Arizona Windshield Insurance: The Zero-Deductible Option You Must Elect

Arizona has one of the most misunderstood windshield insurance laws in the country.

Many Arizona drivers believe windshield replacement is automatically free. It is not. Under Arizona Revised Statutes §20-264, insurance companies must offer a zero-deductible option for glass coverage—but you must elect that option when purchasing your policy. If you did not specifically choose the glass waiver, you will pay your standard comprehensive deductible.

This guide is part of our State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Series. Compare Arizona to Florida (automatic zero-deductible), California (strong anti-steering), and Texas (no special protections).

The Arizona Windshield Law: ARS 20-264

What the Law Actually Says

Arizona Revised Statutes §20-264, titled "Automobile insurance; damaged safety equipment deductible optional," requires insurers to give policyholders a choice. The statute states that any insurer writing private passenger automobile insurance with comprehensive coverage must provide, at the option of the insured, complete coverage for the repair or replacement of all damaged safety equipment without regard to any deductible.

The statute defines "safety equipment" as the glass used in the windshield, doors, and windows, and the glass, plastic, or other material used in the lights of a motor vehicle.

This covers your windshield, all door and window glass, headlights, taillights, and any other lighting components.

The Critical Detail: You Must Elect This Coverage

The key phrase in ARS 20-264 is "at the option of the insured." This means the zero-deductible benefit is not automatic. You must specifically choose this coverage when purchasing or renewing your policy.

This is fundamentally different from Florida, where §627.7288 automatically waives the deductible for all comprehensive policyholders. In Arizona, if you did not affirmatively select the glass waiver, you have a standard comprehensive deductible that applies to windshield claims.

Many Arizona drivers discover this distinction only after filing a windshield claim and being told they owe their $500 deductible. By then, it is too late for that claim.

How to Get Zero-Deductible Glass Coverage in Arizona

If You Already Have Arizona Auto Insurance

Contact your insurer and ask if you have the "glass waiver" or "zero-deductible glass coverage" on your policy. If not, request to add it. Most insurers will add this coverage for a modest premium increase—often $20-50 per year.

Once added, any future windshield claims will have no deductible. However, you cannot retroactively apply this to damage that already occurred.

If You Are Purchasing New Coverage

When shopping for auto insurance in Arizona, explicitly ask about the glass deductible waiver required under ARS 20-264. Every insurer offering comprehensive coverage must offer this option. Compare the premium difference and strongly consider selecting it.

Given Arizona's extreme heat and highway conditions, windshield damage is exceptionally common. The small premium increase for zero-deductible glass coverage typically pays for itself with a single claim.

If Your Policy Is From Another State

Arizona's ARS 20-264 only applies to policies written in Arizona. If you are a new resident, snowbird, visitor, or student with an out-of-state policy, your coverage follows the laws of the state where your policy was issued.

If you have a Texas policy, for example, you have no special glass protections even while driving in Arizona. To benefit from Arizona's glass waiver requirement, you must have an Arizona-issued policy.

Rate Protection: Windshield Claims Cannot Raise Your Premium

Arizona Revised Statutes §20-263 provides additional protection: filing a windshield claim cannot increase your insurance premium.

The statute specifies that no insurer shall increase the motor vehicle insurance premium of an insured as a result of an accident not caused or significantly contributed to by the actions of the insured. Windshield damage from road debris is a no-fault event—you did not cause it—so your rates cannot increase.

This protection applies whether you have the glass waiver or pay your standard deductible. You should never hesitate to file a windshield claim in Arizona out of fear it will raise your rates.

Arizona Windshield Safety Laws

Vision Obstruction: ARS 28-959.01

Arizona law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with any object or material on the windshield that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view. While this statute does not specifically mention cracks, law enforcement interprets it to include windshield damage that impairs visibility.

The critical vision area—the region directly above the steering wheel, extending two inches from the top and one inch from each side—must remain unobstructed. Damage in this area is most likely to result in a citation.

Can You Be Pulled Over for a Cracked Windshield?

Yes. Arizona law enforcement can pull you over if windshield damage obstructs your view. Unlike some states with specific crack size limits, Arizona law focuses on whether the damage affects your ability to see the road clearly.

Fines for driving with an obstructed windshield typically range from $100 to $150, depending on the county. More importantly, you may be required to repair or replace the windshield before continuing to drive.

Windshield Requirements: ARS 28-957.01

Arizona requires all motor vehicles to have an "adequate" windshield in safe operating condition. The statute does not define "adequate" precisely, leaving interpretation to law enforcement discretion.

