Georgia Windshield Replacement Auto Insurance (2024)

Georgia has several laws that govern how insurance companies handle full glass coverage. If you have a chip or a crack in your windshield and are looking to have it covered by insurance, you may have options.

We’ll walk you through the relevant regulations, the reasons why you should work with an insurance company, and details about modifying your insurance policy.

Do insurance companies in Georgia have to offer full glass coverage?

Auto insurance companies in Georgia do not have to offer policies for windshield repairs and replacements. If they want to include windshield maintenance with comprehensive insurance or sell full glass coverage riders, they are allowed to.

According to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire and Georgia state law, motorists must carry these liability insurance policies to drive:

• Property damage insurance. Every driver needs a policy that covers $25,000 of damage per accident.
• Bodily injury insurance. Every driver needs a policy that covers $50,000 of hospital bills for each accident and $25,000 of hospital bills for each injured person.

Georgia encourages drivers to seek out other kinds of insurance, including comprehensive coverage, which generally includes full glass coverage. It does not set minimum coverage levels or mandate that drivers carry proof of insurance for these types of coverage, though.

Does Georgia require insurance companies to offer zero-deductible full glass coverage?

Larger auto insurance companies such as Geico, Progressive, or Allstate often offer full glass coverage in their comprehensive policies, but Georgia state law does not mandate that they have plans without deductibles. As a result, you may be required to pay a comprehensive or collision deductible when you file a car insurance claim for windshield repairs. This cost is in addition to your monthly deductible. Furthermore, your insurance company may raise your rates, depending on how many claims you’ve filed in the past.

How much control do drivers have over the repair service under Georgia law?

Regardless of how high your deductibles are, the Peach State’s codes leave the choice of a repair service up to your insurance company. Depending on your insurance contract, you may be able to select a different mechanic. If your preferred repair provider’s prices are higher, though, your insurance company has the right to bill you for the increased cost.

For example, suppose you file a claim with your insurance company to repair a small crack in your windshield. Your insurance company identifies a repair service that can handle the damage for $400, and you must pay your $100 deductible. Then, you pick a different company that charges $500 for the same service. Your insurance company may still cover $300 of the repairs, but you’ll likely have to pay your $100 deductible, plus the $100 upcharge.

Georgia doesn’t dictate that your insurance company cover your chosen mechanic, and the state does not run a repair service, so read your contract carefully before filing a claim. Under your policy’s terms, you may be stuck with your insurance company’s preferred repair provider.

Does Georgia allow drivers to choose the kinds of windshields they get?

Under Georgia laws, your insurance company can provide you with used windshields or ones made by aftermarket manufacturers. For example, if you own a Ford truck and you have a full glass coverage policy, your insurance company could source your new glass from one of the top aftermarket manufacturers, including:

• Guardian
• Safelite
• Alibaba
• Auto Temp
• Carlite

If your insurance company offers you a windshield that’s used or not from your original equipment manufacturer, they must give you a formal notice guaranteeing that the windshield will work. As with your insurance company’s mechanic choice, if you’re willing to make up for the increased cost, you’re usually entitled to decline a used windshield.

Before refusing a used windshield, keep in mind that using one often saves money. If you’re buying a new OEM windshield without insurance, you could pay over $1,000, while aftermarket and used windshields usually run between $200 and $400. Having full or partial glass coverage means that your insurance company assumes most of these costs.

How can you update your insurance policy to include full glass coverage?

You’re not required to take out a glass coverage policy to abide by Georgia’s laws. If you’re worried about your finances and want extra coverage, here’s what you can do.

First, ask your existing insurance company about a comprehensive policy. This type of coverage assists with repairs for a variety of damages that happen when you’re not driving. For example, if your windshield cracks because a severe hailstorm strikes or someone throws a rock at it, you can file a claim under this policy.

Comprehensive insurance policies tend to be expensive because they cover many issues. To save money, ask your insurance company about plans that only cover glass repair and replacement. If you’re not able to negotiate a zero-deductible policy, make sure that when it’s time to pay your auto insurance deductible, the cost is low enough that this coverage is worth your investment.

The Big Picture: Georgia Windshield Replacement Laws

Understanding Georgia’s laws for full glass coverage helps you know your and your insurance company’s rights. Quickly repairing your windshield is essential for legal and safety reasons, so make sure that your auto insurance includes full glass coverage.