Does insurance cover windshield replacement? Georgia driver's guide

You just got a rock chip on GA-400 or discovered a crack spreading across your windshield. The first question that comes to mind: “Will my insurance cover this?”

The good news is that most Georgia drivers have windshield coverage and don’t even realize it. Even better, many policies cover repairs with zero deductible and replacement with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

Here’s everything you need to know about insurance coverage for windshield damage in Georgia.

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✅ The short answer: Yes, usually

If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, windshield repair and replacement is typically covered. This is the same coverage that protects against:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Weather damage (hail, floods)
• Animal collisions
• Falling objects
• Glass breakage

Important: Liability-only policies do NOT cover windshield damage. You’d need to pay out of pocket.

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📋 Types of coverage explained

Comprehensive coverage (covers windshields ✅)

What’s covered	Typical terms
Rock chips	Usually covered
Cracks (any cause)	Usually covered
Vandalism damage	Covered
Hail damage	Covered
Weather-related breaks	Covered
Stress cracks	Usually covered

Deductible: Typically $100-$500, but many policies waive deductibles for glass repair.

Liability-only coverage (does NOT cover windshields ❌)

If you only carry liability insurance, you’re responsible for:

• All repair costs
• All replacement costs
• Any related expenses

Full glass coverage (best option ✅✅)

Some insurers offer specific glass coverage with:

• $0 deductible for repairs AND replacement
• No claim impact on rates
• Unlimited glass claims per year

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💰 Understanding deductibles for glass claims

Here’s where it gets interesting for Georgia drivers:

For windshield REPAIR:

Most insurance companies waive the deductible entirely for chip and crack repairs. Why? Because:

• Repairs cost $50-100 (less than most deductibles)
• Repairs prevent expensive replacements later
• Insurance companies save money long-term

Translation: Your rock chip repair is often 100% free.

For windshield REPLACEMENT:

Your deductible	Typical windshield cost	You pay
$0 (glass waiver)	$300-500	$0
$100	$300-500	$100
$250	$300-500	$250
$500	$300-500	$300-500*
$1,000	$300-500	$300-500*

*If your deductible exceeds the replacement cost, you pay the full amount.

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🏛️ Georgia glass coverage laws

Unlike some states (Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina), Georgia does not require insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage. However:

• Most major insurers operating in Georgia offer glass coverage
• Many offer optional $0 deductible glass riders
• Comprehensive coverage typically includes glass by default

How to check your coverage:

1. Review your declarations page (lists your coverages)
2. Look for “comprehensive” or “other than collision” coverage
3. Check for glass-specific endorsements or riders
4. Call your agent to confirm deductible terms

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📞 How to file a windshield insurance claim

Option 1: Let Glass Inc handle it (easiest)

When you call us, we can:

1. Verify your coverage with your insurance company
2. File the claim on your behalf
3. Handle all paperwork and documentation
4. Bill insurance directly—you pay only your deductible (if any)

This is what most customers choose. You don’t have to call your insurance company or fill out forms.

Option 2: File the claim yourself

1. Call your insurance company’s claims line
2. Provide incident details:
   • Date and location of damage
   • Description of what happened
   • Your policy number
3. Get a claim number
4. Choose your glass shop (you have the right to choose—don’t let insurance dictate)
5. Schedule service and provide claim number to shop
6. Pay your deductible (if applicable) at time of service

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🚫 Will a windshield claim raise my rates?

This is the #1 concern we hear, and here’s the truth:

In most cases: NO

Comprehensive claims (including glass) are typically considered “no-fault” claims that:

• Don’t count against your driving record
• Don’t affect your “accident-free” discounts
• Don’t trigger rate increases

However, there are exceptions:

• Multiple claims in a short period may raise flags
• Some discount programs exclude ANY claims
• High-risk drivers may see different treatment

Our recommendation:

• Always file for repairs—they’re usually free and no-risk
• File for replacement if damage affects safety or visibility
• Ask your agent about claim impact if you’re concerned

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💵 What if I don’t have comprehensive coverage?

You have several options:

Option 1: Pay out of pocket

Service	Typical cost range
Chip repair	$50-75
Crack repair	$50-100
Standard windshield replacement	$200-400
Luxury/specialty windshield	$400-800+
ADAS calibration (if needed)	$100-300

Option 2: Add comprehensive coverage

Contact your insurance company to add comprehensive coverage. Consider:

• Compare deductible options ($100 vs. $500)
• Ask about glass-specific riders
• Calculate if premium increase is worth the protection

Option 3: Payment plans

Glass Inc offers financing options for customers paying out of pocket. Ask us about payment plans when you call.

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🏢 Major insurers and their glass policies

Here’s what we typically see from major insurance companies in Georgia:

Insurer	Repair deductible	Replacement deductible	Notes
State Farm	Usually $0	Standard deductible	Glass coverage included in comprehensive
Geico	Usually $0	Standard deductible	May offer glass rider
Progressive	Usually $0	Standard deductible	Offers $0 glass deductible option
Allstate	Usually $0	Standard deductible	Safe driving discounts may apply
USAA	Usually $0	Often reduced/waived	Excellent glass coverage
Liberty Mutual	Usually $0	Standard deductible	Deductible waiver available
Farmers	Usually $0	Standard deductible	Glass endorsement available

Coverage varies by policy. Always verify with your specific insurance company.

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⚠️ Common insurance claim mistakes to avoid

1. Waiting too long to file

File your claim promptly. Some insurers have time limits, and damage can worsen, complicating claims.

2. Letting insurance choose your shop

You have the legal right to choose your repair shop. Don’t let insurers steer you to their “preferred” shops if you want to use Glass Inc.

3. Not mentioning ADAS calibration

If your vehicle has safety cameras/sensors, ensure the claim includes calibration costs. Some adjusters overlook this.

4. Accepting aftermarket glass when OEM is warranted

For vehicles with ADAS or under warranty, you may be entitled to OEM glass. Know your rights.

5. Not asking about rental car coverage

If you can’t drive your vehicle during repair/cure time, check if your policy covers a rental.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Does filing a glass claim count as an accident?

No. Glass claims are comprehensive claims, not collision claims. They don’t affect your accident history.

Can my insurance company require me to use a specific shop?

No. You have the right to choose your repair shop. Insurers can recommend shops but cannot require them.

What if my windshield was damaged by road debris from a truck?

This is still a comprehensive claim on your policy. You could pursue the truck’s insurance, but it’s rarely practical.

Will insurance cover aftermarket or OEM glass?

Most policies cover “like kind and quality” glass. For ADAS-equipped vehicles, you may be able to require OEM glass.

Is vandalism damage covered?

Yes, windshield vandalism is covered under comprehensive insurance.

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📞 Let Glass Inc handle your insurance claim

We work with every major insurance company and file claims daily. When you call Glass Inc:

1. Give us your insurance info
2. We verify your coverage and deductible
3. We file the claim for you
4. We schedule your service
5. You pay only your deductible (if any)
6. We handle all insurance billing

It’s that simple. No phone tag with insurance companies, no paperwork, no hassle.

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📞 Get your windshield covered today

Call now → 404-873-6991

Glass Inc — Atlanta’s insurance-friendly auto glass experts since 1956

We’ve processed thousands of insurance claims for Atlanta drivers. We know the process, we know the companies, and we make it easy for you. One call, and your windshield is handled.