Windshield Insurance Coverage: A State-by-State Guide to Deductibles and ADAS Calibration

Windshield damage is one of the most common auto insurance claims, yet coverage varies dramatically depending on your state, policy type, and insurer. Understanding your coverage options is essential—especially for vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), where replacement costs can exceed $1,500 including mandatory calibration.

Understanding Comprehensive Coverage and Glass Claims

Windshield replacement is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, not collision coverage. Comprehensive covers damage from events other than collisions, including rock chips, hail, vandalism, and falling objects.

States with Mandatory Zero Deductible Laws

Three states have enacted legislation requiring insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement when the policyholder carries comprehensive coverage:

Florida: Insurers must waive the deductible for windshield replacement if comprehensive coverage is carried.

Kentucky: Insurers must waive the deductible for all auto glass replacement if comprehensive coverage is carried.

South Carolina: Insurers must waive the deductible for all safety glass replacement if comprehensive coverage is carried.

States Requiring Optional Full Glass Coverage

Several states require insurers to offer customers the option to purchase a "full glass coverage" rider for an additional premium. This rider typically lowers the glass deductible to $0: Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York.

Standard Deductible States

In all other states, standard comprehensive deductibles apply to windshield claims. Optional full glass coverage may be available from your insurer. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Repair vs. Replacement Deductibles

Many insurers voluntarily waive the deductible if a windshield can be repaired rather than replaced. They do this because a repair is significantly cheaper and prevents a small chip from spreading into a more expensive replacement claim later.

Insurance Coverage for ADAS Calibration

The mandatory nature of ADAS calibration has introduced a contentious element into the insurance claims process. If a windshield replacement is a covered claim, the necessary ADAS calibration should also be covered as an integral part of that repair.

However, auto glass shops frequently report significant pushback from insurance adjusters, who may deny or only partially approve payment for calibration services. This resistance often stems from lack of understanding of the technology's necessity or reliance on outdated pricing models.

To secure ADAS calibration payment, reputable shops now provide: pre-authorization with the insurer, copies of the vehicle manufacturer's official position statement, and detailed post-service reports with photographic evidence of pre-repair diagnostic scans, calibration target setup, and post-calibration confirmation.

Your Rights as a Consumer

While laws vary by state, consumers generally have these rights: Right to choose your repair facility (insurers cannot require a specific shop), right to insist on OEM parts (you may pay the difference), and right to a complete repair including all manufacturer-mandated procedures like ADAS calibration.

If your insurer denies coverage for ADAS calibration, request the denial in writing with specific policy language cited. ADAS calibration is rarely explicitly excluded and should be covered as part of a complete, safe repair.