advanced-auto-glass

How to Tell If Your Insurance Covers Your Broken Windshield

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:11:11 GMT

Does Insurance Cover a Broken Windshield? | Illinois Guide

You hear a rock hit your windshield on the highway. You notice a chip when you get home. Or worse, you walk outside and find a large crack running across the glass.

One of the first questions you may have is:

Will my car insurance pay for this?

The answer depends on your individual insurance policy, the type of coverage you carry, your deductible, and how the damage happened.

Here's what to look for before scheduling your windshield repair or replacement.

What Type of Insurance Covers Windshield Damage?

Windshield and auto glass damage is often associated with comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance generally covers certain types of vehicle damage that aren't caused by a collision, which can include situations such as falling objects, storms, vandalism, theft-related damage, and road debris.

However, every insurance policy is different.

The easiest way to determine your coverage is to review the comprehensive section of your policy or contact your insurance company and ask specifically about auto glass coverage .

Check Your Deductible

Being covered doesn't necessarily mean your windshield replacement will be free.

Your comprehensive coverage may have a deductible, the amount you're responsible for paying before insurance contributes toward the covered repair.

For example, if the cost of replacing your windshield is close to or below your deductible, filing a claim may not make financial sense.

Before making a decision, find out:

Whether your policy covers the damage
What your comprehensive deductible is
Whether your policy has separate glass coverage
What portion of the repair or replacement you're responsible for

This will give you a much clearer picture of your options.

Does Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?

Depending on your policy, there may be a difference between coverage for repairing a small windshield chip and replacing an entire windshield.

Because repairing minor damage can prevent the need for a more expensive replacement later, it's worth checking with your insurance company as soon as you notice a chip.

Don't assume you need a complete replacement before having the damage evaluated.

What About OEM vs. Aftermarket Glass?

If your windshield needs to be completely replaced, another question to ask your insurer is what type of replacement glass your policy covers.

Depending on your policy, vehicle, and circumstances, there may be differences in coverage for OEM and aftermarket replacement glass.

Before choosing your replacement windshield, ask your insurance provider whether there are any restrictions or additional costs associated with choosing OEM glass.

Read: OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshields — What's the Difference?

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

If you're unsure about your windshield coverage, you don't need to know insurance terminology before calling.

Simply ask:

Is my windshield damage covered?
What is my deductible for auto glass damage?
Do I have separate glass coverage?
Is windshield repair handled differently from replacement?
Does my policy cover OEM glass?
Do I need to file a claim before having the work completed?

A few minutes checking your policy can help you understand your options before moving forward.

Need Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced?

Once you understand your insurance coverage, the next step is determining whether your windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Advanced Auto Glass provides windshield repair and replacement in Schaumburg and surrounding northwest suburban communities , including Hoffman Estates , Elk Grove Village , Roselle, and nearby areas.

Tell us about your vehicle and the windshield damage, and we'll help you determine the appropriate next step.

OEM VS Aftermarket Windshields: Whats the Difference?

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:53:35 GMT

WHEN REPLACING A WINDSHIELD, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOING WITH AN OEM WINDSHIELD OR AN AFTERMARKET WINDSHIELD?

If you need a new windshield, you may hear two terms during the replacement process: OEM glass and aftermarket glass.

So, what's the difference, and does it matter which one you choose?

The short answer is that both can be viable options, but there are differences worth understanding before making a decision.

Here's what you should know.

What Is an OEM Windshield?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

An OEM windshield is made to meet the specifications established for your vehicle by the manufacturer. Depending on the vehicle and glass supplier, it may also carry branding associated with the vehicle manufacturer.

For drivers who want replacement glass that closely matches what originally came with their vehicle, OEM glass may be the preferred option.

OEM glass can sometimes cost more than an aftermarket alternative, and availability can vary depending on the vehicle.

What Is an Aftermarket Windshield?

An aftermarket windshield is produced by a glass manufacturer for use as a replacement windshield but is not necessarily the same glass that was originally installed when the vehicle was manufactured.

Quality aftermarket glass is manufactured to meet applicable vehicle safety standards and is commonly used for windshield replacements.

One of the primary advantages of aftermarket glass is that it can offer more replacement options and may be less expensive than OEM glass.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which Windshield Is Better?

There isn't one answer that's right for every vehicle or every driver.

The best option can depend on several factors, including:

Your vehicle's make, model, and year
The availability of replacement glass
Features built into or mounted near the windshield
Your insurance coverage
Your budget
Your personal preference

For some vehicles, OEM glass may make the most sense. For others, a quality aftermarket windshield can be an appropriate replacement.

The important thing is choosing the correct windshield for your vehicle and having it installed properly.

What About Vehicles With Cameras and Driver Assistance Features?

Modern windshields can be more complicated than they look.

Many newer vehicles use cameras, sensors, and other technology mounted on or around the windshield for features such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and other advanced driver assistance systems.

Because of this, replacing a windshield on a newer vehicle may involve additional considerations beyond simply replacing the glass.

If your vehicle has these features, make sure they're identified when you're getting a windshield replacement quote so the correct glass and replacement process can be determined.

Will Insurance Pay for OEM Glass?

It depends on your individual insurance policy.

Some policies or circumstances may allow for OEM replacement glass, while others may specify or cover an aftermarket alternative. Deductibles and coverage can also vary significantly between policies.

The best way to know for sure is to review your policy or speak directly with your insurance provider.

Read: How to Tell If Your Insurance Covers Your Broken Windshield

Not Sure Which Windshield You Need?

You don't need to figure it all out yourself.

If your windshield needs to be replaced, Advanced Auto Glass can help you identify the appropriate replacement options for your vehicle and answer questions about the process.

Advanced Auto Glass provides windshield repair and replacement in Schaumburg and surrounding northwest suburban communities, including Hoffman Estates , Elk Grove Village , Roselle, and nearby areas.

Learn More About Windshield Repair & Replacement

Need a Windshield Replacement?

Tell us about your vehicle and the damage to your windshield through our Quick Quote form.