations that it won’t protect you from:
- Pouring freezing water on a hot windshield or vice versa
- Accidentally dropping something on your front windscreen
- Poor maintenance
Auto Glass vs. Comprehensive
Both auto glass and comprehensive coverage pay for damages to your car’s windows. However, each is slightly different. The latter pays for any windshield repairs in the event of a random disaster, but you must pay a deductible whenever you file a claim. On the other hand, the former repairs or replaces your vehicle windscreens free of charge.
Collision also pay to repair or replace your windshield if a crash with another object breaks it. But you’ll still need to pay a deductible. Auto glass covers both damages from a collision or a random event, such as hail.
How Much It Costs
Zero-deductible glass coverage is a separate add-on to your auto insurance policy. Adding it will result in slightly higher premiums each month. In general, it can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars. How much you end up paying depends on several factors, including:
- Where you live (i.e., state and city)
- The car you drive
- Your driving record
- Age
- Claim history
States That Require Free Glass Repair
Few states require that insurers offer the option of deductible-free glass repair. In fact, only a handful do. These states have enacted legislation that makes this coverage a requirement:
States That Require a Free Windshield Replacement
Other states require insurers to replace your windshield for free. This means that you won’t have to pay that pesky deductible if you file a comprehensive claim. Here are the states that require insurance companies to repair your car windows at no cost:
- Florida
- Kentucky
- South Carolina
You still need to have comprehensive on your policy to qualify for a free windshield replacement. The only cost your state waives is the deductible that goes along with your claim.
Is Auto-Glass Worth It?
Repairing your car’s front window can be expensive. Your deductible can also be costly, depending on how high you set it. For this reason, glass coverage is usually worth it. This is especially true if you’re at risk for damage because of dangers like hail, falling trees, or vandalism.
If your state already replaces windshields for free, then you wouldn’t need it. Also, you may not need it if you are at low risk for a broken window. The extra monthly cost will add up over time and, eventually, be more than your deductible would’ve been for a one-off claim. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh your risk for damage against the cost of extra coverage.
Insurers That Offer Auto Glass Coverage
Auto glass isn’t usually available unless your state requires it. If you live in a qualifying state, all of the major providers can provide it. Here are all of the top insurers that offer this coverage in qualifying states:
- AAA
- Allstate
- American Family
- Farmers
- GEICO
- Liberty Mutual
- Nationwide
- Progressive
- State Farm
- Travelers
- USAA
Will Filing a Glass Claim Affect My Rates?
In general, filing a glass claim shouldn’t affect your auto rates. However, if you have a track record of filing claims, you could see a bump in your premium. Also, if you were at fault in an accident, your rates are sure to go up. Be sure to check with your insurance company before you file if you’re worried about a potential rate increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is windshield replacement coverage worth it?
It’s worth it in most cases. If you’re at high risk for window damage because of weather, vandalism, or another cause, this coverage is a smart investment. However, you may not need it if you think your car’s protected. You’ll just need to decide whether you want to pay a deductible if you ever do need to file a claim.
Do I have to pay a deductible with total glass protection on my policy?
Auto glass pays to repair or replace your car’s windows deductible-free after a random disaster. This means you won’t need to pay any money to file a claim. However, you will need to pay extra each month for your premium. Be aware that it isn’t available in most states, but a few require insurers to offer it.
Does State Farm offer whole glass coverage?
Depending on your state, State Farm may offer it. Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York require all insurers to offer it. If you don’t live in these states, you won’t be able to get full glass protection from State Farm.
Does comprehensive cover side windows?
Yes, it will cover passenger windows as well as your windshield, sunroof, and any other glass your car has. Remember, it’ll only kick in if you get into a collision or have a random disaster damage your vehicle. If you break, crack, or shatter your windscreen intentionally or accidentally, your insurance won’t pay for it.
