Yes, Florida car insurance often covers windshield replacement, but the level of coverage depends on your insurance type. In Florida, drivers with comprehensive car insurance can get their windshield repaired or replaced without paying a deductible. This benefit comes from a unique Florida law that helps drivers stay safe by ensuring clear visibility on the road.
If your windshield cracks due to flying debris, falling branches, or other non-collision incidents, your insurer will typically handle the cost under the comprehensive coverage portion of your policy. However, if you only have liability insurance, your windshield repair will not be covered, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Florida’s no-deductible windshield replacement law has been in place for years, making it one of the few states that fully protects drivers from these unexpected expenses. In this article, you’ll learn when your Florida car insurance covers windshield damage, which coverages apply, how to file a claim, and what recent law changes might affect your coverage.
Understanding Florida’s Windshield Replacement Law
Florida is one of only three states in the U.S. that requires insurance companies to provide free windshield replacement when drivers carry comprehensive coverage. The law is found under Florida Statute 627.7288, which states:
“The deductible shall not apply to motor vehicle glass coverage.”
This means if your windshield is damaged by an event covered under comprehensive insurance, your insurer must pay the entire cost to repair or replace it.
Key Takeaways
- The law applies only to comprehensive coverage policies.
- No deductible is charged for windshield replacement or repair.
- Side and rear windows may also be covered, depending on your policy.
- The rule applies to both private vehicles and commercial cars registered in Florida.
What Types of Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
Here’s a breakdown of which parts of your insurance may or may not pay for windshield repair or replacement.
| Coverage Type | Covers Windshield Damage? | Deductible Applies? | Typical Situations Covered |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Yes | No (in Florida) | Damage from debris, theft, vandalism, weather |
| Collision Coverage | Sometimes | Yes | Cracked windshield in a car crash |
| Liability Coverage | No | N/A | Only covers other people’s property or injuries |
| Full Coverage (Comprehensive + Collision) | Yes | No (for windshield) | Most scenarios involving windshield damage |
So, to have your windshield replaced for free, you must have comprehensive insurance included in your policy.
How Does Florida’s No-Deductible Rule Work?
Normally, car insurance deductibles apply before your insurer covers damage costs. But in Florida, if your windshield is cracked or shattered from a covered incident, you don’t have to pay a deductible.
For example:
- Your comprehensive deductible may be $500, but for windshield replacement, it becomes $0.
- Your insurer directly pays the repair shop.
This rule encourages drivers to repair damaged windshields quickly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage Covered by Florida Insurance
Windshield cracks and chips can happen suddenly. Comprehensive coverage generally applies in these cases:
- Rocks or debris flying from the road
- Falling tree branches
- Vandalism or theft attempt
- Weather damage (hail or windstorms)
- Animals striking the vehicle
If your windshield breaks due to a collision with another car, your collision coverage would handle the repair, but the no-deductible rule may not apply.
Recent Changes to Florida Windshield Replacement Law (2023 Update)
As of May 2023, Florida updated its auto glass law through House Bill 837. This law made two major changes:
- Auto glass shops can no longer offer incentives (like gift cards) to get your business.
- Windshield lawsuit claims (assignment of benefits) are now limited, reducing fraud cases.
However, the no-deductible protection remains in place for comprehensive coverage holders. You can still get your windshield replaced for free, but the claims process is now stricter to prevent abuse.
How to File a Windshield Replacement Claim in Florida
Filing a claim is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Check your insurance policy – confirm you have comprehensive coverage.
- Document the damage – take photos of your windshield before repair.
- Contact your insurance provider – most have a 24-hour claims number or mobile app.
- Choose an approved repair shop – many insurers partner with national chains like Safelite.
- Schedule repair or replacement – technicians can often visit your home or workplace.
- No payment required – your insurer handles billing directly with the repair shop.
Most windshield replacements in Florida are completed within one day, making the process fast and hassle-free.
Cost of Windshield Replacement Without Insurance
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll pay out of pocket. Here’s an estimate of costs in Florida:
| Vehicle Type | Average Windshield Replacement Cost |
| Sedan | $250 – $400 |
| SUV | $350 – $600 |
| Luxury Vehicle | $500 – $1,000 |
| Truck | $300 – $700 |
Prices vary depending on vehicle make, model, and whether the glass includes sensors or special coatings.
Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
Not every crack means you need a full replacement. Florida insurers often decide based on the size and position of the damage.
| Type of Damage | Typical Fix | Covered Under No-Deductible Rule? |
| Small chip (under 1 inch) | Repair | Yes |
| Large crack (over 6 inches) | Replace | Yes |
| Damage in driver’s line of sight | Replace | Yes |
| Minor scratch | Usually ignored | No |
Your repair technician will inspect the damage and suggest the safest solution.
Benefits of Florida’s Free Windshield Replacement Law
- Improved Road Safety
Drivers fix cracks quickly since it’s free, preventing accidents. - No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Comprehensive policyholders save an average of $350 per replacement. - Easy Claims Process
Direct billing between repair shops and insurers reduces paperwork. - Prevents Further Damage
Small chips can grow into large cracks if ignored.
This law helps keep drivers safe while reducing long-term costs for both car owners and insurance companies.
Which Insurers Offer Free Windshield Replacement in Florida?
Most major insurers follow Florida’s no-deductible glass coverage rule.
| Insurance Company | Offers Free Replacement? | Claims Process |
| State Farm | Yes | File online or via app |
| GEICO | Yes | 24/7 mobile claim support |
| Allstate | Yes | In-network repair shops |
| Progressive | Yes | Free glass repair included |
| USAA | Yes | For members with comprehensive coverage |
If you’re comparing insurance options, focus on those that include comprehensive coverage automatically or at low additional cost.
What Happens If Someone Else Damages Your Windshield?
If another driver causes your windshield to break, their liability insurance may pay for the replacement. However, you’ll need to prove fault, which can delay payment.
In such cases, using your own comprehensive coverage may be faster. Your insurer can later recover costs from the at-fault driver’s policy.
Does Florida’s Law Apply to Out-of-State Drivers?
No, it only applies to vehicles registered and insured in Florida. If you have insurance from another state and your windshield breaks while driving in Florida, your regular policy rules apply.
Tips to Avoid Windshield Damage in Florida
- Keep a safe distance from trucks carrying gravel or debris.
- Avoid following too closely on highways.
- Park in shaded areas to prevent heat-related cracks.
- Replace wipers regularly to avoid scratches.
- Repair small chips immediately before they spread.
These preventive steps can extend your windshield’s lifespan and reduce claim frequency.
Common Misunderstandings About Florida Windshield Coverage
| Misunderstanding | Truth |
| “Every car insurance includes free windshield replacement.” | Only comprehensive coverage offers this benefit. |
| “I can choose any shop and get paid.” | You must use an approved repair facility under your insurer’s policy. |
| “I’ll get cash for my damaged glass.” | Insurers pay repair shops directly, not policyholders. |
| “Out-of-state insurance covers it too.” | Only applies to Florida-registered vehicles. |
Understanding these details helps prevent claim denials or confusion during repairs.
Is Florida Changing Its Windshield Insurance Law Soon?
There have been proposals to reform or limit the no-deductible rule, citing increased insurance fraud. However, as of 2025, Florida’s zero-deductible windshield replacement benefit remains active.
Legislators continue to study the impact, but no new bill has eliminated the coverage.
FAQs
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer must pay for windshield replacement without charging a deductible.
Yes, full coverage includes both collision and comprehensive, so it qualifies for free windshield replacement.
No, liability only covers damage you cause to others, not your own vehicle.
You’ll have to pay for repairs yourself or upgrade your policy to include comprehensive coverage.
Yes, but using an insurance-approved partner like Safelite can make the process faster and guarantee coverage.
In most cases, yes, as long as the damage is covered under your comprehensive policy.
Conclusion
In Florida, having comprehensive car insurance means your windshield replacement is completely free. The state’s no-deductible law ensures that drivers can maintain clear and safe windshields without worrying about high costs.
Whether your windshield cracks due to flying debris, weather, or vandalism, your insurance company must handle the entire repair or replacement.
If your current policy only includes liability, consider upgrading to comprehensive coverage. It costs only a little more but protects against a wide range of incidents, including windshield damage.
To compare the best car insurance options that include comprehensive coverage in Florida, visit Alias Insurance, where you can get free quotes from top U.S. providers and find the best fit for your needs.
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