Does Safelite waive the deductible?

Yes, you have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement if you use your comprehensive or collision coverage. Insurance companies often waive deductibles for minor windshield repairs however, and some states even require insurers to waive the deductible for both windshield replacements and repairs.

Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky waive deductibles... read full answer for windshield repair and replacement altogether. In Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New York car insurance companies are required by state law to offer full glass coverage. This is a policy add-on that allows drivers to have a glass repair deductible that is either $0 or lower than their comprehensive deductible.

Major Insurance Companies That Waive Windshield Deductibles

If you have to pay a glass deductible, then you should only file a claim if the cost of repairs or a full replacement is more than what you’re expected to pay out-of-pocket. Replacements can cost up to $400, so by filing a claim and only paying your deductible, you will usually save money.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to windshield insurance.

The states that offer free windshield replacement are Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina. In these states, insurance companies cannot charge a deductible when drivers with comprehensive coverage need to repair or replace their windshield.

Additionally, insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York are required to offer drivers the option of purchasing full glass coverage. This policy add-on allows drivers to have a specific glass repair deductible that is either $0 or lower than their comprehensive deductible.... read full answer

It should be noted that even though you don’t have to pay a full deductible for windshield repair or replacement in states that waive or reduce the deductible amount, the coverage itself is not free. In order for your insurer to cover the cost of fixing your windshield, you need to pay for comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events other than an accident, such as a natural disaster or vandalism. If the windshield damage is caused by an accident, then you can use your collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance to pay for repairs.

Yes, you should use insurance to repair or replace your windshield if it would cost more than your deductible to pay out of pocket for the work. If the deductible exceeds the repair or replacement cost, the insurer will not cover any of it and filing a claim would be pointless. A glass repair claim may cause your premium to increase slightly because of the cost to your insurer. But even if your rate does go up, it will only be by about 2%, compared to around 40% for an accident claim. ... read full answer

Glass damage is usually covered by comprehensive insurance, which pays for repairs after damage caused by something other than an accident, such as natural disasters or vandalism. Comprehensive coverage deductibles vary between policies, but they can range from $50 to $2,000. By comparison, fixing a windshield costs between $100 and $400, depending on the extent of the damage.

There are some instances when your glass deductible will be lower than your comprehensive deductible, too. In Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky, drivers cannot be charged a deductible for windshield repair or replacement. In Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York, drivers can choose a lower deductible specifically for glass repair. And some insurance companies, like Geico, will waive the deductible for windshield repair altogether regardless of where you live.

If you do use insurance to repair or replace your windshield, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Even a small chip can become more significant over time, so you should fix the damage before it becomes a safety hazard.