How a glass claim works in California
A glass claim is usually filed under comprehensive coverage, the part of your policy that covers damage not caused by a collision, such as rocks, weather and vandalism. You pay your comprehensive deductible, and the insurer pays the shop the rest of the approved amount.
The typical steps:
- You report the damage to your insurer, by phone, app or online.
- The insurer, or a company it hires, opens the claim and gives you a claim or referral number.
- You choose the shop. You can name us.
- We confirm the glass by VIN, check for a camera, and schedule the work.
- You pay your deductible to us. The insurer pays its share, often directly to the shop.
If you only carry liability coverage, glass damage generally isn't covered and you'd pay out of pocket. See our posted prices and guide to insurance coverage.
You have the right to choose your glass shop
California Insurance Code 758.5 protects your choice. Under that law:
- Your insurer may not require you to use a specific shop
- It may recommend a shop only if you ask, or if you've been told in writing that you can choose
- Once you pick a shop, the insurer may not suggest a different one
- If your policy itself names a shop, the insurer must disclose that and may not cut reasonable costs to what its chosen shop would have charged
You can say "I'd like to use The Windshield Co." at any point in the call.
Who you talk to when you call
Many insurers don't handle glass claims themselves. Some use glass claim administrators, such as Safelite Solutions, to take the call, open the claim and schedule the work. The person on the phone may offer to book you with a shop in their network. You can still choose any shop. If you've already picked one, tell them.
What changes in 2027 under SB 988
California's Motor Vehicle Glass Act (SB 988) takes effect January 1, 2027. According to the law as signed:
- Claim number first. A shop may not contract for work paid by your own policy until a claim is filed and the shop has a claim or referral number.
- Good-faith estimate. The shop must give you an estimate before work.
- No gift cards or rebates. Shops may not offer cash, gift cards, rebates or other inducements for filing a glass claim or sending it to them.
- ADAS disclosure. Before work, the shop must say whether your car has driver assistance systems, whether calibration is called for, and who will do it.
- Itemized invoice. You get a line-by-line invoice.
- No assignment of benefits. You can't sign away your claim rights to the shop, though your insurer can still pay the shop directly.
Insurers still may recommend shops and run networks, but may not mislead, threaten or coerce you. Violations can bring penalties of up to $500 for a first violation and $2,000 for each later one.
Is there zero-deductible glass coverage in California?
California has no law requiring zero-deductible glass coverage. A few other states have their own glass rules, but California does not. Some insurers sell optional full-glass coverage, which can lower or remove your glass deductible. Check your declarations page. Read the zero-deductible guide.
Chip repair is different: many insurers waive the deductible for rock chip repair. Check your policy.
When paying cash beats filing a claim
If your deductible is higher than the price of the job, paying cash is cheaper and means no claim is filed. Compare:
| Your comprehensive deductible | Job | Often better |
|---|---|---|
| Higher than our price | Windshield, no camera ($279) | Pay cash |
| Lower than our price | Windshield with calibration ($549) | File a claim |
| Any amount | Chip repair ($98) | Ask if your insurer waives the deductible |
These are starting prices. We'll give you an exact cash quote by VIN so you can compare.
Will a glass claim raise my rates?
It might, but often less than an at-fault accident. Comprehensive claims usually aren't treated as fault-based, but insurers set their own rules, and several claims in a short time can matter. Ask your insurer or agent before you file if you're concerned. We can't promise how your insurer will respond.
What we need from you
To start a claim with us, have:
- Your insurance company name
- Your policy number
- The date the damage happened (date of loss)
- How it happened, such as a rock on I-15
- Your VIN, or a photo of the driver's side dashboard corner
If you already have a claim or referral number, send it too. Text us or call (951) 364-2300. We'll coordinate with your insurer and handle windshield replacement and calibration.