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Virginia Windshield Replacement Insurance: What are the Full Glass coverage laws in Virginia?

Things to remember...
  • Virginia drivers who are impacted by a cracked windshield may have to pay a deductible when filing an insurance claim for the damage
  • Windshield repair companies may use aftermarket glass in a replacement project, but this fact must be disclosed in the estimate before any work begins
  • Virginia auto insurance companies do have a say in what parts or repair shops are required to fix your windshield
  • Depending on the amount of a driver’s auto insurance deductible, it may be more cost-effective to simply pay for the entire windshield replacement out of your own pocket


Whether you are cruising through Virginia’s bustling urban areas, charming small towns, or impressive countryside, accidents and mishaps can happen at any time.

While these mishaps may include a collision with other vehicles on the road, they can also include projectile objects striking your car out of the blue.

When a hard object strikes your windshield with force, a chip or crack may develop based on the size of the object and the force. 

A damaged windshield is more than just a cosmetic issue because it actually may affect your overall safety on the road until the damage is properly addressed.

A small chip in your windshield may be repaired with a quick and easy service, but a cracked or shattered windshield should be replaced in most cases. Make sure you are covered and compare quotes with our free quote tool above!

Many Virginians do not plan ahead to make unexpected auto repairs, and you may be wondering if you can or should file a claim for this type of damage. The answer to this question is based on the type of insurance you have and what your deductible amount is.

Table of Contents

Do Virginian drivers have to pay a deductible for a windshield replacement claim?

Some auto insurance providers have a zero-deductible policy for windshield repair and replacement services. Essentially, a zero-deductible policy means that you could get your windshield damage properly remedied with no out-of-pocket cost to you.

However, Virginia state law does not require car insurance companies to have a zero-deductible policy, and because of this, many drivers will have to pay a higher deductible amount when filing a claim.

More than that, a claim on your auto insurance is only an option if you have the right type of coverage.

What is comprehensive coverage?

A comprehensive auto insurance policy is common, and it pays for repair or replacement work on your vehicle for a wide range of mishaps and issues.

Glass repair and replacement coverage is usually included in this. However, if you purchased a collision and liability only auto policy, you likely do not have glass repair or replacement coverage.

When you read the terms of your policy, you should look for these important factors:

  • Does your comprehensive insurance include full glass coverage?
  • Do you have a specific coverage limit on your full glass coverage?
  • Do you need to pay a deductible?

These important points can be crucial to determining if you should file a claim.

Even when you have insurance coverage available to pay for your damaged auto glass, this may not be the right financial decision to make.

Remember that drivers are typically responsible for paying a deductible on their claim before the insurance company pays any financial benefits.

If you have a zero-deductible option for an auto glass claim, your insurance company may pay for the entire glass replacement service.

On the other hand, if you have a $500 deductible, you will be responsible for the first $500 of the service, and your insurance company will pay the remaining amount.

As soon as you begin to request glass replacement quotes from reputable service providers in your area, you may begin to see a challenge.

Many of the quotes that you receive may be less than or only slightly more than your auto coverage deductible amount, depending on your established deductible.

If this is the case, filing a claim against your coverage is simply pointless, and it could even result in your premium increase in the future.

Will your insurance company select your auto glass service provider in Virginia?

If you pay for your glass replacement on your own and without filing a claim, you have the ability to hire any glass professional or firm that you desire to complete the work on your car.

On the other hand, Virginia state law does not give drivers the legal right to choose a provider if a claim is filed.

Instead, this matter will be decided by the terminology in your auto policy. In some cases, the policy that you purchase will require you to use the insurance provider’s glass company of choice.

Will a Virginia glass company install used or aftermarket glass in your vehicle?

Virginia state law does not dictate a mandatory zero-deductible policy for auto glass replacement, but it does permit glass companies to use aftermarket glass when replacing your windshield.

The law specifically states that glass companies must use a material like the previous windshield and similar in quality. Furthermore, this material should be identified on the estimate or quote you receive before the service is completed.

Not all glass companies use aftermarket glass, but it could be a cheaper option to consider if you are paying for this service out of your own pocket.

If you prefer not to use aftermarket glass, simply reach out to a few providers to determine which companies will use new glass for this service.

Some Virginia drivers do not realize that their auto policy has unfavorable terms and conditions for a windshield repair insurance or replacement service until they actually try to file a claim.

If you have been less than thrilled with your insurance experience while dealing with this issue, this may be a sign that you should begin comparing auto insurance quotes and switching coverage to a provider with better coverage in this area.

Don’t miss out on our FREE quote tool below! Just enter your ZIP code and start comparing rates now!

References:

  1. https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-windshield.htm
  2. https://www.angieslist.com/articles/why-replacing-cracked-windshield-important.htm
  3. https://www.iii.org/article/auto-insurance-basics-understanding-your-coverage
  4. https://www.edmunds.com/auto-insurance/how-much-car-insurance-do-you-need.html
  5. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/7-tips-on-having-the-right-car-insurance-coverage/2100001695/
  6. https://www.iii.org/article/understanding-your-insurance-deductibles
  7. https://business.gasbuddy.com/blog-synchrony-car-care/

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