For many drivers, a small chip or crack sets off a flurry of questions: Will my insurance cover this? Do I have to pay a deductible? And am I limited to just one “free” replacement per year? The answers are more complex than the myth makes them out to be.
Here’s what Colorado drivers should know about windshield coverage in 2025 — and how to navigate the fine print confidently.
How Windshield Coverage Works in Colorado
1. Windshield Claims Are Handled Under Comprehensive, Not Liability
Windshield damage typically falls under comprehensive coverage — not collision or liability. That means if debris, hail, or a stray rock chips or cracks your glass, your comprehensive policy is the one that may help cover repair or replacement costs.
If your damage results from an accident where someone else is at fault, you might instead file a claim with the other driver’s liability coverage—but that’s separate from your own comprehensive coverage.
2. Colorado Law Lets You Choose Your Vendor
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 10-4-613, insurers cannot require you to use a specific glass shop as a condition of coverage. You have the right to pick the repair or replacement provider you trust.
Insurers can limit payment amounts (i.e. reasonable market rates), but they can’t coerce you into using a preferred vendor by penalizing you for choosing otherwise.
3. Zero-Deductible Glass Coverage Must Be Offered
Colorado insurance companies are legally required to offer a glass endorsement that lets you waive the deductible for glass repairs or replacements. In practical terms, this means your insurer must give you the option to include a $0 deductible for glass damage (for an additional premium).
Be aware: if you don’t select that endorsement, your standard deductible (for comprehensive) usually applies when you file a windshield replacement claim.
4. Repairs vs. Replacements: Deductibles Often Waived for Minor Damage
Many insurers will waive the deductible when it comes to chip repairs or fixes to small cracks — especially when the damage is limited and doesn’t interfere with driver vision.
However, when full replacements are needed — especially on cracked windshields or those with extensive damage — the deductible often comes into play, unless you’ve opted for the glass endorsement.
So, Is the “One Free Replacement Per Year” Myth True?
Short answer: No, not reliably. But the myth persists for good reason — many insurance policies behave in ways that make it feel true under certain conditions.
Why the Myth Exists
- Many policies allow one or more glass claims per year without premium hikes (if the damage is limited and clearly covered).
- Some chip repairs are processed without a deductible (especially under glass endorsements), so your “out-of-pocket cost” is zero.
- Drivers assume “no cost” means free — but that’s different from “free by policy” vs. “waived deductible under certain conditions.”
What Influences Whether You Can Use Claims Multiple Times
- Type of damage: Minor chips might always be covered; bigger cracks or replacements might count differently.
- Policy details: Your deductible structure, whether you’ve opted into glass coverage, and whether your insurer restricts frequency.
- Insurance company rules: Some insurers treat multiple glass claims as red flags and may push back or categorize them differently.
- State law limits: Colorado law doesn’t explicitly limit you to one replacement per year — your policy does.
While the idea of “one free windshield replacement a year” makes for a catchy phrase, the truth depends on your policy, your deductible, and whether you’ve opted into zero-deductible glass coverage. Colorado drivers face some of the toughest road conditions in the country, so understanding your insurance before the next chip happens is key.
From all of us at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there, Colorado!
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and reflects Colorado insurance practices as of 2025. Coverage terms, deductible options, and policy limitations vary by insurer and individual policy. Quick-Set Auto Glass does not provide legal, insurance, or financial advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information presented. Drivers should consult their insurance provider or a licensed agent to confirm specific policy details, coverage eligibility, and applicable deductibles before filing a claim.
