Comprehensive coverage can help pay for windshield replacement if the glass is damaged in these common scenarios:

• Flying rocks or road debris 
• Severe weather, including hail or wind-blown objects 
• Falling branches or other objects 
• Collisions with animals 
• Vandalism or break-ins 
• Accidents involving objects like trees, fences or guardrails (not another vehicle) 

Comprehensive coverage typically carries a deductible, and you would have to pay it as part of a windshield replacement. A few states have laws that limit or prohibit deductibles for windshield repairs.

Some insurers don’t include windshield repair or replacement as part of comprehensive coverage, but they may sell separate glass coverage, with or without a deductible.

Glass coverage, also called full glass coverage, can help pay for damage to your windshield and other car windows without a deductible, or with a lower deductible than what you carry on your comprehensive coverage. You pay extra for this option, but it can save you money if you have a high deductible on your comprehensive coverage.

Depending on your policy and coverage available in your state, Farmers^® may offer two special glass options:

• Glass deductible buyback coverage can pay to repair or replace all auto glass, including broken windows or sunroofs, with a $100 deductible (or $0 deductible in some states), and $0 deductible for chip repairs that don’t require glass replacement.
   
• Full windshield and glass coverage can include repairs or replacement of all auto glass with no deductible, depending on the policy and state.  

Collision coverage may apply if your windshield needs replacement after a collision with another vehicle. You may have to cover your collision deductible. Collision insurance is optional, and you select the amount of your deductible when you purchase a policy.

Small chips or short cracks may be repairable, especially if they’re not in the driver’s line of sight. But replacement may be the safer option if:

• The damage is large or spreading 
• The crack affects visibility 
• The windshield’s structural integrity is compromised 

Your coverage, deductible and state regulations can influence which option makes the most sense. A repair professional or your Farmers agent can help you review your options.

Need to file a windshield damage claim? Farmers has teamed with Safelite Solutions to handle glass repair and replacement.

Car insurance may help cover chipped windshields if you have optional coverage such as comprehensive or full glass coverage. Small chips are often repairable, and some policies may cover repairs with a reduced or no deductible, depending on your coverage and state laws.

Windshield replacement is typically covered under comprehensive coverage. However, collision coverage may apply if the windshield was damaged in an accident involving another vehicle. Coverage details vary by policy and insurer.

Optional comprehensive or glass coverage may help pay to repair or replace cracked side windows or other auto glass if the damage is caused by a covered event such as vandalism, severe weather or flying debris.

You may have to pay a deductible for windshield replacement if your comprehensive or collision coverage applies. Some states limit or prohibit deductibles for certain glass repairs, and optional glass coverage may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

Windshield replacement costs vary based on your vehicle and the technology built into the glass. According to Kelley Blue Book, replacement for an average older vehicle with little or no added technology typically starts around $300 to $600, while replacement on newer vehicles can exceed $1,000 because of features like cameras, sensors and recalibration needs. Your actual cost can also vary based on the type of glass, your vehicle’s make and model, and local labor rates.

If you have optional coverages such as comprehensive or full glass coverage, your insurance may help reduce out-of-pocket costs, depending on your deductible, policy terms and state regulations.

Full glass coverage may include repairs or replacement for windshields, side windows and sunroofs, depending on your policy terms and state availability. Coverage details and deductibles can vary by insurer.