Cracked windshields are common. Most people experience them at some point in the life of their vehicle. If you do, it’s vital to address this problem quickly.
A cracked windshield can affect visibility and put you in danger on the road. They could even get you a traffic ticket.
Luckily, little chips are easily fixed. Larger cracks may mean you need to replace your windshield entirely.
You might live in a state where fixing cracks is free. Otherwise, auto insurance should help cover the costs, although you can end up paying a lot out of pocket nonetheless.
This article will help you figure out how much a windshield replacement will cost you and whether you live in a state that waives the fee.
What States Have Free Windshield Replacement?
Three states provide free windshield replacement. These are Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. The catch is that you need to have comprehensive car insurance.
If your vehicle is old and on its last legs, odds are pretty good you’ve opted to save a few bucks with lower coverage. This unfortunately means you won’t be eligible for free windshield replacement in the above states.
Five other states don’t waive your replacement fee but do permit you to carry insurance that eliminates the deductible – New York, Arizona, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Connecticut.
Even if you live in none of these states, you might not be completely out of luck. Some insurance companies offer no-deductible windshield replacements even if you don’t live in those states. Check with your insurance company to find out.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Windshield Without Insurance?
While it’s difficult to put an exact figure on a replacement windshield, they typically cost between $200-300 without insurance.
That range is wide because a lot of factors determine the cost of a windshield, which varies from vehicle to vehicle.
One of the biggest factors is the make and model of your car. A compact car will have a smaller windshield and a car with no bells and whistles will fall on the more affordable end of the range.
An SUV with a heated windshield will cost quite a bit more. Those windshields are bigger and require specialized materials.
If you have an older car, that can mean a more expensive replacement. Older cars could need windshields that are out of production and, therefore, more expensive.
The labor for installation will cost more than the windshield itself. Windshields with specialty components need special skills and experience. Expect to pay for it.
Finally, don’t overlook that location matters. If you buy a new windshield where the cost of living is high, the price of a new windshield will reflect that. Online marketplaces might help you find a cheaper windshield.
Is Front Windshield Covered by Insurance?
The answer to the question of if an insurance policy covers windshields is simple. It depends.
Windshields get damaged for a lot of different reasons. It could get hit by a rock while you drive down the road. Or the neighbor kids could break it playing baseball in the street. It might even get damaged during a storm.
Comprehensive insurance policies cover all of these so-called “Acts of God.”
In many states, you must carry comprehensive coverage and basic liability coverage. Be sure to discuss it with your insurance agent when you take out a new policy. You can also buy more coverage until your next insurance cycle.
Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina waive your deductible. So, it’s free. New York, Arizona, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Connecticut allow you to buy windshield coverage.
If you live in one of the other 42 states, check with your insurance carrier. They might offer insurance coverage specifically for windshields. Your agent is the best person to discuss what they have to offer.
One note of caution. Gap insurance won’t cover a windshield. Gap insurance bridges what an insurance policy will pay you if you total your vehicle and what you might owe.
Why Is Windshield Replacement Free in Florida?
Driving with a damaged windshield is dangerous. Windshields today are designed to break safely, so it’s unlikely that even a cracked windshield will shatter.
The real danger is a decreased field of vision. The crack could obscure something. The light that strikes a crack could shine brighter.
Driving with a broken windshield is dangerous, but a lot of people neglect to replace theirs because of the cost. Florida waives the deductible for replacing windshields to encourage people to replace them.
Conclusion
You’re in luck if you live in Florida, Kentucky, or South Carolina and your windshield gets cracked. Replacing it might not cost you anything. Five other states allow you to buy windshield coverage with no-deductible windshield replacements.
If you live in one of the other states, replacing a windshield could cost you a few hundred dollars. The exact cost will depend on the make and model of your car and whether it requires specialized glass.
We hope you learned something valuable from this article. Replacing your windshield is a big deal. We’d love to hear about it in a comment if you did. You can also share this article on your social media networks to help this vital information spread.