Is a cracked windscreen covered by warranty?

The crack in your windshield is not usually covered by standard car warranties. Coverage, if any, depends on the cause (manufacturing defect versus impact or damage) and may exist only under a separate glass warranty or your auto insurance.

Windscreen damage can fall into different categories: some manufacturers offer glass-specific protections, while routine warranties typically cover defects in materials or workmanship rather than accidental damage. This article explains how warranty coverage tends to work, what to look for in your policy, and practical steps to confirm your particular situation.

How warranties treat windscreen damage

Coverage for windscreen damage under vehicle warranties varies, and the distinction between defect and damage is critical.

Manufacturing defects and dedicated glass warranties

• Manufacturing defect or improper installation: If the crack stems from a defect in the glass or its installation, it may be covered under a factory warranty or a dedicated glass warranty during the warranty period. Terms vary by brand and plan.


• Separate glass warranty or service plan: Some automakers or dealerships offer a glass-specific warranty that covers windshields for a limited time, often independently of the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty.


• Extended warranty or third-party glass coverage: Some extended warranties or service contracts include windshield coverage, sometimes with limits on repair versus replacement.


• Insurance-backed coverage rather than warranty: Many owners rely on comprehensive auto insurance to cover windshield damage, which may include repair or replacement and is separate from manufacturer warranty.

In practice, windscreen coverage under warranty is not universal. Always verify the exact terms with the dealer or review the policy documents to know what applies to your vehicle and model year.

What is usually not covered by warranties

Most standard warranties exclude routine windshield damage and non-defect issues.

Common exclusions

• Damage from road hazards, impacts from stones, or accidents: These are generally not covered under standard warranties, though your insurance may cover them.


• Wear and aging: Chips that develop into larger cracks over time due to temperature changes or stress are typically not warranty-covered.


• Improper installation or aftermarket glass: If failure results from nonstandard installation or non-OEM glass, coverage is unlikely.

If the crack is due to a manufacturing defect, you may still have a path to coverage under a glass warranty or defect-related clause; otherwise, you’ll likely pursue assistance through insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

How to determine coverage for your vehicle

To find out exactly which option applies to you, follow these practical steps.

Steps to verify coverage

• Check your vehicle warranty booklet and any glass-specific warranty documentation for terms, duration, and exclusions.


• Ask your dealer or the manufacturer for the precise coverage on windscreen damage and whether a glass warranty exists for your model and year.


• Review your auto insurance policy to see if windshield repair or replacement is covered, including any deductibles or no-deductible glass options.


• If uncertain, contact your insurer or a reputable auto glass shop to obtain quotes and confirm what is covered by warranty versus insurance.

Conclusion: Confirming both warranty terms and insurance coverage is the best way to determine the most cost-effective path for a cracked windscreen.

Summary

In short, a cracked windscreen is not automatically covered by standard car warranties. Whether it is covered depends on the cause (defect versus impact), any separate glass warranty, and your auto-insurance policy. Review your warranty and glass documentation, talk to your dealer, and check your insurance to identify the right remedy and potential costs. Being proactive can help you avoid surprises and speed up getting the windshield fixed or replaced.

Does a cracked windscreen come under warranty?

If you buy a new car and immediately get a chip from a stone, it's unlikely to be covered under the manufacturer's standard warranty. If your windscreen cracks due to being improperly installed, however, it's worth getting in touch with the manufacturer as this is more likely to be covered under any standard warranty.

Are windshield cracks covered under warranty?

No, standard new car and extended warranties typically do not cover windshield cracks, as they are considered normal wear and tear or damage from external factors like rocks. However, your comprehensive auto insurance policy may cover repairs or replacement, often with a low or no deductible. Some dealerships might have separate glass protection plans, or a specific windshield repair company may offer its own warranty on a repair. 
Warranty and insurance coverage

• Standard new car and extended warranties: Generally do not cover windshield cracks, as this is considered damage from use, not a manufacturing defect. 
• Comprehensive auto insurance: Most likely to cover windshield damage. You should check your policy to see if it includes a low or no-deductible glass coverage option. 
• Windshield repair service warranties: Some glass repair companies, like Safelite, offer their own repair warranties that cover future cracks in the same spot. 
• Dealership-specific plans: Some dealers may offer a separate product or have a plan that includes windshield protection, but this is not standard. 

