California Windshield Insurance: What are the no deductible glass coverage laws in California?
With zero-deductible glass coverage you can get your windshield replaced for free, but insurance companies aren’t required to provide it.
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Written by
Rachel Bodine
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Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
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UPDATED: May 11, 2022
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- In California, if you get a ticket for windshield damage, you must repair the damage within 48 hours
- A broken windshield is a driving hazard and requires immediate repair
- If your insurance deductible is too high, it might not be worth filing a claim for a windshield replacement or repair
Driving in California can be tricky, especially for inexperienced drivers. That’s why it’s essential to understand car insurance and how it can help you cover expenses for collision and non-collision accidents.
If you’re involved in an accident or experience non-collision damage to your windshield, it can be helpful to have protections in place to ensure you can get your windshield repaired or replaced promptly. While California windshield replacement law doesn’t require this type of insurance, it can be pretty useful.
Table of Contents
Can I file a claim for a cracked windshield in California?
Filing a claim for a cracked windshield in California is possible, but should you do it?
Finding insurance coverage for a cracked windshield is essential because a crack could become a bigger issue if the driver doesn’t address it quickly enough..
Since the cost of a windshield replacement or repair service might run you a few hundred dollars or more, filing a claim with your auto insurance company might seem like the smartest move. However, if you don’t have the right type of California windshield insurance protection, you might be unable to get your claim approved.
Liability and collision insurance are common types of insurance for California drivers, but neither provides coverage for windshield replacement. If you want to ensure you have full coverage — including windshield insurance — you might want to look into getting a comprehensive auto policy, one that includes coverage for a cracked windshield.
If you had Esurance for windshield replacement in the past, you’ll now find your coverage through Allstate. Allstate maintained the Esurance brand for almost a decade after they purchased the company, but phased out the Esurance name in 2020.
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What is comprehensive auto insurance?
Comprehensive auto insurance — as the name implies — covers a wide range of non-collision events.
Comprehensive includes full glass coverage, but your deductible depends on your state and insurance company. Ask your insurance provider about full glass coverage before purchasing or switching to know if you have coverage ahead of time.
If you already have comprehensive insurance for glass replacement, look at how much of a deductible you’ll have to pay if you need to replace your windshield. Ideally, you’ll want zero-deductible glass coverage, though this option varies from company to company.
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What are the windshield repair and replacement regulations in California?
When you get your windshield repaired or replaced in California, some vendors only use new glass windshields for windshield repairs, but some use after-market parts.
When a vendor uses after-market parts, they must do the following:
- Notify you in writing
- Use high-quality materials that fit your vehicle properly
- Use materials that have a similar warranty and performance capability as the previous materials
Getting an after-market windshield might sound appealing to you since after-market parts are typically a cheaper option. But remember that the legal requirements ensure the highest quality material.
How much will my auto insurance company pay to fix my cracked windshield in California?
Some California drivers have a zero-deductible full glass replacement clause in their auto insurance policy, but not all drivers. That’s why it’s helpful to compare quotes and see which companies can offer you the most protection for the best price.
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Getting Cheap Auto Insurance With Glass Coverage in California
The best way to find competitive insurance rates is by getting quotes from multiple companies to see which one provides the best protection to fit your insurance needs at your price point.
Paying for windshield replacement or repairs can be costly, so it’s wise to have protection in advance. With the right no-deductible coverage, you may even get free windshield replacement in California. Consider updating your insurance coverage before something happens. This extra step can help prepare you if you experience glass damage.
By taking this step today, you could be better prepared for the next time you have glass damage like your windshield is damaged by a rock or another item. Enter your zip code into our free rate comparison tool today to get started!