Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover Cracked Windshields?

If you live in California and your windshield gets cracked, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Will my insurance pay for it? The short answer is — yes, in most cases. But there are a few important things you need to know about how comprehensive auto insurance works in California, especially when it comes to windshield repair and replacement.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

What comprehensive insurance actually covers
How deductibles apply to windshield damage
The difference between repair and replacement coverage
How major insurers handle windshield claims in California
How to avoid paying a deductible on your glass repair

What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Comprehensive coverage is a part of your car insurance policy that protects against non-collision damage. This includes:

Rocks or debris hitting your windshield
Weather damage (hail, windstorms)
Vandalism
Falling objects
Animal strikes

Essentially, if your windshield cracks due to something other than a car accident, comprehensive insurance is the coverage that applies. You can learn more about how comprehensive works from the California Department of Insurance.

California Law on Cracked Windshields

Under California Vehicle Code §26710, it’s illegal to drive with a windshield that is damaged in a way that impairs the driver’s vision. This means if you have a crack in your line of sight, you need to get it repaired or replaced before getting back on the road.

However, California does not have a “zero-deductible” windshield replacement law. States like Florida and Kentucky require insurers to cover windshield replacements with no deductible, but in California, you’ll usually pay your comprehensive deductible unless you have special glass coverage.

Repair vs. Replacement — How Coverage Works

Here’s where it gets interesting:

Repairs – Most insurance companies will repair small chips and cracks (usually less than 6 inches) without charging you a deductible.
Replacements – If your windshield needs to be fully replaced, your standard comprehensive deductible applies.

Why the difference? Repairs are quick, cost less, and prevent the crack from spreading, so insurers are happy to cover them for free. Replacements are more expensive, so you’ll share the cost by paying your deductible.

Deductibles — What You Need to Know

Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. Let’s say your comprehensive deductible is $500:

If a rock chip can be repaired — you pay $0.
If your windshield needs replacing and costs $900 — you pay $500, insurance pays $400.

To avoid paying that full amount for replacements, many insurers offer optional glass endorsements such as “Full Glass Coverage” or “Glass Deductible Buyback.” These options reduce or waive the deductible for glass claims.

How Major Insurers Handle Windshield Claims in California

Here’s a quick look at how some of the biggest insurance companies deal with cracked windshields in California:

Insurance Company	Small Chip Repair	Full Replacement	Glass Coverage Option
State Farm	Deductible applies	Deductible applies	No standard waiver in CA
GEICO	$0 deductible	Deductible applies	Standard policy waives repair costs
Progressive	$0 deductible	Deductible applies	Optional $0-deductible glass coverage
Allstate	$0 deductible	Deductible applies	Optional Full Glass Coverage
Farmers	$0 deductible	Deductible applies	Glass Deductible Buyback ($100 deductible)

You can confirm each insurer’s exact policy on their official websites:

Tips to Save Money on Windshield Repairs in California

Fix chips early – A small chip can usually be repaired for free under your insurance. Waiting can turn it into a full crack, which means paying your deductible.
Ask about glass coverage – If you live in an area with lots of debris on the roads, adding a glass coverage endorsement could save you money.
Use approved repair shops – Many insurers partner with companies like Safelite AutoGlass for quick, hassle-free service.
Know your deductible – Before filing a claim, check if the cost of replacement is worth paying your deductible.

Final Word

In California, comprehensive auto insurance does cover cracked windshields caused by non-collision incidents. The key difference is that small repairs are often covered at no cost, while replacements usually require you to pay your deductible — unless you’ve added special glass coverage to your policy.

If you’re not sure what your insurance covers, call your provider and ask about their glass repair and replacement rules. And remember, here at GlassFixit, we work with most major insurers to make your repair or replacement as smooth — and affordable — as possible.

Cracked windshield? Don’t let it mess with your vibe. Call us, and we’ll take care of it like it’s no big deal—because for us, it really isn’t.

📍 Locations:

San Jose Office: 3851 Charter Park Drive, Suite L, San Jose CA 95136

Santa Clara Office: 1250 Norman Ave, Santa Clara CA 95054

📞 Phone: +1 408-564-0419

🕒 Hours: Monday to Friday- 8am to 5pm | Saturday & Sunday- Closed