Will Auto Insurance Replace Headlights?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Headlights and taillights can be damaged in accidents, storms, and other unexpected events. Whether auto insurance will pay to replace them depends on what caused the damage and which coverages you carry.

In general, insurance can cover headlight repairs or replacement when the damage happens in a covered loss—like a crash, vandalism, or hail damage. But it won’t pay for routine upkeep, old parts, or bulbs that simply burn out over time.

Here’s how coverage typically works and when it’s worth filing a claim.

1. Damage Cause Determines Coverage: Crashes typically fall under collision, while theft, vandalism, animals, and weather-related losses are usually comprehensive.
2. Wear And Tear Isn’t Insurable: Burnt-out bulbs, fogging, and aging lenses are considered maintenance—not claimable losses.
3. Deductibles Can Make Small Claims A Bad Deal: If repairs are near your deductible, paying out of pocket may be the smarter option.
4. Modern Headlights Can Be Costly: LED assemblies, sensors, and calibration can raise repair bills—get an estimate before deciding how to proceed.

When Auto Insurance Will Replace Headlights

Headlight damage is usually covered when it’s tied to a covered event and you have the right type of coverage. The key is matching the cause of damage to the coverage that applies.

Two important reminders:

• Liability coverage does not fix your car. It pays for damage you cause to others. If someone else damages your headlights, you’d typically pursue their liability insurance.
• Your policy pays to restore “pre-loss condition.” Insurers typically repair/replace what was damaged with like kind and quality parts (often aftermarket or recycled parts when available), unless your policy or state rules require otherwise.

When Headlight Replacement Is Not Covered

Most claims are denied for headlights when the issue is considered routine upkeep instead of sudden, accidental damage.

• Burnt-out bulbs or LEDs that stop working from age/use (maintenance)
• Fogging, yellowing, or oxidation from sun exposure and time (wear and tear)
• Loose wiring, normal electrical failures, or gradual deterioration not tied to a covered loss

This is why auto insurance generally won’t pay for regular and routine maintenance or normal wear and tear.

Which Coverage Pays For Headlight Damage?

To tell whether you’re covered, identify the loss type first, then match it to your coverage:

Liability Coverage: Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to other people’s property. If you’re at fault and damage someone else’s headlights, your insurer may pay to repair them (up to your property damage liability limit).

Collision Coverage: Collision coverage can pay to repair or replace your headlights when they’re damaged in a crash—whether you hit another vehicle or an object. You typically pay your collision deductible, and the insurer pays covered costs above that amount.

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage can apply when headlights are damaged by something other than a collision—like theft, vandalism, falling objects, storms, or animal-related damage. You typically pay your comprehensive deductible.

Is It Worth Filing A Claim For Headlight Replacement?

Even if headlights are covered, it’s not always smart to file a claim. The decision usually comes down to your deductible and the total repair bill.

• If the repair cost is close to (or below) your deductible: you’ll likely pay out of pocket anyway.
• If there’s more damage than just the light: a claim can make more sense because you usually pay a single deductible for covered repairs from the same incident.
• Consider future premiums: some claims can affect your rate at renewal. That’s one reason it’s smart to compare your out-of-pocket cost to the potential long-term impact before filing—see when it’s worth making a claim.

If you’re unsure, you can request a repair estimate first, then compare it to your deductible and claim strategy.

Related: if you do file a collision claim, the claim can affect your premium depending on fault, severity, and your insurer’s rules. Here’s a deeper look at how rates can change after a collision claim.

Are Headlights Covered Under A Car Warranty?

Sometimes. A car warranty may cover certain electrical failures or defective parts, but it usually won’t cover damage from an accident, road debris, or vandalism.

Also, many warranties treat bulbs as wear items. If your headlight fails because of a covered defect (not impact damage), the warranty may help—especially on newer vehicles or with extended coverage. Always review your warranty booklet for exclusions and “wear item” language.

Common Headlight And Taillight Damage Scenarios

Here are real-world examples of how claims often work:

• Another driver hits you: You typically file a claim through the other driver’s insurance for headlight/taillight damage if they’re at fault.
• You rear-end someone or hit an object: Your collision coverage generally applies to repair your headlights and any related body damage so the vehicle returns to pre-loss condition.
• Animal strike damages the front end: Many policies treat this as a comprehensive claim. Learn more about coverage details in our guide on hitting a deer or another animal.
• Someone steals or breaks a headlight assembly: This is commonly covered under comprehensive (subject to your deductible).
• You only have liability insurance: If you carry minimum coverage auto insurance (liability only), your policy usually won’t pay to fix your own headlights unless another driver’s insurance is responsible.

How To File A Headlight Damage Claim

1. Take photos immediately: capture the broken light, surrounding bumper/fender area, and any related damage.
2. Document the cause: police report (if required), incident details, and any witness info.
3. Prevent further damage: if the housing is open, moisture can damage electronics. Save receipts if you need a temporary cover or repair.
4. Get an estimate: modern headlight assemblies can include LEDs, sensors, and aiming systems, which can increase costs.
5. Ask about parts and calibration: confirm whether the repair includes headlight aiming/calibration when required.

Final Word On Auto Insurance Replacing Headlights

Auto insurance generally won’t pay for burnt-out bulbs, oxidation, or other wear-and-tear issues. But if your headlights or taillights are damaged in a covered event—like a collision, vandalism, theft, or hail—your policy may cover repairs under collision or comprehensive (or the at-fault driver’s liability coverage).

Before you file, compare the repair estimate to your deductible and think about whether a claim makes sense for your situation.

FAQs on Auto Insurance Replacing Headlights