Is a windshield covered under an Acura warranty?
Windshield coverage under Acura warranties is generally limited. In most cases, a windshield replacement is not included in the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty, unless there is a manufacturing defect discovered within the warranty period. For many drivers, windshield costs rely on auto glass coverage from insurance or separate plans.
Understanding Acura's standard warranty and windshield coverage
The following sections break down what is typically covered under Acura’s basic warranties and how glass fits into those terms. The exact coverage can vary by model year and region, so always consult your owner’s manual and your dealer for specifics.
What the bumper-to-bumper warranty covers
This list explains the broad protection under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is the main catch-all coverage for new Acura vehicles.
- Covers most components under the hood and inside the vehicle that are not wear items, typically for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Includes many non-exterior components and system-level parts (electronics, HVAC, suspension, etc.) as part of normal service coverage.
- Does not generally include wear-and-tear items or routine maintenance that depreciate with use.
What the bumper-to-bumper warranty excludes regarding glass
This list focuses specifically on windshield and glass considerations within the standard warranty framework.
- Windshield and other glass components are generally not covered as a glass item under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
- Replacement or repair due to damage from road hazards (chips, cracks from rock impact) is typically not covered.
- If a windshield defect is discovered that is due to a material or workmanship issue during the warranty period, coverage exceptions may apply, but this is less common and will depend on your dealer and the exact wording in your warranty documentation.
In practice, most drivers pay for windshield replacement via auto glass providers or their auto insurance, unless a defect is clearly identified as a warranty-covered issue.
Other coverage and options to help with windshield costs
Beyond the base Acura warranty, there are additional avenues that may reduce or cover windshield expenses. This section outlines common alternatives you can explore.
Insurance coverage for windshields
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies include windshield coverage, often with a deductible or sometimes a no-deductible option for glass claims. This can cover repair or replacement, depending on your policy terms.
- Comprehensive glass coverage commonly handles windshield repairs with little or no deductible.
- The claim usually does not affect your collision coverage, but it can affect your deductible and claims history depending on the policy.
- Some insurers offer free or waived deductibles for windshield claims in certain regions or under specific policies.
Confirm your plan’s terms before filing a claim to understand any deductible, limits, or impact on premiums.
Acura Care and other extended-warranty options
Optional extended warranties or service plans may include or add-on glass-related protections, depending on the plan and model year.
- Acura Care and similar extended-warranty programs can sometimes include or be paired with glass protection options.
- Some plans may cover certain glass components or offer vendor-rebate-style benefits for OEM glass replacements.
- Availability and terms vary by year, model, and region, so verify what is included with your specific plan before purchase or renewal.
If you’re considering an extended plan, ask the dealer to detail any glass coverage, provider networks, and calibration requirements after windshield work.
Dealer glass protection plans and OEM options
Dealers and third-party providers may offer glass protection plans that can help manage costs for windshield repair or replacement.
- Protection plans can cover chips and cracks, sometimes with same-day service at participating shops.
- OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass replacements are often recommended for ADAS calibration and sensor alignment.
- Read the terms for limits, deductibles, and service locations to ensure you’re getting value.
Always prefer OEM glass when ADAS sensors are involved, as non-OEM glass can affect calibration and safety features.
What to do if your windshield is damaged
If you notice a chip or crack, acting promptly can save you money and maintain safety. The following steps help you navigate coverage and repair choices.
- Assess the damage: small chips may be repairable; cracks larger than a certain length or in critical areas usually require replacement.
- Check your coverage: review your auto insurance policy for windshield or glass coverage and any deductibles; also verify any applicable warranty defects coverage.
- Obtain quotes: contact your Acura dealer or an authorized auto-glass provider to get OEM glass quotes and service options, including ADAS calibration if needed.
- Determine who pays: decide whether to file an insurance claim, use an extended warranty or protection plan, or pay out-of-pocket.
