Do I Have to Pay a Deductible for Windshield Replacement?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

You might have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement—but not always. It depends on (1) which coverage applies, (2) the deductible you chose, (3) whether you bought glass coverage, and (4) where you live.

If you’re filing a windshield replacement insurance claim under physical damage coverage, you’ll usually pay your deductible first. But a few states waive glass deductibles by law, and some policies include optional “full glass” endorsements.

Below is a clear breakdown of when a deductible applies, when it may be waived, and how to decide whether insurance is worth using.

Most Replacements Follow Your Deductible: Windshield replacement is usually paid under comprehensive (or collision after a crash), and the deductible normally applies.
Some States Waive Glass Deductibles: A few states have laws that eliminate the deductible for certain windshield or safety glass claims when you have the right coverage.
Glass Endorsements Can Save You Money: Optional “full glass” coverage may reduce or remove your out-of-pocket cost—check your declarations page to confirm.
Compare Cost vs. Claim Impact: If the replacement cost is close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may be smarter than filing a claim.

Table Of Contents

Quick Answer: Do You Pay a Deductible for Windshield Replacement?
When a Windshield Deductible Usually Applies
When Your Windshield Deductible Might Be Waived
States With No-Deductible Windshield or Safety Glass Rules
States That Require Insurers to Offer Optional No-Deductible Glass Coverage
Should You File an Insurance Claim for Windshield Replacement?
Watch Out for “We’ll Waive Your Deductible” Promises
Insurer Rules Vary: Start Here
Final Word
FAQs on Windshield Replacement Deductibles

Quick Answer: Do You Pay a Deductible for Windshield Replacement?

Situation	Coverage That Usually Applies	Do You Pay a Deductible?	What to Do Next
Rock chip or crack from road debris	Comprehensive (most common)	Usually yes, unless your state/policy waives it	Ask your insurer if repair is $0 and whether replacement is subject to your comp deductible
Windshield damage from a crash	Collision (if you’re using your own policy)	Usually yes	Compare repair cost vs. collision deductible; consider claim impact
Windshield repair (chip fill) instead of replacement	Comprehensive	Often waived by insurers (policy-dependent)	Repair early to avoid a full replacement and possible ADAS calibration costs
You live in a state with glass deductible waiver laws	Comprehensive/physical damage (varies by state)	May be waived by law	Confirm eligibility and any policy requirements before scheduling
You added glass coverage/full glass endorsement	Comprehensive + glass endorsement	Often reduced or waived (endorsement-dependent)	Check your declarations page for “glass” or “full glass” language

Quick tip: Before you file a claim, check your declarations page for your comprehensive deductible and any “glass” endorsement—those two lines usually answer the deductible question immediately.

When a Windshield Deductible Usually Applies

In most states, windshield replacement is handled under the same rules as other physical damage claims. That means a deductible typically applies whenever you use:

Comprehensive coverage for non-collision damage (rocks, hail, vandalism, falling objects, animal-related damage, etc.).
Collision coverage for damage from a crash (for example, if a collision shattered the windshield and you’re using your own policy).

Most drivers choose deductibles like $250, $500, or $1,000 for physical damage coverages, but the “right” amount depends on your budget and how much you can comfortably pay on short notice.

When Your Windshield Deductible Might Be Waived

You may pay $0 out of pocket for windshield replacement in these common situations:

Your state waives glass deductibles by law. Some states require no deductible for certain glass claims when you have comprehensive coverage (see the state section below).
You bought glass coverage. Many insurers offer optional endorsements that reduce or waive the deductible for glass repair and/or replacement. Learn how this works in our guide to full glass coverage.
Your insurer waives the deductible for repairs. It’s common for insurers to encourage chip repairs by waiving the deductible for repairs (not always for replacements).

Important: “Waived” can mean different things. Some policies waive the deductible for repair only, while replacements still follow your comprehensive deductible.

States With No-Deductible Windshield or Safety Glass Rules

A handful of states have specific laws that can eliminate the deductible for certain glass claims (usually tied to comprehensive coverage). Here are widely-cited examples with primary-source links so you can verify details for your situation:

State	What the Rule Generally Does	Where to Confirm
Florida	Windshield damage may be covered under comprehensive without applying the deductible (windshield-specific).	Florida Statutes § 627.7288
Kentucky	Comprehensive coverage must provide complete coverage for certain safety glass/safety equipment claims without regard to a deductible (language and scope matter).	KY Rev. Stat. § 304.20-060
South Carolina	Deductibles may not apply to automobile safety glass under physical damage coverage (policy requirements apply).	SC Code § 38-77-280 and SC DOI FAQ

Rules and interpretations can vary by claim type and policy language, so it’s smart to confirm eligibility with your insurer before scheduling replacement.

