Cracked windshields can not only pose a danger while driving but also be expensive to repair or replace. Fortunately, if you have the right kind of car insurance, it can help pay to repair or replace a cracked windshield under certain circumstances. You'll often need comprehensive insurance or separate glass coverage for a cracked windshield.
If you're in need of cracked windshield auto coverage, a local independent insurance agent can help you. They'll get you set up with all the types of auto insurance you need to complete your policy. But first, here's a breakdown of when and how auto insurance covers cracked windshields.
Key Takeaways - Does Car Insurance Cover a Cracked Windshield?
Cracked windshields can be covered by comprehensive, collision, or glass coverage, depending on the incident.
Your personal liability coverage won't cover a cracked or broken windshield.
The average cost of windshield replacements is $450, though costs vary depending on the type of vehicle you own.
Adding glass coverage to your auto policy is often highly affordable and may even have a zero deductible.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can shop and compare glass coverage quotes and options from multiple carriers near you to find the best deal.
Are Cracked Windshields Covered by Car Insurance?
Yes, but only if you have the right kind of car insurance, meaning comprehensive coverage or standalone glass coverage. If you have liability-only car insurance, also known as minimum coverage, your auto policy won't cover a cracked or broken windshield. Liability auto insurance only covers damage that you cause to third parties and their property.
There are three types of optional coverage that could cover damage to your windshield:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Glass coverage
Whether or not your car’s windshield and windows are covered by comprehensive and collision coverage varies by carrier. Collision coverage would only pay to repair or replace your windshield if it were damaged in a collision event with another vehicle or object.
You may need to buy a special windshield glass coverage add-on to ensure your windshield is protected. A local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the right windshield insurance coverage, including comprehensive coverage for windshields and glass coverage for car insurance.
What Type of Car Insurance Covers a Cracked Windshield?
Typically, only comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, or glass coverage will pay for a cracked windshield. In most auto policies, the three main types of car insurance are liability, collision, and comprehensive.
- Liability coverage: Pays for damage you cause to other people, vehicles, or property.
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your car from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your car due to a non-collision event, such as a flood or theft.
Collision will cover your car’s windshield if it gets cracked in an accident. Comprehensive coverage will pay for your cracked windshield if it's damaged by a non-collision event, such as a hail storm or vandalism.
Sometimes, however, glass is excluded from your collision and comprehensive coverage, as stated explicitly in your policy. If glass breakage is not covered by comprehensive and collision insurance, you’ll need to buy special glass coverage. The table below compares when and how auto insurance covers cracked windshields.
| Coverage Type | Covers Glass Damage? |
|---|---|
| Personal Liability | No |
| Collision | Yes, if damaged in an accident |
| Comprehensive | Yes, if damaged by a non-collision event |
| Glass Add-On | Yes, usually with a $0 deductible |
So, does liability insurance cover windshield damage? Your personal liability insurance only covers injuries and damage to third parties and their property when you're at fault.
However, if you're involved in an accident with an at-fault driver, their liability coverage could help pay to repair your cracked windshield if it was damaged by the collision. You can ask your independent insurance agent for more information about your glass coverage, including your car insurance windshield deductible, if applicable.
How Much Does Windshield Replacement Cost with Insurance in 2026?
The national average cost of windshield replacements in 2026 is $450. The typical cost range is $250-$500 for a sedan, $350-$700 for an SUV, and $500-$1,500 for an electric vehicle (EV) or a luxury vehicle. Newer vehicles that require ADAS calibration with windshield replacement insurance add an extra $150-$600 per incident.
If your auto policy's deductible exceeds $1,000, paying out of pocket is often a better choice than filing a claim for a cracked windshield. You're responsible for paying your deductible out of your own pocket before receiving any compensation from your insurance company.
Special glass coverage works differently than comprehensive and collision coverage. Glass coverage usually has no deductible, and its limit is a set amount designed to cover the cost of your windshield and windows. The absence of a deductible is a great reason to have glass coverage.
In short, your car insurance will cover the cost of windshield repairs or replacement minus the deductible up to the coverage limit. The extent of your coverage depends on your specific policy, which an independent insurance agent can review with you.
Windshield Repair vs. Replacement: What Your Insurance Covers
Windshield chip repair with insurance coverage typically costs about $165 if the chip or crack is less than six inches long. Most insurers waive your deductible for repairs under this threshold. However, full replacements can cost hundreds of dollars or more than $1,000. Windshields with cracks or chips longer than six inches often require a full replacement.