- Confirm ADAS calibration: if your vehicle has advanced driver-assistance systems, ensure the replacement includes proper camera/sensor calibration after installation.
- Schedule service: have the windshield replaced or repaired by a qualified technician at a reputable shop or dealer service center.
Pro tip: drive cautiously after any windshield service and avoid recalibrations that can be compromised by improper installation or glass fitment.
Summary
For most Acura owners, the standard warranty does not automatically cover windshield replacement, except in rare cases where a defect is proven to be a warranty issue. Windshield costs are typically handled by auto glass providers or your comprehensive insurance policy. If you want added protection, explore extended warranties, glass protection plans, or OEM-focused coverage, and always verify ADAS calibration requirements after replacement. As always, check your specific warranty booklet and talk to your local Acura dealer to understand the exact terms for your model and year.
What is not covered under Acura's warranty?
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty Does Not Cover:
Normal wear or deterioration of any part. Cleaning and polishing. The adding of any fluids, unless they are needed as part of a warranty repair. Broken, chipped, or scratched window glass unless it is due to a defect in material or workmanship.
Who pays when a rock hits your windshield?
Generally, you are responsible for your own windshield damage, as it is often difficult to prove where the rock came from. However, another driver or company may be held liable if you can prove they were negligent, such as if the rock fell directly from their unsecured truck bed, rather than being kicked up from the road by their tires. In most cases, you would file a claim with your own insurance's comprehensive coverage.
If the rock was kicked up from the road
- This is the most common scenario, and it is generally not the fault of the vehicle that kicked up the rock.
- Who is responsible: You are. You will need to file a claim with your insurance company, and the damage will likely be covered under your comprehensive policy.
If the rock fell directly from another vehicle
- This is more likely to be the case if the rock came from a vehicle like a dump truck that was hauling gravel or other debris.
- Who is responsible: The other driver or company could be liable, but it can be challenging to prove.
- What you need to do:
- Try to get the other driver's information and a police report.
- Gather evidence, such as video footage from a dashcam, which clearly shows the rock came from their vehicle.
- You may need to prove that the rock was not just kicked up from the road, but fell from the truck directly, or that the truck was carrying an unsecured load.
How to handle the damage
- Contact your insurance company: This is the most common and straightforward way to handle the repair.
- Check your policy: Comprehensive coverage may cover windshield repairs with no deductible, and it may not raise your premium.
- If you try to get the other party to pay:
- You will need strong evidence to prove their negligence.
- You can file a claim with your own insurance, and they may pursue the other driver or their insurance company for reimbursement.
Is a cracked windshield covered under warranty?
A cracked windshield is rarely covered by a standard manufacturer or extended warranty, which typically exclude damage from road hazards like rock chips. However, a crack may be covered under the warranty if it is due to a manufacturing defect or improper installation. In most cases, windshield damage is covered by your comprehensive auto insurance policy, not a warranty, and coverage may include a low or zero deductible.
Warranty coverage
- Manufacturer/Extended Warranties: These generally do not cover windshields because damage is typically caused by external forces like rocks.
- Defective Workmanship: A crack might be covered if it can be proven to be caused by a factory defect or faulty installation.
- What to do:
- Contact your dealership or warranty provider to review your specific contract and ask about any potential coverage.
- Use a ballpoint pen to gently drag the ball over the entire length of the crack. If the ball catches on any small cavities, it indicates the crack started from an impact (not a manufacturing defect).
Insurance coverage
- Comprehensive Auto Insurance: This is the most common way to get a cracked windshield covered.
- Glass Coverage: Many insurance providers offer a separate glass coverage option with a much lower deductible, sometimes even zero, for windshield repairs and replacements.
- Filing a claim:
- File a claim with your insurance company for the damage.
- The process and deductible will vary depending on your specific policy.
Will my insurance go up if I claim a cracked windshield?
If you file a windshield claim, your insurance company typically won't apply a surcharge, which is the rise in your insurance premium.
