There aren’t any full glass insurance laws in North Carolina currently on the books, but that doesn’t mean you can drive around with a damaged windshield. It’s possible for motorists in the Tar Heel State to add zero-deductible auto glass coverage, though no state laws require it.
Our team has looked into the best auto insurance companies across the U.S. to determine which offer full glass insurance coverage at affordable rates. The easiest way to find quality protection at reasonable prices is by receiving free quotes from various auto insurers.
What Is Full Glass Insurance?
Full glass insurance offers zero-deductible repair or replacement services for any of your vehicle’s window and windshield damages. According to the full glass insurance laws in North Carolina, drivers can purchase this auto insurance policy on top of collision and comprehensive coverage.
While those with full coverage car insurance already receive windshield repair and glass replacement services, they usually must pay a hefty comprehensive deductible first. On the other hand, motorists with full glass coverage receive these services without being charged anything.
Where Is Full Glass Insurance Available?
Drivers gain access to zero-deductible full glass insurance when they purchase comprehensive coverage in the states listed below:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
- South Carolina
The full glass insurance laws in North Carolina are much less strict than in these states, but drivers in the Tar Heel State can still remove their deductible by picking up optional windshield replacement coverage.
Should You Get Full Glass Insurance in North Carolina?
While full glass insurance is the right choice for many in the Tar Heel State, that’s not true of all drivers. You’ll already receive windshield protection with comprehensive coverage, though most can expect to pay a sizable deductible each time it gets used. Full glass insurance will make it slightly harder to find cheap auto insurance in North Carolina.
Those who want the peace of mind of having their car windshield fully protected from the start should opt for full glass coverage. With this type of coverage, motorists won’t have to worry about paying a deductible whenever a rock or another flying object heads toward their car.
Who Benefits Most From Full Glass Insurance?
Drivers who spend significant amounts of time on North Carolina’s busy highways or on the state’s many back roads may want to buy full glass insurance. The larger the chance that your vehicle’s windshield will be dented by flying debris, the smarter the move it is to get a zero-deductible insurance policy.
People who want original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for their auto glass repairs may also want to get full glass coverage or a warranty. Make sure to read disclaimers to make sure that you’ll be able to use your desired materials before opting for protection, though.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Enough Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage takes care of cracks and shatters in your windshield whether you add full glass insurance for your vehicle or not. However, you’ll need to pay your full deductible before the cost transfers over to your auto insurance provider.
Motorists usually turn to a comprehensive car insurance policy because they’re seeking payments after damages caused by theft and vandalism. Another key purpose of comprehensive coverage is to provide protection against weather hazards such as hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes.
Is Full Coverage Car Insurance Enough?
Full coverage auto insurance places comprehensive and collision plans on top of your bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. Once again, you’ll receive glass repair and replacement services but only after paying your full deductible amount.
Can You Drive With a Cracked Windshield in North Carolina?
Driving with a cracked or otherwise damaged windshield is both extremely dangerous and illegal most of the time. While there are a few instances when it’s permitted, you’ll most likely need to get auto glass repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Federal Requirements for Auto Glass
While the federal government permits minor windshield cracks in a few instances, it’s generally not allowed. Your center of your windshield must have no discoloration or issues other than slight glass damages that don’t connect with other problem spots.
The center of your windshield is the full area located above your vehicle’s steering wheel. Expect this region to take up everything except for two inches from the top of your windshield and one inch from any other side. It’s illegal to drive a car with cracks that connect to glass chips or any glass spidering.
North Carolina Requirements for Auto Glass
North Carolina has almost no safety glass laws on the books that go beyond what’s set by federal guidelines. All drivers must have working windshield wipers in place, though, and cracks or chips in your windshield must be replaced if they compromise how the wipers function.
Keep in mind that drivers in the Tar Heel State must follow all federal regulations. Regardless of North Carolina’s lenient windshield laws, you can be pulled over for violating federal rules.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Whether the full glass insurance laws in North Carolina make you more or less likely to purchase a plan, you’ll still need auto coverage. We’d recommend reaching out for multiple auto insurance quotes from GEICO, Progressive and USAA.
GEICO: Best Overall
GEICO received a rating of 9.1 out of 10.0 stars for its robust financial standing and excellent industry reputation. The auto insurer is also known for having an easy-to-use mobile app and various discount opportunities that are easy for policyholders to qualify for.
Progressive: Best for High-Risk Drivers
Those with a speeding ticket, DUI violation or at-fault accident on their driving records may want to look at Progressive. The provider earns high marks for its Name Your PriceⓇ tool, which connects drivers with Progressive’s plan that best suits their financial and coverage needs.
Read more in our full Progressive insurance review.
USAA: Best Military Provider
North Carolina has a large number of military members, veterans and their families. We’d recommend that these eligible groups consider coverage from USAA, which is known for its affordable prices and quality customer service. Remember that other motorists won’t qualify for its coverage, however.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does North Carolina have free windshield replacement?
No, North Carolina does not have free windshield replacement laws. You’ll need to purchase comprehensive coverage to have auto glass repairs taken care of, and full glass insurance is needed to receive a new windshield without paying a deductible.
Should you use your insurance coverage to fix your windshield?
If you have comprehensive coverage, you should use your auto insurance to fix your windshield. Drivers with only liability insurance will need to pay for auto glass repairs out of pocket when at the repair shop.
Will a glass claim raise your insurance rates?
An auto glass claim most likely won’t raise your insurance rates. However, your premiums may increase if you have similar insurance claims on your record. Every provider has different rules, so it’s best to check with your insurance agent to see how a glass claim could affect your rates.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car insurance provider to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Our in-depth rating system takes into account market share, coverage, auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each insurer is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto insurance companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