States with Free Windshield Replacement Laws in 2026
In certain states, including Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, insurers are not permitted to apply a deductible to windshield-replacement claims. Other states, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, and Arizona, require insurers to offer a zero-deductible option for windshield replacement coverage, which can be added to your auto policy for an extra cost. These zero-deductible laws apply only to policyholders with comprehensive coverage.
Will Filing a Windshield Claim Raise Your Insurance Rates?
Not usually. Comprehensive glass claims are typically considered no-fault by insurers and thus do not raise your premiums. There are certain exceptions, though, such as if you file multiple claims within a short period. This can trigger your insurer to flag your account as high-risk, and possibly even to non-renew your policy.
Additionally, certain states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, have laws that prohibit premium rate increases for zero-deductible glass claims. How your windshield glass coverage add-on works can depend on your location. Ask your independent insurance agent to help review your state's laws and whether your auto policy may incur a rate increase after filing a glass claim.
How to File a Windshield Insurance Claim
Follow these easy steps if you need to file a car insurance claim for a damaged or broken windshield:
- Document the damage with photos.
- Check your policy's declarations page to confirm whether you have windshield coverage and, if so, your deductible amount.
- Call your car insurance company or independent insurance agent to report the claim, or file online.
- File a police report ASAP if a vandalism crime occurred.
- Choose an approved auto body shop from your insurance company's list to schedule your repairs and save all receipts.
Your independent insurance agent can help file auto glass claims for you and walk you through the entire process.
What to Do If Your Car Insurance Does Not Cover a Cracked Windshield
Separate glass coverage typically only adds about $10-$30 per year to your auto policy's premium and has no deductible. If your windshield damage cost is less than $100 or less than your policy's deductible, then you'll need to pay out of pocket for the repairs.
It's also important to consider original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket windshields. While OEM windshields ensure ADAS compatibility in newer vehicles equipped with these features, aftermarket windows still meet federal safety standards at a lower cost. You can ask your independent insurance agent for more information about OEM vs. aftermarket windshield insurance.
FAQs About Cracked Windshield Insurance Coverage
Does comprehensive coverage pay for a cracked windshield?
Yes, comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage from non-collision events, including hail, falling objects, road debris, vandalism, and animal strikes. A deductible may apply unless you're located in a zero-deductible state or have separate glass coverage.
What is the deductible for a windshield claim?
It varies from $0 to $2,000 depending on your policy. Several states (i.e., FL, KY, SC, MA, MN, NY, and CT) waive it entirely for comprehensive claims. Glass coverage add-ons typically carry a $0 deductible.
Does car insurance cover a cracked windshield from a rock?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, road debris is a covered peril. If the crack is less than 6 inches long, most insurers will pay to repair it without applying the deductible.
Will a windshield claim increase my insurance premium?
In most cases, no. Comprehensive glass claims are often considered no-fault and typically do not trigger a rate increase from your insurer. However, filing multiple claims within a year may cause your rates to increase. Always confirm with an independent insurance agent before filing.
Can I choose my own shop for windshield replacement?
Usually yes, but some insurers have preferred networks (e.g., Safelite). Confirm with your insurer before scheduling. Independent insurance agents can also clarify preferred-shop requirements before a claim is filed.
Does insurance cover ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement?
Yes, many comprehensive policies cover ADAS calibration as part of a glass claim. Additional costs range from $150 to $600 depending on whether static, dynamic, or dual calibration is required. Confirm the potential additional cost and coverage before scheduling, as not all policies include them automatically.
What if I only have liability insurance and my windshield cracks?
Liability-only coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. You would need to pay out of pocket or add comprehensive or a glass coverage add-on. An independent insurance agent can help you add the right coverage before your next renewal.
How long does a windshield replacement take?
Most standard replacements take one to two hours. Typical adhesive cure time is approximately one hour before driving, though some urethane bonds require longer. ADAS calibration, whether static or dynamic, may add additional time depending on the vehicle.
Work With an Independent Insurance Agent to Get the Right Glass Coverage
When you're ready to get set up with the right windshield coverage under your auto insurance, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. These agents have access to multiple insurance companies in your area, so they're free to shop and compare quotes and policy options for glass coverage for you to find the best deal. And down the road, your agent can even help you file cracked windshield car insurance claims if the time comes.
Sources
https://www.glassandauto.com/cost-guides/windshield-replacement-cost#cost-breakdown
https://www.valuepenguin.com/does-car-insurance-cover-windshield-replacement