Customers call all the time asking if it's really free. "I heard Arizona does free windshields — is that actually true?" The honest answer: yes — if you carry comprehensive coverage and your policy includes full glass coverage. Arizona law says insurers must offer that coverage to you. Here's how to know in sixty seconds whether you qualify, because there's a lot of confusion out there.
Arizona's Windshield Replacement Law (the Zero-Deductible Glass Law)
Arizona has a law — A.R.S. § 20-264 — that requires insurers who sell comprehensive coverage to offer full glass coverage with no deductible. In the statute's words, it's provided "at the option of the insured" — meaning you elect it, and if you carry comprehensive and your policy includes that glass coverage, you pay nothing out of pocket for a windshield replacement. Zero. The insurance company pays the shop directly.
Most states don't have this — only a handful (Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina) do anything like it, and it's a big deal if you drive the I-10 or Loop 101 regularly — rocks from dump trucks and construction zones crack windshields constantly out here. We do insurance replacements all day long at our Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert shops.
Which Policies Qualify?
This is where people get confused. The zero-deductible law only kicks in if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. That's the part of your insurance that covers stuff besides collisions — weather damage, theft, vandalism, and yes, rock chips and cracked windshields from road debris.
If you only carry liability insurance (the state minimum), the glass law doesn't apply. Liability covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles, not your own. So if you've got a cracked windshield and only liability coverage, you'd pay out of pocket — typically $300–$600 for most vehicles, and more once cameras and sensors are on the glass.
Not sure what you have? Check your insurance card or call your agent (Arizona's insurance department has a consumer guide too). If you see "comprehensive" or "other than collision" listed, plus full glass coverage, you're covered. Or just call us — we can verify your coverage in a few minutes.
How the Claim Process Works
This part surprises people — it's easy. We're a preferred shop with all the insurance companies — we file claims for drivers across every major insurer, every day. Here's the whole process:
1. You call Mr. Glassworks at (480) 252-0059 or fill out our contact form.
2. We verify your insurance coverage and file the claim on your behalf.
3. We schedule the replacement — at our shop or at your location (mobile service).
4. We replace the windshield. Takes 45–60 minutes for most vehicles.
5. You drive away. We bill the insurance company directly. You pay nothing.
That's it. You don't have to call your insurance company first. You don't have to get pre-approval. You don't have to fill out paperwork. We take care of all of it. Newer vehicles with a windshield-mounted camera also need ADAS calibration after the replacement — manufacturers require it, and our quotes include it where the vehicle needs it.
Common Misconceptions
"It'll count against me and affect my record." It does not. Glass claims are tracked separately from collision claims. They don't affect your driving record.
"I need to use the shop my insurance recommends." You don't. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-469) gives you the right to choose your own glass shop — and requires your insurer to tell you that when they recommend one. Your insurance company might suggest a preferred vendor, but you're under no obligation to use them. You can bring your vehicle to Mr. Glassworks regardless of which insurer you have.
What If You Don't Have Insurance?
No comprehensive coverage? Then it's out of pocket. Most cars, trucks and SUVs run $300 to $600 depending on the vehicle and glass — we wrote a full Phoenix cost guide with real numbers by vehicle. RVs are more — sometimes $800 to $2,000 for a big Class A windshield. Either way, we quote you a firm number before we touch the glass. No surprises.
We accept all major payment methods. If the cost is a concern, let us know — we want to get your windshield fixed so you're driving safely.
We Handle Everything
You call us. We file the claim, schedule the job, do the work, and bill the insurance company. You get a new windshield with a lifetime warranty and you never talk to your insurer. Filing these claims is routine for us — at this point it takes us about five minutes.
Got a cracked windshield? Call us at (480) 252-0059 or send us a message. We'll verify your coverage and get you scheduled, usually within a day or two.
FAQ
Is windshield replacement really free in Arizona?
Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage and your policy includes elected full-glass coverage — Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-264) requires insurers to offer it with no deductible. Liability-only policies don't cover glass. Not sure? We verify your coverage in a few minutes.
Does insurance cover windshield replacement in Arizona?
It covers it when you carry comprehensive coverage with the full-glass election. Liability-only policies pay nothing toward glass. Check your declarations page or let us verify it for you before your appointment.
Will a glass claim raise my insurance rates?
Glass claims are tracked separately from collision claims and don't affect your driving record. Rate questions are policy-specific — if you want certainty, ask your agent before filing. Most of our customers file without hesitation.
Do I have to use my insurance company's recommended shop?
No. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-469) gives you the right to choose any glass shop, and your insurer must tell you that right when they recommend one. We work with every major insurer.
How long does an insurance windshield replacement take?
The replacement takes 45–60 minutes for most vehicles, plus a short safe drive-away wait. If your windshield carries a camera, add ADAS calibration time. Mobile service across the Valley means we can come to your home or office.
What if I don't have comprehensive coverage?
Cash replacement runs $300–$600 for most vehicles, more for RVs and camera-equipped glass. We quote a firm out-the-door number before starting — see our full Phoenix windshield cost guide.