Best Windshield Replacement Coverage in Florida (2024)
In Florida, no-deductible windshield replacement insurance is included on all comprehensive auto policies by state law.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences i...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- It’s illegal to drive in the United States with a cracked windshield that obstructs the driver’s view
- Windshield repair and replacement are free in Florida if your insurance policy has comprehensive coverage
- Florida’s minimum insurance coverage does not include comprehensive insurance, so you’ll need to add this coverage to make sure you’re covered for windshield damage
If you have a cracked or chipped windshield, it’s typically a good idea to play it safe and get it repaired or replaced. The alternative is to risk receiving a ticket or getting into an accident due to an obstructed view.
Fortunately, Florida’s windshield law can help you get that windshield replaced for free if you have the right type of auto insurance policy in place. Read on to learn more about windshield coverage in Florida.
Florida windshield replacement insurance helps keep your vision unobstructed and you driving safely. You can compare windshield replacement insurance rates in Florida today with our free quote tool above just enter your ZIP code.
Florida’s Free Windshield Repair Law
In the United States, it is illegal to operate a vehicle when the driver’s view is obstructed. That means if you’re pulled over by law enforcement with a cracked windshield, there’s a good chance that you could receive a ticket.
The good news is that a Florida law makes windshield repairs free for anyone who carries an insurance policy with comprehensive coverage included. This means that if you have a damaged windshield that requires a repair or replacement, your insurance company will cover this cost at 100% with no deductible.
This is a law that few states have. Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are the only three states that require free windshield replacement with the proper insurance coverage.
It’s important to emphasize that this only applies to comprehensive coverage.
You won’t benefit from this law if you only carry the minimum required insurance. If you want to ensure you can get your windshield replaced with no out-of-pocket cost, be sure that comprehensive coverage is included in your policy.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How Comprehensive Coverage Works for Windshield Repairs
Comprehensive coverage is insurance that covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle.
For example, if your vehicle is hit by a falling tree limb during one of Florida’s frequent storms, that would fall under your comprehensive coverage.
This coverage also protects your vehicle against the following:
- Hail damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Collisions with animals
- Falling debris
If you opt for comprehensive coverage on your insurance plan, you’ll then have the added benefit of Florida windshield replacement insurance. Your insurer legally cannot charge a deductible for windshield repairs if you have comprehensive coverage.
So, if you have a damaged windshield and the right insurance coverage, there’s no reason to risk a traffic stop and ticket when you can have it replaced for free through your insurance policy.
What is Florida’s minimum car insurance requirement?
Florida’s minimum insurance requirements are $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).
While you may be tempted to keep your insurance levels at the minimum level to lower your insurance rates, in doing so you will be missing out on extra coverage that could save you far more money than what you save on your rates.
This includes the possibility of free windshield repairs as mandated by the Florida windshield repair law.
All Florida drivers are required to carry an auto insurance policy. Driving without insurance is against the law, and you could face fines and time in jail if you’re caught driving without insurance. Take a look at average auto insurance costs in Florida in the table below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oo3a-D1O14TiV5mwjMcJTFunYZVNNBj1mSqmO_Wbol8/edit#gid=2048662886
Top 5 Most Expensive Auto Insurance Providers (Average Rates) | Annual Rate | Top 5 Cheapest Auto Insurance Providers (Average Rates) | Annual Rate |
---|---|---|---|
Infinity Indemnity Insurance | $13,777 | USAA General Indemnity | $2,643 |
Infinity Auto Insurance | $10,139 | USAA Casualty Insurance | $2,545 |
Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance | $6,715 | USAA | $2,281 |
United Automobile Insurance | $5,683 | Florida Farm Bureau | $2,148 |
Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance | $5,370 | Geico General Insurance/Government Employees Insurance | $2,021 |
Florida Windshield Replacement Laws Makes Your Coverage Selections More Important
Choosing the right insurance policy is always important. You want to land the best rates possible, but you also want to make sure you’re sufficiently covered when an accident happens.
This balancing act can make the choice difficult, so it’s important to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies before you make a decision.
If you live in Florida, you’ll also want to consider the added benefits you’ll get from making sure that you have comprehensive coverage in your policy. You may have a chance to get free windshield replacement in Florida. The no-deductible windshield replacement law for insurance companies is something that few states have, so it’s worth considering when you choose an insurance policy.
Do you want to buy Florida windshield replacement insurance? Make sure to compare Florida windshield replacement insurance rates right here to find the best coverage for the best rate. Enter your ZIP code below to get started and find quality Florida windshield repair.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance in Florida cover windshield replacement?
