Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement?
For a replacement, usually yes; for a chip repair, often not. Michigan, Indiana and Illinois have no zero-deductible glass law (only Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina require that). Glass damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible. Many carriers waive the deductible for a chip repair; a replacement is usually subject to it.
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Common deductible amounts
Glass deductibles are commonly $100, $250, $500 or $1,000, depending on the policy. Some policies add full glass coverage that lowers or removes the deductible for glass; it is listed on your policy's declarations page.
How we handle the claim
We confirm your coverage, open the claim and bill the carrier directly, and file the glass claim for you at no charge; you pay only what your policy says you owe. In Michigan, Indiana and Illinois the choice of glass shop is yours, not the insurer's.
If the deductible is more than the job
If your deductible is higher than the cost of the work, paying yourself can make more sense than a claim. We quote the exact price for your VIN before anything is ordered, so you can compare.
Can the deductible be waived in Michigan?
Michigan, Indiana and Illinois do not have a law that requires insurers to replace windshields with no deductible. Whether you pay one depends on your policy: if you have full glass coverage or a $0 glass deductible, replacement can cost you nothing; otherwise your comprehensive deductible applies. A shop can't make a deductible disappear — be careful with offers that promise to. Many insurers do waive the deductible for chip repair.
What does full glass coverage mean?
Full glass coverage is an option on some auto policies that pays for glass repair or replacement with no deductible. If you're not sure whether you have it, we can check with your insurer when you call.
What is glass deductible buyback?
Some insurers sell an add-on that lowers or removes your deductible for glass claims only. It's usually called glass coverage, full glass or deductible buyback, depending on the insurer.
Should I use insurance to replace my windshield?
If your deductible is close to or higher than the price of the job, paying out of pocket can make more sense — see the typical ranges on our pricing page. If you have full glass coverage or a low deductible, filing usually saves you money. How a glass claim affects your policy depends on your insurer, so ask your agent if you're unsure. We file the claim for you either way.
Chip or crack: how the claim differs
Small chips: a repairable chip is usually filed as a repair claim, and many insurers waive the deductible for it, so a chip repaired early often costs you nothing.
Cracked windshields: once a crack is too long to repair, the windshield is replaced and your comprehensive deductible usually applies.
Chip or crack, the auto glass claim works the same way: we confirm your coverage, file the windshield claim with your insurer and bill them directly. To keep a chip from becoming a crack, see how to stop a windshield crack from spreading.
Questions about windshield deductibles
Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement in Michigan?
Usually, yes. Michigan has no zero-deductible glass law. Glass damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible; many carriers waive it for a chip repair.
Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement in Indiana?
Usually, yes. Indiana has no zero-deductible glass law. Glass damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible; many carriers waive it for a chip repair.
Do I have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement in Illinois?
Usually, yes. Illinois has no zero-deductible glass law. Glass damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible; many carriers waive it for a chip repair.
Can my insurer make me use a particular glass shop?
No. In Michigan, Indiana and Illinois the choice of glass shop is yours, not the insurer's.
Can a windshield deductible be waived in Michigan?
Michigan, Indiana and Illinois do not have a law that requires insurers to replace windshields with no deductible. Whether you pay one depends on your policy: if you have full glass coverage or a $0 glass deductible, replacement can cost you nothing; otherwise your comprehensive deductible applies. A shop can't make a deductible disappear — be careful with offers that promise to. Many insurers do waive the deductible for chip repair.
Does full coverage insurance cover windshield replacement?
If "full coverage" includes comprehensive, windshield damage is usually covered after your comprehensive deductible, or with no deductible if you have full glass coverage. Full glass coverage is an option on some auto policies that pays for glass repair or replacement with no deductible.
What is glass deductible buyback?
Some insurers sell an add-on that lowers or removes your deductible for glass claims only. It's usually called glass coverage, full glass or deductible buyback, depending on the insurer.
Should I use insurance to replace my windshield?
If your deductible is close to or higher than the price of the job, paying out of pocket can make more sense — see the typical ranges on our pricing page. If you have full glass coverage or a low deductible, filing usually saves you money. How a glass claim affects your policy depends on your insurer, so ask your agent if you're unsure. We file the claim for you either way.
Not sure what you will owe?
We check your coverage before any work starts and file the claim for you.