Will My Insurance Rates Increase After a Windshield Claim?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Filing a windshield claim can feel risky—especially if you’re worried your insurer will treat it like an “accident” and raise your premium at renewal.
The good news: most glass claims are treated as comprehensive claims (non-collision damage), and many drivers see little to no premium impact from a single repair or replacement. Still, underwriting rules and state laws vary, and repeated claims can matter.
- Most Glass Claims Are Comprehensive: Windshield damage is usually covered under comprehensive coverage, which is often treated more gently than collision claims.
- Frequency Matters More Than One Claim: A single repair or replacement may have little impact, but multiple glass/comprehensive claims can affect discounts, renewal, or pricing.
- Replacement Can Be More Complex Than It Used to Be: ADAS cameras and sensors may require calibration after replacement—ask what’s included and what your policy covers.
- Compare Deductible vs Cash Price: If your deductible is close to the repair/replacement cost, paying out of pocket may help you preserve discounts and keep your claims history cleaner.
- Most Windshield Claims Are Comprehensive
- When a Windshield Claim Can Raise Your Rates
- Windshield Repair vs Replacement
- Deductibles and Glass Coverage Options
- States With No-Deductible Glass Laws
- Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
- Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Filing
- Final Word
- FAQs on Windshield Claims and Insurance Rates
Most Windshield Claims Are Comprehensive
Windshield damage is usually covered under comprehensive coverage when it’s caused by something other than a crash—like a rock chip, hail, vandalism, or a falling object. Collision coverage typically applies when glass damage is tied to a crash (for example, after you hit another vehicle or object).
If you’re not sure how your policy treats glass, this guide on windshield replacement coverage breaks down what carriers commonly pay for (and when).
| Claim Type | Common Windshield Scenarios | Deductible Notes | Chance Of Rate Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive (Glass) | Rock chips, hail, vandalism, falling objects | Varies by policy; repairs may be covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost | Often low for a single claim, higher if claims are frequent |
| Collision | Damage tied to a crash (hitting a vehicle/object) | Collision deductible typically applies | Higher—especially if you’re at fault |
Important: even a comprehensive claim can show up in your claims history reports used for underwriting (such as CLUE). That doesn’t guarantee a surcharge, but it can influence eligibility, discounts, or renewal decisions depending on the insurer.
When a Windshield Claim Can Raise Your Rates
Insurers price policies based on risk and expected future losses. A single glass claim is often treated differently than an at-fault crash, but there are situations where your premium could change:
- The claim is tied to a collision: If windshield damage is part of an accident, it may be handled under collision coverage. Collision claims—especially at-fault—are more likely to affect premiums. (Related: what happens after a collision claim.)
- You file multiple glass or comprehensive claims in a short window: Frequency can matter even if each incident is “not your fault.”
- The payout is significant due to modern vehicle tech: Newer windshields may involve sensors and camera systems (ADAS) that require calibration after replacement, increasing claim severity.
- You’re already losing a claim-free discount: Sometimes the “increase” you notice is a discount falling off rather than a surcharge.
- Carrier or state rules allow broader rating for claims: Some states restrict certain surcharges, while other states allow more flexibility.
Why Repairs Are Often Treated More Favorably
From an insurer’s perspective, repairing a chip is usually cheaper than replacing the entire windshield—and it can prevent a larger loss later. That’s one reason many carriers encourage repairs and may cover them more generously than replacements.
Windshield Repair vs Replacement
Whether your premium changes often comes down to what work is needed and how your policy applies deductibles.
| Service | What Typically Happens | What To Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Chip/crack is filled and stabilized | Confirm whether a deductible applies and whether the repair is reported as a claim in your history |
| Replacement | Full windshield is replaced | Ask about OEM vs aftermarket glass, warranties, and whether ADAS calibration is included |
Quick tip: If your vehicle has lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, or a forward camera near the rearview mirror, ask whether the quote includes ADAS calibration after replacement (and whether your policy covers it).
Deductibles and Glass Coverage Options
With comprehensive coverage, your deductible often determines whether filing a claim makes financial sense. If your deductible is close to the repair/replacement price, you may not save much by filing.
Some insurers also offer optional endorsements that reduce or waive glass deductibles—sometimes called full glass coverage. Availability and terms vary by insurer and state.
States With No-Deductible Glass Laws
A few states have laws that waive deductibles for certain glass claims. These rules typically affect your out-of-pocket cost—not necessarily whether a claim can influence underwriting—so it’s still smart to ask your carrier how glass claims are treated at renewal.
| State | What The Rule Generally Does | Where To Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Deductible does not apply to windshield damage under comprehensive coverage | Florida Statutes (Section 627.7288) |
| South Carolina | Deductible does not apply to automobile safety glass | SC Department of Insurance FAQ |
| Kentucky | For “motor vehicle glass only” claims under comprehensive/other-than-collision coverage, coverage applies without a deductible; includes ADAS calibration language | Kentucky Revised Statutes (304.20-060) |
Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A simple way to decide is to compare:
- Your immediate savings: (Repair/replacement cost) minus (your deductible)
- Potential downstream costs: losing a claim-free discount, having another claim on your record, or a higher renewal premium
This walkthrough can help you run the math: should you go through insurance to replace a windshield?
Quick tip: If your deductible is higher than (or close to) the cash price, consider paying out of pocket—especially if you’ve had other claims recently or you’re trying to keep a claim-free discount.
Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Filing
If you’re on the fence, call your insurer (or agent) and ask questions like these. You’re looking for policy-specific answers, not generalities:
- Will this be processed as comprehensive glass, collision, or “incident only”?
- Does a deductible apply for repair vs replacement?
- Could I lose a discount at renewal because of this claim?
- Do you cover OEM glass (or only aftermarket) and under what conditions?
- Is ADAS calibration covered after replacement?
- Can I choose my repair shop, and are there warranty differences if I use a network shop?
Final Word
Your insurance rate can change after any claim, but many drivers don’t see a meaningful increase from a single comprehensive windshield claim—especially if it’s a repair. The biggest red flags are collision-related glass damage and repeated claims in a short period.
Because state rules and insurer practices vary, the most reliable way to avoid surprises is to confirm how your carrier handles glass claims, deductibles, discounts, and renewal underwriting before you file.
