Does Erie Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Last Updated on January 9, 2026
Erie Insurance typically covers windshield repair and replacement when you carry comprehensive coverage (or collision coverage if the glass was damaged in a crash). In most cases, repairs come with little to no out-of-pocket cost, while replacements usually apply your deductible—unless a state rule or glass endorsement waives it.
Windshield damage is usually handled under comprehensive coverage, which is designed for non-collision losses like debris, weather, theft, and vandalism. If you’re unsure whether insurance should pay at all, start with this guide on whether car insurance replaces a windshield.
Below is how Erie glass claims generally work, when you may owe a deductible, and how to file a windshield claim without surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Erie Covers Windshield Replacement With the Right Coverage: Windshield claims are usually paid under comprehensive coverage, while crash-related glass damage may fall under collision.
- Deductibles Often Differ for Repair vs. Replacement: Repairs are commonly handled with little to no out-of-pocket cost, while replacements typically apply your deductible unless it’s waived.
- $0 Windshield Replacement Is Sometimes Possible: Certain states and optional glass endorsements can remove or reduce the deductible for covered windshield claims.
- Compare the Estimate to Your Deductible Before Filing: If the cost is close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may be simpler—especially for minor damage.
- Does Erie Cover Windshield Replacement?
- What Coverage Applies to Windshield Damage?
- Windshield Repair vs. Windshield Replacement
- You Need More Than Liability Insurance to File a Windshield Claim
- How to File a Windshield Claim With Erie
- When You May Pay $0 for Windshield Repair or Replacement
- Is It Worth Paying Out of Pocket?
- Final Word – Erie Windshield Replacement
- FAQs About Erie Windshield Replacement
Does Erie Cover Windshield Replacement?
Yes—Erie generally covers windshield replacement when you have full coverage car insurance, which typically includes both comprehensive and collision. Windshield damage caused by something other than a crash (like a rock chip or hail) is usually a comprehensive claim.
If the windshield was damaged in an accident, the claim may be handled under collision coverage instead. The coverage that applies depends on what caused the damage—not just the part that needs repairs.
Quick tip: If your vehicle has driver-assistance cameras or sensors, a windshield replacement may require recalibration. Ask the glass shop whether recalibration is required and whether it’s included in the claim estimate before you schedule service.
What Coverage Applies to Windshield Damage?
Most Erie windshield claims fall into one of these buckets. Use this table to quickly match the cause of damage to the coverage that usually applies.
| How the Windshield Was Damaged | Coverage That Usually Applies | What You Typically Pay | Common Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock/debris impact, falling object, hail, vandalism, theft-related damage | Comprehensive | Often $0 for repair; deductible usually applies for replacement unless waived | File a glass claim and schedule repair or replacement based on the technician’s recommendation |
| Single-vehicle crash (you hit something) or at-fault accident | Collision | Collision deductible usually applies | File through Erie and coordinate repairs with the shop |
| Another driver is at fault for a crash that breaks your windshield | At-fault driver’s liability or your collision coverage | If you use your own collision coverage, you may pay the deductible up front | Decide whether to file through Erie or the other driver’s insurer (more guidance here: should you file with your auto insurance or theirs) |
| Hit-and-run damage | Often comprehensive (if not crash-related) or collision (if crash-related) | Deductible depends on which coverage applies | File promptly and provide as many details/photos as possible |
Windshield Repair vs. Windshield Replacement
Erie generally treats windshield repairs and replacements differently. The glass shop will usually determine whether the damage can be safely repaired or whether the entire windshield must be replaced.
| Repair Is More Likely When… | Replacement Is More Likely When… |
|---|---|
| The damage is a small chip or short crack and hasn’t spread. | The crack is long, spreading, or has multiple branches. |
| The damage is not in the driver’s primary viewing area and isn’t near the edge. | The damage is in the driver’s line of sight, near the edge, or affects structural integrity. |
| The glass can be stabilized and restored to safe visibility. | The damage can’t be safely restored or would compromise windshield strength. |
From a cost standpoint, repairs are usually far less expensive than replacements, which is one reason many policies treat repairs more favorably (often with a waived deductible). Your declarations page and Erie claims team can confirm exactly how your glass coverage applies.
You Need More Than Liability Insurance to File a Windshield Claim
If you only carry liability insurance, your policy typically won’t pay to repair or replace your own windshield. Liability coverage is designed to pay for injuries and damage you cause to others, not damage to your own vehicle.
To have Erie pay for your windshield (outside of another driver’s at-fault liability coverage), your policy generally needs comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, or both.
How to File a Windshield Claim With Erie
Erie offers multiple ways to start a glass claim, including the ERIEGlass program. Erie also works with vendor partners (including Safelite Solutions), which can streamline scheduling and billing—learn how Safelite insurance coverage typically works with major carriers.
- Start the claim: For a glass-only claim, call ERIEGlass at (800) 552-3743 (available 24/7). If there’s other vehicle damage, you can also call Erie’s main claims line at (800) 367-3743 or file through your Erie account/app.
- Choose a repair shop: Use an ERIEGlass partner shop or select your own licensed glass shop. Ask how billing works and whether the shop can submit estimates and invoices directly.
- Confirm repair vs. replacement: If the windshield can be repaired safely, that’s often the simplest and fastest option.
- Ask about recalibration: If your vehicle has cameras/sensors, confirm whether recalibration is needed after replacement and whether it’s included in the estimate.
- Pay the deductible if required: If the claim is a replacement and your deductible applies, the shop will typically collect it at the time of service.
When You May Pay $0 for Windshield Repair or Replacement
Some drivers pay $0 out of pocket for windshield repairs and, in certain cases, replacements. This typically happens in one of two ways.
- State-specific deductible rules: A few states waive the comprehensive deductible for windshield damage (even for replacements). Details vary by state and policy—see the latest guidance on free windshield replacement.
- Optional glass endorsements: Erie may offer an optional glass add-on (often called full glass or full window glass coverage) that removes or reduces the deductible for covered glass claims. Availability varies by state—learn more about full glass coverage and how it’s commonly structured.
If you’re not sure which rule applies, check your declarations page for glass-specific language or endorsements, then confirm details with Erie claims before scheduling replacement.
Is It Worth Paying Out of Pocket?
Sometimes, paying out of pocket is the most practical option—especially when the windshield damage is minor and your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair. This guide explains when it makes sense to pay for vehicle repairs out of pocket.
Before you file, consider these two decision points:
- Compare the estimate to your deductible: If the repair or replacement cost is close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may avoid a claim record.
- Think about claim type and potential pricing impact: Many drivers worry about premium changes. Comprehensive claims often have different rating treatment than collision claims, but pricing rules vary by state and insurer—see whether comprehensive claims raise your rates and how costs can change after a collision claim.
Final Word – Erie Windshield Replacement
Erie generally covers windshield repair and replacement when you have comprehensive coverage (and may use collision coverage if the damage happened in a crash). Whether you pay a deductible depends on whether the glass can be repaired, your chosen deductible, your state rules, and any glass endorsements on the policy.
If you’re unsure what applies to your policy, contact Erie to confirm your coverage and the fastest way to start a glass claim.
