Glass and Windshield Coverage

Windshield and side-glass damage is paid by the comprehensive coverage line, not collision. In most states, the standard comprehensive deductible applies ($100 to $500 typical). Three states, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, require insurers to offer full-glass coverage with no deductible on comprehensive, and virtually every carrier waives the deductible on rock-chip repair (as opposed to full replacement) regardless of state.

What the standard policy covers

• Windshield replacement after a rock strike, animal collision, or vandalism (comprehensive pays, your deductible applies unless state is FL/KY/SC or you carry full-glass endorsement).
• Rock-chip repair on windshields (typically deductible-waived even without full-glass; carriers prefer repair over replacement for cost reasons).
• Side and rear glass damage (comprehensive, same deductible rules as windshield).
• Moonroof and sunroof glass damage (comprehensive).
• Headlamp and taillight assemblies are usually NOT "glass" for policy purposes, even though they contain glass. They're body-work.

Three states with mandatory zero-deductible glass

• Florida: Fla. Stat. §627.7288 requires insurers to replace or repair windshield glass with no deductible when the policy carries comprehensive. Side and rear glass are not included.
• Kentucky: KRS 304.20-030 requires carriers to offer glass coverage without a deductible on comprehensive.
• South Carolina: SC Code 38-77-280 similar structure to Florida; no deductible on windshield when comprehensive is in force.

Full-glass endorsement in other states

Outside FL, KY, and SC you can usually buy a full-glass endorsement that waives the comprehensive deductible on glass claims only. Cost is modest ($15 to $50 per 6-month term). Worth it if your area is high-risk for rock strikes (hilly or construction-heavy routes) or if your vehicle has advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that require recalibration after a windshield replacement.

OEM vs aftermarket glass and ADAS recalibration

• Aftermarket glass is cheaper but may not meet OEM optical specs for ADAS cameras. If your car has lane-keep assist or forward-collision warning mounted on the windshield, OEM glass is often necessary.
• ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement adds $150 to $600 to the claim. Comprehensive pays this on a covered glass loss.
• Some carriers (particularly non-standard) will push aftermarket glass by default; request OEM in writing if your vehicle has ADAS mounted on the windshield.

When to file vs pay cash

• Rock-chip repair under $100: usually file. No deductible, no surcharge.
• Windshield replacement $400 to $1,200 (standard): file if deductible-waived (full-glass or FL/KY/SC). Otherwise compare to deductible. Comprehensive claims rarely surcharge rates but can affect renewal eligibility after multiple claims.
• ADAS-equipped vehicle windshield replacement $1,000 to $2,500: almost always file. Pays for the recalibration that most drivers underestimate.