Does American Family Cover Windshield Replacement?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Windshield chips and cracks are frustrating, but American Family Insurance may cover the repair or replacement if you have the right coverage. In most cases, windshield claims are handled under comprehensive coverage, which is the same part of a policy that covers things like theft, vandalism, hail, and falling objects.
American Family typically helps pay for windshield replacements and repairs when the damage is a covered loss and your policy includes glass coverage through comprehensive (or another applicable coverage). Whether you pay anything out of pocket usually comes down to two things: whether the glass can be repaired vs. replaced and what deductible rules apply in your state and policy.
- Comprehensive Coverage Is the Key: American Family windshield repair or replacement is typically covered only when the policy includes comprehensive (or another applicable physical damage coverage).
- Repair vs. Replacement Changes Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: Windshield repairs are often deductible-free, while full replacements are more likely to trigger your deductible unless your policy or state rules waive it.
- Collision Claims Follow Different Rules: If windshield damage is tied to an at-fault crash, the claim may go through collision coverage and may be more likely to affect renewal pricing.
- Verify Glass and ADAS Details Before Scheduling: Confirm shop choice, deductible rules, and whether ADAS calibration is required so the repair is completed correctly and billed the right way.
- Yes, American Family Insurance Covers Windshield Repairs and Replacements
- How American Family Insurance Covers Windshield Repairs and Replacements
- Some Drivers Pay a $0 Deductible for Windshield Repairs and Replacements
- Call American Family Insurance to Verify Coverage
- Will Insurance Premiums Rise After a Windshield Replacement Claim?
- How to File an Auto Glass Claim with American Family Insurance
- Final Word on American Family Windshield Replacement
- FAQs on American Family Windshield Replacement
Yes, American Family Insurance Covers Windshield Repairs and Replacements
American Family Insurance, like most carriers, generally covers windshield repair or replacement when the damage is insured under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional and is commonly included as part of a full coverage car insurance policy.
In practical terms, comprehensive coverage can apply when your windshield is damaged by something other than a collision—like road debris, vandalism, severe weather, or a falling object.
American Family often treats repairs differently than replacements:
- Repairable chip: Many policies waive the deductible when the glass can be safely repaired.
- Full replacement: A deductible may apply unless your state law or policy endorsements make the deductible $0 for glass.
Quick tip: If the damage is a small chip, schedule a repair as soon as possible. Repairs are often deductible-free, and fixing a chip early can prevent it from spreading into a crack that requires a full replacement (which is more likely to trigger your deductible).
How American Family Insurance Covers Windshield Repairs and Replacements
Assuming the loss is covered and you have the right coverage on your policy, here’s how windshield claims usually break down.
| What Caused the Windshield Damage? | Coverage That Often Applies | What You May Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small chip or minor damage from road debris (repairable) | Comprehensive (glass repair) | Often $0 if the deductible is waived for repairs (varies by policy/state) |
| Crack or damage that cannot be safely repaired (replacement needed) | Comprehensive (glass replacement) | Often your comprehensive deductible, unless a state rule or endorsement makes it $0 |
| Another driver caused the damage (you’re not at fault) | The other driver’s property damage liability coverage (after you file a claim with them) | Often $0 to you, though the other insurer’s process and investigation can affect timing |
| You damaged the windshield in a collision or crash you caused | Collision coverage (if you carry it) | Usually your collision deductible; this can include a single-vehicle accident |
If you only carry basic liability coverage, your policy typically won’t pay to fix your own windshield damage. Liability coverage is designed to pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others—not repairs to your own vehicle.
One more modern detail to keep in mind: many newer vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield. After a replacement, the vehicle may need ADAS calibration (camera/sensor recalibration) to restore features like lane-keeping or automatic braking. When the calibration is required because the glass was replaced for a covered loss, it’s often handled as part of the same claim—ask the shop and the insurer how it will be billed and approved.
Some Drivers Pay a $0 Deductible for Windshield Repairs and Replacements
Depending on where you live, state law may waive the deductible for windshield damage when you carry comprehensive coverage. Some drivers also get $0 deductible glass coverage by adding an endorsement to their policy.
For example, certain states are commonly known for allowing $0 deductible windshield repairs and replacements when you have comprehensive coverage, while other states allow (or require insurers to offer) optional glass coverage.
Another common option is full glass coverage. This endorsement is designed to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for windshield claims, depending on how your insurer writes the coverage and what your state allows.
Call American Family Insurance to Verify Coverage
Windshield coverage can be straightforward, but the details matter—especially deductibles, endorsements, and whether the damage qualifies for repair vs. replacement. If you’re unsure which coverage applies, contact American Family (or your agent) and ask:
- Whether the claim will be handled under comprehensive, collision, or another coverage
- Whether your deductible is waived for repairs and what triggers a deductible for replacement
- Whether ADAS calibration is required and how it will be covered or reimbursed
- Whether you can choose any glass shop and whether there are preferred vendors or pricing programs
In some situations, it may make sense to pay out of pocket—for example, when the replacement cost is close to (or below) your deductible, or when you want to avoid making a claim for a minor repair.
Will Insurance Premiums Rise After a Windshield Replacement Claim?
Windshield claims are often filed under comprehensive coverage, and comprehensive claims are generally less likely to impact premiums than at-fault collision claims. However, rating rules vary by state and insurer, and claim history can matter—especially if there are multiple claims in a short time period.
For a deeper explanation of how this typically works, see: do comprehensive claims raise your rates?
If the windshield damage is tied to an at-fault crash and is paid under collision coverage, it is more likely to affect what you pay at renewal. Learn more here: how much will your rates rise after a collision claim?
How to File an Auto Glass Claim with American Family Insurance
American Family has a glass repair program that works with Safelite, which can simplify scheduling and billing for many policyholders. You can start by reviewing American Family’s official glass claims page and beginning the process online here: Windshield Repair & Glass Claims.
In most cases, the process looks like this:
- Start the claim: Provide your policy details and the date the damage occurred.
- Confirm repair vs. replacement: The glass vendor will determine whether the windshield can be repaired or must be replaced based on safety standards and damage location.
- Schedule service: Many drivers can choose mobile service or in-shop repair, depending on location and the type of work needed.
- Ask about calibration: If your vehicle uses windshield-mounted sensors or cameras, confirm whether calibration is needed and how it will be handled.
If you prefer, you can often use a glass shop of your choice. Just confirm the claim will be covered, whether pre-approval is needed, and how billing/reimbursement works. For additional context on how glass vendors and insurance programs commonly work, see: Safelite’s Glass Repair Program.
Final Word on American Family Windshield Replacement
American Family Insurance can cover windshield repairs and replacements when the damage is from a covered loss and your policy includes the right coverage—most often comprehensive. Whether you pay a deductible depends on your policy terms, whether the glass can be repaired vs. replaced, and any state rules or glass endorsements that apply.
If you’re deciding whether to file a claim, compare the estimated cost of the repair or replacement to your deductible, and ask whether the deductible is waived for repairs. When you do file, confirm repair vs. replacement, scheduling options, and whether ADAS calibration is required for your vehicle.