What to do

1. Contact your insurance provider: This is the first step to determine if your comprehensive policy covers the damage and at what cost to you. 
2. Check for separate glass protection plans: If you have a plan from a glass repair shop or a separate vehicle protection plan, contact them to see if they cover your situation. 
3. Repair vs. replace: If the crack is small, repair is often a cost-effective option that can be covered by insurance with a low or no deductible. If the crack is too large to repair or is at the edge of the glass, a full replacement will be necessary. 

Does GA replace windshields for free?

No, windshield replacement is not free in Georgia, as the state does not mandate free replacements. However, if you have comprehensive auto insurance with a zero-deductible glass-only policy, the replacement may be free or have a very low out-of-pocket cost for repair. Otherwise, you will be responsible for your insurance deductible, if applicable, or the full cost if paying out-of-pocket. 
How to determine if your windshield replacement will be free

• Check your insurance policy: Look for "comprehensive" or "glass-only" coverage, and pay close attention to the deductible amount. 
• If you have a zero-deductible policy: You likely won't have to pay anything for replacement, though it's important to confirm the policy details with your insurer. 
• If you have a comprehensive policy with a deductible: You will need to pay your deductible, which can range from around $100 to over $1,000 depending on the policy. Some policies have a separate, lower deductible for glass claims. 
• If you don't have comprehensive coverage: You will have to pay the full cost of the replacement yourself. 

Other factors to consider

• Deductible: The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. 
• Out-of-pocket costs: If you don't have comprehensive coverage, you'll be responsible for the full replacement cost, which can range from approximately $275 to $550 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. 
• Potential rate increases: Filing an insurance claim, even for a windshield, can potentially lead to higher premiums in the future. 
• Deductible on repairs vs. replacement: You may not have a deductible for a minor chip repair, but a deductible will likely apply if the windshield needs to be replaced after an unsuccessful repair. 
• Out-of-pocket vs. insurance claim: Paying out-of-pocket can be a faster process, but it means you are responsible for the full cost. Filing an insurance claim might involve a longer approval process, but your out-of-pocket cost will be limited to your deductible. 

Is it worth filing a claim for a cracked windshield?

It is worth filing a claim for a cracked windshield if the repair or replacement cost is significantly higher than your deductible, but not if the cost is less than your deductible. Before filing, check your policy to confirm you have comprehensive coverage and understand your deductible, especially for glass-specific claims. If the damage is minor, you can likely save money by paying for the repair out of pocket. 
When to file a claim

• Repair/Replacement cost exceeds your deductible: If the cost is higher than your deductible, filing a claim makes sense because the insurance company will cover the difference. 
• Damage is severe: A large crack or shattered windshield can obstruct your view and may be illegal to drive with, making a claim necessary for a prompt replacement. 
• Multiple glass panels are damaged: If your side or rear windows are also damaged, filing a comprehensive claim can help manage the total repair cost. 
• Cost is financially straining: If paying out of pocket would cause financial strain, it is a viable option to use your insurance. 

When to consider paying out of pocket

• Repair cost is less than your deductible: It's often more cost-effective to pay for minor repairs yourself rather than filing a claim. 
• You have a high deductible: If your deductible is very high, it may be cheaper to pay for the repair out of pocket even for a large crack. 

Before you file a claim

• Check your policy: Confirm you have comprehensive coverage and understand your deductible. Some policies have a separate, lower glass deductible or even waive it entirely for windshield repair. 
• Get a quote: Obtain an estimate for the repair or replacement from a professional auto glass shop. 
• Document the damage: Take clear photos of the crack or chip. 
• Don't wait: File the claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs and before you have any repairs done. 
• Know the potential impact: While many insurers don't surcharge for a single glass claim, frequent claims could lead to a premium increase or higher rates.