Get a quote
November 11, 2019

Does insurance cover windshield replacement?

You’re driving behind a truck on the highway and a rock hits your windshield. When you get home, you notice a crack in the glass. 

Do you need to get your windshield replaced or repaired—and does insurance cover cracked windshields?

Repairing versus replacing a windshield

Depending on the size of the crack, you might not need to repair your windshield at all. But not all cracks stay small forever—some could get worse over time. If the crack is impacting your line of sight—and your safety on the road—it might not be wise to wait and see if it spreads.

Repairing a cracked windshield

You might be able to repair your windshield, if:

  • The crack is 6 inches or smaller

  • There are 3 or fewer chips in the glass

  • The damage isn’t in front of a camera or sensor

Replacing a cracked windshield

You will probably have to replace your windshield, if:

  • The crack is 6 inches or larger

  • There are multiple chips in the glass

  • The damage is in your line of sight

Using Comprehensive and Collision to cover a cracked windshield

If you’re paying out of pocket, you’ll likely pay less if you repair your windshield instead of replacing it. But, if you are in a situation where you need to replace the glass, your car insurance might be able to help.

If you have Comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, it will cover windshield damage, regardless of whether you need the glass repaired or replaced. Comprehensive applies when the damage isn’t the result of an accident—like when a rock hits your windshield or someone damages it in an act of vandalism. These are called glass-only claims. 

If you’re in a car accident that damages your windshield in addition to other damages, repairing it would be covered instead by your Collision coverage, if you have it in your policy. 

Overall, repairing or replacing your windshield is likely to fall under your Comprehensive coverage in most cases.

If you use your Comprehensive to repair your windshield, you won’t need to pay the deductible. But, depending on your state, a deductible could apply if you need to completely replace your windshield. 

A deductible is the amount you’ll pay after you file a claim before your coverage kicks in to pay the rest. Deductibles are used per incident, not per policy period, and Comprehensive and Collision coverages each have a separate deductible.

If you’re not sure what car insurance coverages best fit your needs and situation, check out our How much coverage do you really need? blog post. 

How does Root handle windshield claims?

As you would for any other type of claim with us, you can use the Root app to file your glass claim—and even schedule a time for your windshield to be repaired or replaced. We partner with Safelite® Auto Glass for windshield and glass claims. 

We chose to partner with Safelite Auto Glass because of their strong commitment to customer service. Like us, Safelite will work hard to make sure you’re back on the road in no time.

At Root, we base your rate primarily on how you drive, not who you are. We believe better drivers deserve better rates. Fairness is at the root of who we are.

And since we only insure good drivers, our customers can save hundreds on their car insurance each year.

Related Posts

Happy young driver holds keys up in the air
Car insurance basics

October 04, 2019

Car insurance for teen drivers

Finding cheap insurance for teens is hard. Most traditional car insurance companies charge extremely high rates. But at Root, we use mobile technology through our app to base rates primarily on driving behavior—and that applies to teens, too. Read more

Car insurance FAQCar insurance coverageRenters insuranceClaimsTest driveReferralsContactInvestor relations
PressBlogTerms and conditionsPrivacy policyApp license agreementUGC privacy noticeWeather related eventsNon-weather emergenciesSitemapDo not sell or share my personal informationManage Cookies

Root Inc.

80 E. Rich Street

Suite 500

Columbus, OH 43215

Copyright ROOT 2024. ROOT is a registered servicemark of Root Insurance Company, Columbus, OH. Disclaimer for quotes: We reserve the right to refuse to quote any individual a premium rate for the insurance advertised herein. Disclaimer for coverage: Coverage is available in the event of a covered loss. Exclusions may apply. Not available in all states. Disclaimer for savings: Based on savings reported by actual customers who purchased a new Root policy between October 2019 - July 2020; changes in coverage levels not evaluated. For California residents: Telematics is not used and resulting represented savings are not applicable. Referral program not applicable. Roadside Assistance purchased as separate coverage. Visit joinroot.com/califaq for more information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.