Yes, most auto insurance policies in Florida provide coverage for windshield replacement. However, it depends on the specific coverage you have selected. Comprehensive coverage typically includes windshield replacement as part of its coverage, but liability-only or collision-only policies may not cover it. It’s important to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for windshield replacement.
What is comprehensive coverage, and how does it relate to windshield replacement?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional auto insurance coverage that helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision incidents. This can include theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters like hurricanes or storms. Windshield damage is also covered under comprehensive insurance, so if your windshield needs replacement due to a covered event, your comprehensive coverage should help pay for it (after any applicable deductibles).
Are there any specific requirements or limitations for windshield replacement coverage in Florida?
Some insurance policies in Florida may have specific requirements or limitations for windshield replacement coverage. For example, they may require you to use authorized repair facilities or have a maximum limit on coverage. Additionally, certain insurance companies might have different rules regarding deductibles for windshield replacement. It’s essential to review your policy documents or consult your insurance provider to understand any specific requirements or limitations that may apply.
Will filing a claim for windshield replacement affect my insurance rates in Florida?
In Florida, filing a claim for windshield replacement typically does not result in an increase in your insurance rates. Windshield damage is considered a comprehensive claim, which is usually treated differently from at-fault accidents. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm their policies regarding comprehensive claims and rate adjustments.
Can I choose any auto glass repair shop for windshield replacement, or does my insurance company have preferred providers?
The availability of choosing any auto glass repair shop for windshield replacement varies depending on your insurance policy. Some insurance companies may have preferred providers or networks that offer discounted rates or direct billing. It’s recommended to contact your insurance provider or review your policy to determine if they have any specific requirements or recommendations for auto glass repair shops.
What should I do if my windshield gets damaged in Florida?
If your windshield is damaged in Florida, follow these steps:
- Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the damage. If it’s a minor chip or crack, it may be repairable, but larger damage may require replacement.
- Review your insurance coverage: Check your auto insurance policy to understand the coverage you have for windshield replacement or repairs.
- Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance company about the damage and inquire about the process for filing a claim or getting reimbursement for windshield replacement.
- Choose a reputable repair shop: If you have the flexibility to choose, select a trusted auto glass repair shop that specializes in windshield replacement.
- Document the damage: Take clear photos of the damaged windshield before getting it repaired or replaced. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims.
- Follow repair or replacement procedures: Work with the chosen repair shop to have your windshield repaired or replaced according to their recommended procedures.
What is a deductible, and how does it apply to windshield replacement claims?
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. When filing a claim for windshield replacement, you may be required to pay your deductible first. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost of windshield replacement is $1,500, you would pay $500, and your insurance would cover the remaining $1,000. It’s important to review your policy to understand your deductible amount and how it applies to windshield replacement claims.
Can I get my windshield repaired instead of replaced?
In some cases, minor windshield damage such as small chips or cracks can be repaired rather than replaced. Repairing the windshield is often less expensive than replacement and may not require you to pay a deductible. Many insurance policies offer coverage for windshield repairs without affecting your rates. However, the eligibility for repair depends on factors such as the size, location, and severity of the damage. It’s recommended to consult with an auto glass repair professional to determine if your windshield can be repaired.
What if I don’t have comprehensive coverage? Can I still get my windshield replaced?
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you may still be able to get your windshield replaced, but you would need to cover the expenses out of pocket. Without comprehensive coverage, the cost of windshield replacement would not be covered by your insurance policy. It’s advisable to contact auto glass repair shops directly to inquire about the cost and explore any available discounts or financing options they may offer.
Are there any time limits for filing a windshield replacement claim in Florida?
While specific time limits for filing a windshield replacement claim may vary depending on your insurance policy, it’s generally recommended to file a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Promptly reporting the damage to your insurance provider helps ensure a smoother claims process. Waiting too long to file a claim may result in complications or possible denial of coverage. Refer to your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to determine any specific time limits that may apply.
Does windshield replacement affect my vehicle’s resale value?
Generally, properly replaced windshields do not significantly affect a vehicle’s resale value. In fact, having a new windshield installed can enhance the overall appearance and safety of your vehicle. However, if the replacement was not done correctly or with inferior materials, it could negatively impact the value. It’s crucial to choose a reputable auto glass repair shop that follows industry standards for windshield replacement to ensure quality workmanship.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences i...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.