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 windshield can sustain damage. If you have full glass coverage on your car 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.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about full glass coverage, including how it works and what it does and doesn’t cover. You’ll also learn about whether it’s right for you and how much it costs.
How Full Glass Coverage Works
Full glass is a type of coverage that replaces your vehicle windows without a deductible. This means you can file a claim to repair your windshield or other windows 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 you car, depending on the situation. However, you’d need to pay a deductible. You also could end up covering these expenses out of pocket. This would happen if the repair costs were less than the deductible. Full glass eliminates all of this because it would just take care of the entire claim.
What It Covers
Full glass coverage pays for any damage to your car’s windows. This includes the following:
- Windshield
- Sunroof
- Passenger windows
- Back window
There are many different reasons why your car’s windows could sustain damage. Glass coverage protects your windows from any damage-causing force that’s out of your control, including:
- Collisions with other cars or objects resulting in damage
- Hitting a deer or other animal
- Natural disasters
- Vandalism
- Vehicle theft
- Hail damage
- Flying objects
- Falling trees
What It Doesn’t Cover
Full glass protects you from damage out of your control. However, if you break your windshield, either accidentally or intentionally, your policy won’t cover 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 windshield
- Poor maintenance
Full Glass vs. Comprehensive
Both full glass and comprehensive pay for damages to your car’s windows. However, each is slightly different. The latter pays for any window repairs in the event of a random disaster, but you must pay a deductible whenever you file a claim. On the other hand, windshield replacement coverage repair or replaces your windows free of charge.
Collision also pay to repair or replace your windshield if a crash with another object causes any damage. But you’ll still need to pay a deductible. Full glass covers both damages from a collision or a random event, such as hail.
How Much Does It Cost?
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
If you feel like your rates are too high, you could always test the market. It’s a smart idea to compare quotes to find the best deal out there.
States That Require This Coverage
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 auto insurance companies to repair your 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.
Should I Get It?
Repairing your windshield or other windows can be expensive. Your deductible can also be costly, depending on how high you set it. For this reason, full 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 window damage. 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.
Which Companies Offer It?
Full 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 cvoverage 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 aren’t at high risk for damage. 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 full glass on my policy?
Full 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 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 full glass coverage cover side windows?
Yes, it will cover passenger windows. It also covers 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 damage your windows intentionally or accidentally, your insurance won’t pay for it.
