Arizona Windshield Insurance: What the Law Actually Says

Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · General information, not legal or insurance advice.

Short answer: If your Arizona auto policy has comprehensive coverage, your insurer had to offer you glass coverage with no deductible. If you took that option, a windshield replacement may cost you nothing. Either way, you get to choose who does the work.

The zero-deductible glass option

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-264) requires insurers that write private passenger auto policies with comprehensive coverage to offer, at your option, coverage for repairing or replacing damaged safety equipment without any deductible. “Safety equipment” means the glass in your windshield, doors and windows, plus the lenses in your lights.

Two things to know:

It’s an option, not automatic. The insurer has to offer it; you (or whoever set up the policy) had to choose it.
It only applies with comprehensive coverage. A liability-only policy doesn’t include it.

How to check your policy

Open your insurer’s app or website, or find your declarations page (the summary page of your policy).
Look under comprehensive coverage for wording like full glass, glass coverage, safety glass or a $0 glass deductible.
Not sure? Call the number on your insurance card and ask: “Do I have full glass coverage with no deductible?”

You choose the shop

Under A.R.S. § 20-469, unless your contract says otherwise, you may choose any glass repair facility. If your insurer recommends a shop, it must tell you about your right to choose at the same time.

Many insurers route glass claims through a claims administrator. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-469.01) requires those administrators to tell you about your right to choose too, and bars independent adjusters and the administrator’s inspectors from recommending a particular shop.

In practice: when you file, you can say which installer you want to use.

Will a glass claim raise my rate?

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-263) limits premium increases for accidents you didn’t cause, but it doesn’t specifically address glass or comprehensive claims. Rules vary by insurer, so if this matters to you, ask your insurer before you file.

How a glass claim usually works

Contact your insurer (many have a dedicated glass claims line or an option in their app).
Give the details of the damage and tell them which installer you’ve chosen.
The installer confirms your coverage and schedules the replacement, often at your home or work for mobile service.
After the work, you’ll usually sign to confirm it was done.

Cameras behind the windshield (calibration)

Many newer vehicles have a camera mounted behind the windshield for lane-keeping, automatic braking or adaptive cruise control. After a replacement, that camera often needs to be recalibrated so those systems work correctly.

Before the work starts, ask:

Does my vehicle need calibration after this replacement?
Who does it, and is it included in the claim or the quote?

Watch out for pushy offers

Arizona has led the nation in auto glass claims. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that from 2015 to 2019 Arizona accounted for 10% of U.S. auto glass claims, more than California or Texas, and warned about companies that talk drivers into replacements they don’t need or bill for work they don’t do.

Protect yourself:

Be wary of unsolicited offers to replace a windshield that isn’t damaged, including in parking lots and at gas stations.
Read anything you’re asked to sign. Some forms (sometimes called an assignment of benefits) let a company file and collect your claim directly.
Only file for real damage. Suspected glass fraud can be reported to NICB at 800-835-6422.

No insurance, or a small chip?

Paying cash: ask for a quote with the price, what’s included (calibration, mobile service) and any warranty in writing.
Small chip: chips can often be repaired instead of replaced, which is quicker and cheaper. Repair isn’t always possible if the damage is large or in the driver’s line of sight.

Quick checklist

Check your declarations page for full glass / $0 glass deductible.
Choose your installer; you’re not required to use the one your insurer suggests.
Ask about camera calibration before work starts.
Read anything you sign.

Need a windshield replaced in Phoenix? Get a quote. Choose Insurance on the form and our installer will go over it with you.