California Windshield Replacement

Repairing a broken windshield is a requirement in California, but you’ll probably have to pay for it unless you have comprehensive car insurance.
Written by Sean Boehme
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In
California
, you might be able to have your broken windshield repaired without paying a deductible—or you may need to pay entirely out of pocket. It all depends on your
car insurance coverage
.
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Does California law cover windshield replacement?

California law does not cover the expenses for a replacement windshield. Some states don’t allow car insurance companies to
charge a deductible
to fix a windshield, but California is not one of them.
So, where does that leave a California driver with a damaged windshield? It depends almost entirely on what types of car insurance coverage they have and the severity of the damage. 
Comprehensive coverage
is a type of car insurance that covers damage caused directly to a car from several non-traffic-related causes. Some of these potential sources of damage include:
  • Severe weather and natural disasters
  • Riots and theft
  • Wildlife
Assuming your car’s windshield, or another glass component, is damaged as a result of a covered non-accident incident, you can expect your car insurance company to compensate you for the cost of repairing it. But because California has no law against charging a deductible for the windshield, you may need to cover that expense. 
If all you’ve done to protect your car is fulfill
California’s minimum coverage requirements
, then you don’t have comprehensive insurance. California requires only
liability coverage
, not comprehensive coverage.

Who pays for a windshield replacement in California?

There are a few circumstances where you won’t have to pay to replace your windshield. If it was damaged by one of the sources outlined in your car insurance provider’s comprehensive coverage plan and they don’t charge a deductible, then you shouldn’t have to worry about any cost at all.
If you’re in
an accident where the other driver is at fault
, their liability coverage (or even your collision coverage) could also end up paying for the damages.
But in many situations, the cost to replace your windshield will fall, at least partially, on you. While there are some cheap windshield repair kits that people use to repair or replace the damaged windshield themselves, paying a professional is the easier and safer option.
Having a minor chip or crack repaired will often cost around $50 to $150 while having the entire windshield properly replaced may cost between $200 to $400

Does California law require auto coverage for windshield repair?

No. Comprehensive coverage is the policy option that you can usually claim if your windshield is damaged, but comprehensive coverage is not required in California.
Like most states, the only type of coverage drivers need to have in California is liability coverage. Liability coverage is used to compensate other drivers if you cause an accident that hurts them or their property. California drivers must have at least:
MORE:

Do I need to replace my cracked windshield in California?

The short answer is, yes, you should always replace a
cracked or damaged windshield
as soon as you can. Failing to do so is unsafe and could land you a ticket.
The actual law is somewhat subjective. According to the California Vehicle Code
Section 26710
, it is illegal to drive with a windshield that is “in such a defective condition as to impair the driver’s vision either to the front or rear.”
If you do receive a ticket for a defective windshield, you’ll have 48 hours to get it repaired. The smart and safe thing to do is to avoid any risk of a ticket or impairment by getting your windshield fixed as soon as you notice any damage.

How to save on windshield insurance in California

If you want to make sure you’re not going to have to pay hundreds out-of-pocket just because your windshield has a crack, you’re probably going to need comprehensive coverage. It’s not a secret that car insurance is expensive in California, so you might have some trouble finding a good rate.
That’s where
Jerry
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You can sign up for Jerry in under a minute and, on average, users save over $800 annually on their coverage.
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