States That Require Insurers to Offer Optional No-Deductible Glass Coverage

Some states don’t automatically waive your deductible—but they require insurers to offer an option that covers safety glass without a deductible if you elect it (and pay for it). Examples include:

Connecticut: Insurers must offer an option for complete safety glass coverage without regard to a deductible (CT Gen. Stat. § 38a-339).
Minnesota: Insurers must provide, at the option of the insured, complete safety glass coverage without regard to a deductible (MN Stat. § 65B.134).

If you’re not sure whether you have this option on your policy, ask your insurer: “Do I have a separate glass endorsement, and does it waive my deductible for replacement?”

Should You File an Insurance Claim for Windshield Replacement?

You’re not required to use insurance. In many cases, paying out of pocket is the better move—especially when your replacement cost is close to (or below) your deductible.

Use this quick decision guide:

If…	Then…	Usually Best Choice
Replacement cost is less than (or close to) your deductible	Your claim payout may be small or zero	Pay out of pocket
You have a $0 glass deductible by law or endorsement	Your out-of-pocket cost may be $0	Consider filing a claim
Damage is part of a larger covered loss (hail, vandalism, storm damage)	Bundling repairs may increase the value of filing	Compare total repairs vs. deductible
You’re worried about premiums at renewal	Some claims can affect future pricing (varies by insurer, state, and claim frequency)	Ask your insurer about rate impact first

If you want a deeper walkthrough, see our guide on whether to go through insurance to replace a windshield, plus what to know about whether windshield claims can raise your rates.

Watch Out for “We’ll Waive Your Deductible” Promises

Some glass shops advertise that they’ll “cover” or “waive” your deductible. In some states, that practice is restricted. For example, Minnesota law prohibits auto glass providers from waiving or paying an applicable insurance deductible in connection with a claim (MN Stat. § 325F.783).

If you see an offer like that, call your insurer first and ask what’s allowed in your state.

Insurer Rules Vary: Start Here

Even in the same state, deductible rules can vary by insurer, policy form, and endorsements. If you want insurer-specific information, start with these guides:

Final Word

You typically pay a deductible for windshield replacement when you file a comprehensive or collision claim. But deductible waivers exist—through certain state laws, optional no-deductible glass coverage, or insurer repair programs.

Before you file, get a written estimate, compare it to your deductible, and confirm whether your policy (or state rules) waives the deductible. Insurance rules vary by state and by carrier, so a quick call to your insurer can prevent surprises.

If you’re in a state with no-deductible rules, you may qualify for free windshield replacement—but always verify that your specific coverage meets the requirements.

FAQs on Windshield Replacement Deductibles

Is windshield replacement comprehensive or collision?

Most windshield damage (chips, cracks from debris, hail, vandalism) is typically handled under comprehensive coverage. If the windshield was damaged in a crash and you’re using your own policy, it may fall under collision coverage. The correct coverage depends on how the damage happened and your policy language.

Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield repair?

Often, no. Many insurers waive the deductible for small chip repairs to encourage quick fixes. Replacement is more likely to be subject to your comprehensive deductible unless your state or a glass endorsement removes it.

What is “full glass coverage,” and does it eliminate the deductible?

Full glass coverage is typically an optional endorsement that can reduce or waive your deductible for glass repair and/or replacement. Coverage details vary by insurer and state, so check your declarations page or ask your carrier whether the endorsement applies to replacement (not just repairs).

Which states waive windshield deductibles?

A small number of states have special glass rules that can eliminate the deductible for certain glass claims when you have the right coverage. The most reliable approach is to check your state’s statutes or insurance department guidance and confirm with your insurer before scheduling replacement.

Should I file a claim if the replacement cost is close to my deductible?

Usually not. If the replacement cost is near (or below) your deductible, the claim payout may be small or zero. In that case, paying out of pocket often makes more sense—especially if you want to avoid adding a claim to your record.

Can a windshield claim raise my insurance rates?

It can, depending on your insurer, state rules, and claim frequency. Collision claims are more likely to impact pricing than comprehensive glass claims, but repeated claims of any kind may matter at renewal. If you’re unsure, ask your insurer whether a glass-only claim is surchargeable in your state.

Do I get to choose the windshield shop?

In many states, you can choose your repair shop, though insurers may recommend preferred vendors or networks. Policies and state rules vary, so confirm whether you have any shop-choice protections and whether ADAS calibration is covered when required.