California Windshield Replacement Auto Insurance (2024)
With zero-deductible glass coverage you can get your windshield replaced for free, but insurance companies aren’t required to provide it.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- In California, if you get a ticket for windshield damage, you must repair the damage within 48 hours
- A broken windshield is a driving hazard and requires immediate repair
- If your insurance deductible is too high, it might not be worth filing a claim for a windshield replacement or repair
Driving in California can be tricky, especially for inexperienced drivers. That’s why it’s essential to understand car insurance and how it can help you cover expenses for collision and non-collision accidents.
If you’re involved in an accident or experience non-collision damage to your windshield, it can be helpful to have protections in place to ensure you can get your windshield repaired or replaced promptly. While California windshield replacement law doesn’t require this type of insurance, it can be pretty useful.
Can I file a claim for a cracked windshield in California?
Filing a claim for a cracked windshield in California is possible, but should you do it?
Finding insurance coverage for a cracked windshield is essential because a crack could become a bigger issue if the driver doesn’t address it quickly enough..
Since the cost of a windshield replacement or repair service might run you a few hundred dollars or more, filing a claim with your auto insurance company might seem like the smartest move. However, if you don’t have the right type of California windshield insurance protection, you might be unable to get your claim approved.
Liability and collision insurance are common types of insurance for California drivers, but neither provides coverage for windshield replacement. If you want to ensure you have full coverage — including windshield insurance — you might want to look into getting a comprehensive auto policy, one that includes coverage for a cracked windshield.
If you had Esurance for windshield replacement in the past, you’ll now find your coverage through Allstate. Allstate maintained the Esurance brand for almost a decade after they purchased the company, but phased out the Esurance name in 2020.
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What is comprehensive auto insurance?
Comprehensive auto insurance — as the name implies — covers a wide range of non-collision events.
Comprehensive includes full glass coverage, but your deductible depends on your state and insurance company. Ask your insurance provider about full glass coverage before purchasing or switching to know if you have coverage ahead of time.
If you already have comprehensive insurance for glass replacement, look at how much of a deductible you’ll have to pay if you need to replace your windshield. Ideally, you’ll want zero-deductible glass coverage, though this option varies from company to company.
Compare car insurance quotes right here by using our free rate tool above! Find the coverage you need at the best rate!
What are the windshield repair and replacement regulations in California?
When you get your windshield repaired or replaced in California, some vendors only use new glass windshields for windshield repairs, but some use after-market parts.
When a vendor uses after-market parts, they must do the following:
- Notify you in writing
- Use high-quality materials that fit your vehicle properly
- Use materials that have a similar warranty and performance capability as the previous materials
Getting an after-market windshield might sound appealing to you since after-market parts are typically a cheaper option. But remember that the legal requirements ensure the highest quality material.
How much will my auto insurance company pay to fix my cracked windshield in California?
Some California drivers have a zero-deductible full glass replacement clause in their auto insurance policy, but not all drivers. That’s why it’s helpful to compare quotes and see which companies can offer you the most protection for the best price.
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Getting Cheap Auto Insurance With Glass Coverage in California
The best way to find competitive insurance rates is by getting quotes from multiple companies to see which one provides the best protection to fit your insurance needs at your price point.
Paying for windshield replacement or repairs can be costly, so it’s wise to have protection in advance. With the right no-deductible coverage, you may even get free windshield replacement in California. Consider updating your insurance coverage before something happens. This extra step can help prepare you if you experience glass damage.
By taking this step today, you could be better prepared for the next time you have glass damage like your windshield is damaged by a rock or another item. Enter your zip code into our free rate comparison tool today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance in California cover windshield replacement?
Yes, auto insurance in California may cover windshield replacement under certain circumstances. Comprehensive insurance coverage typically includes coverage for windshield damage caused by incidents such as rock chips, cracks, or vandalism. However, the specific coverage and deductible amount can vary depending on your insurance policy.
What is comprehensive insurance coverage?
Comprehensive insurance coverage is an optional auto insurance coverage that helps protect against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle. It typically covers incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and certain types of windshield damage. Comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage applies.
How do I know if my auto insurance policy includes windshield replacement coverage?
To determine if your auto insurance policy includes windshield replacement coverage, you should review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider directly. Look for the section that outlines comprehensive coverage and check if it specifically mentions coverage for windshield damage or glass replacement.
Will filing a windshield replacement claim affect my insurance rates in California?
Generally, filing a windshield replacement claim in California does not affect your insurance rates. Windshield replacement claims are typically considered no-fault claims and are not considered an indicator of increased risk or negligence. However, it’s always a good idea to review your policy and contact your insurance provider to understand how a claim might impact your specific policy.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on windshield replacement coverage in California?
While windshield replacement coverage is available in California, there may be certain limitations or restrictions depending on your insurance policy. These can include restrictions on the number of claims allowed within a specific period, limitations on the types of damage covered, and requirements to use approved repair facilities. It’s important to review your policy or contact your insurance provider for details on any specific limitations or restrictions that may apply.
What should I do if my windshield is damaged and needs replacement?
If your windshield is damaged and needs replacement, follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance provider: Report the damage to your insurance provider and inquire about the coverage for windshield replacement. They will guide you through the claims process and provide instructions on filing a claim.
- Schedule windshield replacement: If your policy covers windshield replacement, your insurance provider may recommend approved repair facilities or provide you with a list of preferred vendors. Schedule an appointment with a reputable windshield replacement service.
- Pay the deductible: Depending on your policy, you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage applies. Pay the deductible to the repair facility when the service is completed.
- Provide necessary information: Ensure you provide all necessary information, including your insurance policy details, to the repair facility. They will handle the paperwork and billing with your insurance provider.
Can I choose any windshield replacement service in California?
While you have the option to choose any windshield replacement service in California, some insurance policies may have preferred vendors or approved repair facilities. Working with these preferred vendors can streamline the claims process and ensure that the service provider meets the insurance company’s quality and pricing standards. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for any specific recommendations or requirements.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.