Do car warranties cover windshields?
You might be covered without knowing it
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Extended auto warranties can be a solid option for owners of aging vehicles in search of a way to protect themselves from extreme repair costs, but there are components that even the most comprehensive warranty plans exclude. Windshields are generally not covered as part of an auto warranty — instead, they are covered by some car insurance policies.
Many insurance companies offer glass protection as a benefit, covering replacements or repairs when a windshield breaks. That applies to even the most expensive modern windshields with sensors and cameras that need calibration after a window replacement. The deductible is almost always significantly less expensive than the repair.
Extended warranties do not cover auto glass or windshields.
Jump to insightWindshield damage generally falls under an insurance policy, not warranty coverage.
Jump to insightMany insurance policies include glass protection with a low or no deductible.
Jump to insightIf there is an insurance deductible, it’s usually cheaper than paying for a new windshield.
Jump to insightWindshield warranty coverage
Windshields are typically excluded from normal extended warranty coverage, but some companies may offer protection via an add-on plan or supplemental options.
The good news is that the auto insurance policy you already have might cover windshield replacement, and may do so with a small deductible. Glass coverage is usually part of a comprehensive policy.
In most cases, getting a repair or replacement is as simple as filing a glass claim and taking your vehicle to a shop. Some regions also have mobile businesses that can come to your home or workplace to perform the replacement.
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
What types of warranties cover windshields?
The vast majority of extended warranties do not cover glass damage of any kind. There are a couple of exceptions, with some plans offering add-on coverage or glass protection plans, but in general, you should not expect your extended auto warranty to cover glass damage.
If your car is still covered under its factory warranty, you may be entitled to a replacement if there is a defect, such as a safety sensor malfunction or sealant issue. However, there’s very little in the way of warranty coverage for glass damage of any type.
» MORE: Car warranty guide: what you need to know
Does your extended warranty cover windshields?
While there are a couple of exceptions, most extended warranties do not cover windshield or glass replacement.
| Warranty provider | Plans offering windshield coverage |
|---|---|
| Endurance | None |
| American Dream Auto Protect | None |
| olive | None |
| Omega Auto Care | None |
| Toco Warranty | None |
| Concord Auto Protect | None |
How much does it cost to get your windshield replaced?
While windshield replacements used to be a simple job that cost a few hundred dollars at most, they can now be shockingly expensive. New shapes and designs with sensor arrays and their accompanying calibration needs can drive the cost of a windshield replacement beyond $1,000 in some cases.
Older vehicles can still have a glass replacement for between $300 and $600, but the advanced driver assistance systems on more modern cars can double that cost. Heads-up displays, automatic high beam sensors and automatic windshield wiper sensors take time to properly reinstall and calibrate, resulting in much higher costs.
FAQ
Is a cracked windshield covered under warranty?
No, windshield damage is not typically covered under factory or extended warranties. That said, comprehensive auto insurance usually covers glass with a low or no deductible.
What is considered a stress crack in a windshield?
Stress cracks are caused by twisting or torsional pressure on the glass. They can also be caused by extreme temperature swings or a misalignment of the glass installation.
Are Safelite windshields under warranty?
Yes, Safelite’s windshield replacements are covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship.
Article sources
- Kelley Blue Book, “It May Cost More Than You Think to Replace a Windshield.” Accessed May 29, 2024.
- Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, “Does car insurance cover windshield damage?” Accessed May 29, 2024.
