Minnesota Windshield Replacement Auto Insurance (2024)
Minnesota windshield replacement law requires residents to replace damaged windshields, but the law also states that you might not have to pay a deductible to your insurance company for this repair.
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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
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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
- Minnesota law requires insurance companies to offer a no-deductible option for windshield repair
- With comprehensive and collision coverage, you should be able to get any necessary windshield repairs covered in Minnesota
- You can choose your own repair shop, but be sure you understand the payout limits
The weather in Minnesota can get snowy, and municipalities often treat snow-covered roads with salt and grit. So it’s not unusual for passing vehicles to throw up stones that damage windshields. If your car has sustained glass damage because of a similar situation or something entirely different, you’ll want to know your options.
But will auto insurance cover a cracked windshield?
In Minnesota, recent laws require car insurance companies to offer no-deductible glass coverage options with comprehensive policies. And you’ll need this policy option, and sometimes more, to pay no out-of-pocket costs to fix your windshield. Read on to learn more about windshield replacement in MN.
If you’re looking for glass coverage, compare quotes right here by entering your ZIP code into our free rate comparison tool above!
Understanding Windshield Replacement and Insurance in Minnesota
If you need your windshield repaired or replaced in Minnesota, you may wonder if your car insurance company covers it. This depends on what kind of coverage you have on your policy.
You will need comprehensive coverage, and sometimes collision, to get help from your insurance company for a broken or cracked windshield.
Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your vehicle when you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t caused by a collision. Some examples include:
- Hail
- Vandalism
- Falling Debris
- Natural disaster
- Hitting an animal
- Theft
However, if your windshield was damaged due to a crash with another vehicle, then collision coverage will apply. So it’s always recommended to have both.
No-deductible Option
If you have comprehensive insurance, you might not even need to worry about paying a deductible.
According to a 2021 Minnesota statute, insurers must offer an option for no-deductible glass coverage with your comprehensive policy. If you choose that option, you’ll be able to get your windshield replaced with no out-of-pocket cost.
Freedom to Choose Your Repair Shop
Under Minnesota law, you can also use a glass vendor of your choice when it’s time for repair. The Unfair Claims Practices law prohibits an insurance company from pressuring an insured person to use a specific repair shop.
Companies cannot incentivize you to use a particular company or location for the repair work. Your insurer can recommend a vendor, but that’s as far as it goes.
Choosing a Repair Shop for Your Windshield Replacement
Some car insurance providers may recommend a particular repair shop or opt to use aftermarket or used products rather than those made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
However, you do not have to use the insurance company’s repair service choice and are free to shop around for yourself.
Remember to consider the settlement details first to see whether there is a cap on how much the insurance company will pay. If you choose to go elsewhere for the work, and the bill from that shop is higher than the insurance company will pay, you may have to cover the difference.
And remember, you do not have to settle for aftermarket parts if you prefer OEM equipment.
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What are Minnesota’s regulations for damaged windshields?
In Minnesota, 2016 statutes state that a person shall not drive or operate any motor vehicle with a windshield cracked or discolored enough to limit or obstruct proper vision.
While the law doesn’t offer much detail, it’s worth considering federal regulations as well. Federal rules say that your windshield must be free of damage immediately in front of the driver. Specifically, that means you can’t drive with view-obstructing damage above the steering wheel, extending to two inches below the top border and one inch from the side.
Does Minnesota full glass coverage extend to other windows?
Sometimes, a severe hailstorm may cause damage to other glass around the car as well as a windshield. Some policies may offer full glass coverage that includes the rear, driver, and passenger windows.
The best way to find out what your policy covers is to ask your insurance company. And if your current policy does not cover windshield replacement, ask how you can add it to your existing policy.
Understanding the Minnesota Windshield Replacement Law
In Minnesota, the law requires you to replace a damaged windshield if it obstructs your vision. And depending on your coverage, you might not have to pay anything out of pocket.
Comprehensive and collision insurance covers you in just about any situation where your windshield can be damaged.
Minnesota residents can choose their own repair shop and type of replacement materials, aftermarket parts, or OEM. The insurer cannot force you or entice you to select a particular vendor.
It’s important to look at all the information before choosing an insurance provider. Be sure to compare the details on coverage, replacement materials, and deductible amounts when shopping around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance in Minnesota cover windshield replacement?
Yes, auto insurance policies in Minnesota often include coverage for windshield replacement. However, the specific coverage and terms can vary depending on the insurance company and the policy you have.
What type of auto insurance coverage typically includes windshield replacement?
Windshield replacement coverage is usually part of comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps protect against non-collision-related damages to your vehicle, including damage caused by factors like theft, vandalism, weather events, and falling objects, such as rocks or debris that can damage your windshield.
Is windshield replacement covered under Minnesota’s mandatory auto insurance requirements?
No, windshield replacement coverage is not specifically required by Minnesota’s mandatory auto insurance requirements. However, it may be included as part of your comprehensive coverage if you choose to add it to your policy.
Do I need to pay a deductible for windshield replacement?
The deductible is the portion of the repair or replacement cost that you are responsible for paying out of pocket. For windshield replacement coverage, some insurance policies have a separate deductible specifically for glass damage, while others may include a deductible that applies to all comprehensive claims. Review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to determine the deductible amount and how it applies to windshield replacement.
Can I choose any windshield repair or replacement service provider?
Insurance policies may have preferred service providers or networks with which they work for windshield repair or replacement. These preferred providers often offer direct billing to the insurance company, making the process more convenient for policyholders. However, some policies may allow you to choose any reputable service provider, and you may need to submit the claim for reimbursement. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider for details on approved service providers.
Will filing a claim for windshield replacement affect my insurance rates?
Filing a claim for windshield replacement typically does not impact your insurance rates negatively. Many insurance companies consider windshield damage claims as “no-fault” claims that are unlikely to affect your rates. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific policy on windshield replacement claims and rate adjustments.
How do I file a windshield replacement claim in Minnesota?
To file a windshield replacement claim in Minnesota, follow these general steps:
- Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the windshield damage and initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps.
- Provide necessary information: Be prepared to provide details about the damage, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and your policy information.
- Follow the insurance company’s instructions: Your insurance company will provide instructions on how to proceed, which may include scheduling an inspection or providing documentation.
- Schedule windshield replacement: If your claim is approved, work with your insurance company’s approved service provider or a provider of your choice to schedule the windshield replacement.
- Pay the deductible: If you have a deductible, you may need to pay it directly to the service provider at the time of repair or replacement.
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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.