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If you live and drive in Arizona, you already know. This is not friendly environment for windshields! Despite being fourteenth in total population, Arizona leads the nation in auto glass claims, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Insurance industry data shows that between 2015 and 2019, 10% of the nation’s auto glass claims were in Arizona. If you’ve been driving around the state for more than a few months this is not news to you. Most people I know replace at least one windshield in their household per year. As I write this, I have a windshield that’s recently been gashed while heading east on Highway 60 out of Tempe. In the past I would not have hesitated to file a claim with my insurance carrier via my ‘full glass coverage’ endorsement. But these days, with the changing climate around the filing of comprehensive (no-fault), this is no longer a slam dunk option.

While No-fault comprehensive claims do not technically trigger a rate surcharge (increase), you may lose an ‘Accident-Free’ discount, which can be as high as 10% off the base rate. Insurance carriers have gotten wise to historic loss leader that glass claims and repairs have always been, especially in the current climate of high-tech windshields that are part of the technology of your car.

Having glass coverage on car insurance used to be a straightforward decision for many Arizona drivers, but it’s not as clear-cut as it once was. Here’s why:

  1. Insurance Rates Impact: Typically, a single glass claim won’t drastically affect your insurance rates, but frequent claims might. Check with your insurer to understand their policy.
  2. Deductible: Compare the repair or replacement cost to your deductible. If the cost is less than or close to your deductible, it might be better to pay out of pocket. If it’s higher, filing a claim might be worthwhile.
  3. Coverage Type: Ensure you understand your policy. Comprehensive insurance usually covers windshield damage, but some insurers offer additional glass coverage or zero deductible options.
  4. State Laws: Some states have laws that eliminate the deductible for glass claims. Knowing your state’s regulations can influence your decision.

Ultimately, it boils down to your specific situation, including the cost of repairs, your deductible, and your insurance coverage. If in doubt, discussing your options with your insurance provider can help you make an informed choice. For chips and small repairs, it’s always a good option not to involve your insurance carrier at all. Many shops will repair small chips and cracks for free or at minimal cost.

To protect your car insurance rates for the long hall, you might want to consider handling small car insurance claims out of pocket. You can also save money by raising your comprehensive and collision deductibles from $500 to $1000. That monthly savings is money in your pocket that can be used later on to pay for a new windshield, if needed.

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