What states offer free windshield replacement?

Car insurance does cover windshield replacement if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance protects your car from damage caused by something other than a collision with another vehicle. It can help pay for windshield damage caused by tree branches falling, rocks or debris on the roadway while driving, acts of vandalism, and collisions with animals (like a deer).... read full answer

If your windshield was damaged in a car accident and the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance should pay for your windshield repair or replacement. If you are at fault in the accident, you will have to file a claim under collision insurance, which covers the damage after you pay your deductible.

Although comprehensive insurance usually has a deductible, too, some companies have a reduced or even $0 deductible for comprehensive windshield claims. Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Kentucky have laws requiring that comprehensive policies pay in full for windshield replacement. In Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota and New York, drivers have the ability to choose a lower or $0 deductible for glass claims when they set up their comprehensive policy. This lower deductible is different than the driver’s standard comprehensive deductible, which is usually $500 or $1,000.

Windshield damage might not cost you anything if you have comprehensive coverage, but you should check with your insurer about your policy details. Windshield repair and replacement is usually affordable, so the cost might be less than your deductible. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to file a claim anyway. If the cost is just over that of your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim and paying higher premiums over time in order to save on windshield replacement right now.

Yes, windshield repair claims affect insurance in most states, though the rate increase is usually small because windshield repair claims are not related to the policyholder’s driving. Insurance companies generally raise rates after windshield repair claims in order to recoup the cost of the claim.

However, it’s worth noting that insurance companies in California and Oklahoma are not allowed to raise premiums for a not-at-fault claim. Insurance companies react differently to claims, too, so whether your rate changes could depend on your particular insurer. ... read full answer

In short, whether windshield repair claims affects your insurance will ultimately depend on the company and your state laws.