As long as you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy, the Kentucky windshield replacement law dictates that you do not have to pay anything out of pocket to have your windshield repaired.

Thanks to Kentucky’s windshield replacement laws, you don’t need to invest in special auto glass coverage to get your windshield repairs and replacements reimbursed.
To benefit from the law, your auto insurance policy must include comprehensive coverage.
Kentucky law also has a zero deductible rule, meaning your damaged windshield placement might be completely covered by your car insurance company.
The type of claim you submit may determine whether or not you get free windshield replacement.

MORE:

How to lower your Kentucky insurance costs

Does Kentucky law cover windshield replacement?

As long as you have

comprehensive coverage

, Kentucky requires that your car insurance covers windshield replacements for qualifying glass claims.

According to Kentucky state law: All comprehensive policies “shall provide complete coverage for repair or replacement of damaged safety equipment, without regard to any deductible.” That means your repair or replacement will be free of charge even if you typically have a deductible.

Comprehensive coverage is key: This law only applies to comprehensive coverage—not other types, such as liability or

collision insurance

. It also only applies to safety equipment, which includes windshields but not other windows on your car (you’d need full glass coverage for that).

This means this auto glass repair law could apply to vandalism, severe weather, or other incidents covered by comprehensive insurance, but it wouldn’t apply to damage from a car accident.

If your windshield is damaged in an accident, the coverage will depend on who’s at fault. If the collision was caused by another driver, your windshield repair or replacement will be covered by the other driver’s liability insurance. If the accident was your fault, the windshield will be covered under your collision insurance, but your deductible will apply.

How much does windshield replacement cost?

Windshield replacement costs: Without insurance, the average cost of a total windshield replacement ranges from about $150 to $500 at the repair shop.

Windshield repair costs: The exact price to repair a broken windshield depends on the size, make, and model of your vehicle. If you just need to repair windshield cracks or chips, the cost could be anywhere from $50 to $200.

Who pays for windshield replacement in Kentucky?

Who pays for your windshield glass replacement in Kentucky depends on two main factors:

The responsible party and/or the cause of the glass damage

The type of insurance coverage you have and the type of claim you file

If you have comprehensive coverage and submit an appropriate claim: Your insurance provider will cover 100% of the cost to repair or replace your windshield. You won’t have to worry about paying your comprehensive deductible.

If you submit a claim through your collision coverage after a car accident: You might be responsible for paying your deductible, should your policy require one. For example, if your vehicle acquires $1,500 worth of damages in a collision, and your deductible is $500, you will have to pay the $500, regardless of whether the windshield was part of these damages.

If you only have

Kentucky’s minimum levels of liability insurance

and lack comprehensive insurance altogether: You’ll likely be responsible for the entire cost of repairing or replacing your windshield.

Does Kentucky law require auto insurance coverage for windshield repair?

Kentucky only requires drivers to hold

liability coverage

to pay for damage incurred to other people, vehicles, and property, and

personal injury protection (PIP)

, which covers your medical costs. Windshield damage to your vehicle is excluded from these types of coverage.

Comprehensive insurance—which covers windshield damage—is not required by Kentucky state law. It may be required by your lender through the duration of your loan if you finance your vehicle—otherwise, it’s entirely up to you whether or not you purchase it.

If you do have comprehensive insurance, appropriate windshield claims that warrant replacement will be covered at no cost to you.

Do I need to replace my cracked windshield in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s law states the following regarding chips in cracks in vehicle windshields:

Windshields cannot have damage or discoloration in the area running from within two inches of the top edge to the height of the steering wheel and one inch of the side edges of the windshield.

Cracks without any other intersecting cracks are permitted.

Chips smaller than ¾ of an inch and not within three inches of other cracks or chips are permitted.

Keep in mind that it is generally up to the ticketing officer’s discretion whether a crack or area of damage hinders a driver’s view of the road.

Whether or not you need a replacement, it’s a good idea to repair your windshield as soon as possible—especially to avoid greater issues down the road.