In practice, this means any damage that compromises the structural integrity of the windshield or affects driver visibility may be considered inadequate. Significant cracks, especially those spreading across the windshield, are likely to be cited.

Why Arizona Has So Much Windshield Damage

Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for windshield damage claims. Several factors contribute to this.

Extreme Heat: Arizona summers regularly exceed 110°F. This heat causes existing chips to expand rapidly into cracks. A small rock chip that might remain stable for months in a cooler climate can spread across your entire windshield within days in Phoenix or Tucson.

Temperature Swings: The dramatic difference between daytime heat and nighttime cooling creates thermal stress on glass. Combined with air conditioning that cools the interior while the exterior bakes, windshields endure significant expansion and contraction cycles.

Highway Debris: Arizona's extensive highway system, ongoing construction, and desert environment mean loose gravel and debris are common. The combination of high-speed travel and loose material creates frequent rock chip incidents.

Haboobs and Dust Storms: Arizona's famous dust storms can sandblast windshields, creating pitting and micro-cracks that weaken the glass over time.

For these reasons, the glass waiver option under ARS 20-264 is particularly valuable for Arizona drivers. Windshield replacement is not a matter of if, but when.

Filing a Windshield Claim in Arizona

Step 1: Check Your Policy for the Glass Waiver

Before filing, determine whether you elected zero-deductible glass coverage. Check your declarations page or call your insurer. If you have the waiver, you will pay nothing out of pocket.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Determine whether the damage can be repaired or requires replacement. In Arizona's heat, small chips often spread quickly, so act promptly. Chips smaller than a quarter may be repairable; larger damage or cracks in the driver's line of sight typically require replacement.

Step 3: File the Claim

Contact your insurer to file a comprehensive claim for windshield damage. If you have the glass waiver, confirm that no deductible applies. If you do not have the waiver, you will need to pay your standard comprehensive deductible.

Step 4: Choose Your Glass Shop

Arizona does not have an explicit anti-steering statute like California. However, you can choose your own glass shop. Your insurer may recommend preferred vendors, but you are not required to use them.

Step 5: Address ADAS Recalibration

If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera for lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, or other ADAS features, recalibration is necessary after windshield replacement. Inform your insurer and glass shop that ADAS recalibration is required.

Arizona has no specific statute mandating ADAS recalibration coverage, but most insurers will cover it as part of the replacement to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

Step 6: Schedule Promptly

In Arizona's heat, windshield damage spreads quickly. A chip that could be repaired today may become an unrepairable crack tomorrow. Schedule your repair or replacement as soon as possible after filing your claim.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Glass in Arizona

Arizona does not require insurers to disclose when aftermarket glass will be used, unlike California's Business & Professions Code §9875.1.

Most insurers will default to aftermarket glass unless you specifically request OEM. For vehicles with ADAS systems, OEM glass is often recommended because differences in thickness or curvature can affect sensor calibration.

If you want OEM glass, request it explicitly. Some insurers will provide it at no extra cost; others may require you to pay the price difference between aftermarket and OEM.

Common Misconceptions About Arizona Windshield Coverage

Myth: Windshield replacement is automatically free in Arizona.

Fact: Only if you elected the glass waiver under ARS 20-264. If you did not choose this option, you pay your standard comprehensive deductible.

Myth: All Arizona auto insurance includes free glass coverage.

Fact: Insurers must offer the zero-deductible option, but you must elect it. It is not automatically included.

Myth: Arizona is a "free windshield state" like Florida.

Fact: Florida's zero-deductible is automatic for all comprehensive policyholders. Arizona's is optional—you must choose it.

Myth: My out-of-state insurance includes Arizona's glass waiver.

Fact: ARS 20-264 only applies to policies issued in Arizona. Out-of-state policies follow their home state's laws.

Myth: Filing a windshield claim will raise my rates.

Fact: ARS 20-263 prohibits insurers from raising premiums for no-fault claims like windshield damage from road debris.

Myth: I have to use my insurer's preferred glass shop.

Fact: You can choose your own glass shop in Arizona. Insurers may recommend vendors but cannot require you to use them.

Comparison: Arizona vs. Other States

Arizona vs. Florida

Florida's §627.7288 automatically waives the deductible for all comprehensive policyholders. Arizona's ARS 20-264 requires insurers to offer the waiver, but drivers must elect it. Florida drivers automatically get free windshield coverage; Arizona drivers must choose it.

Arizona vs. California

California has no zero-deductible requirement at all but has the nation's strongest anti-steering protections under Insurance Code §758.5. Arizona requires the zero-deductible option be offered but has no explicit anti-steering statute.

Arizona vs. Texas

Texas has no special windshield protections—no zero-deductible requirement, no mandatory offering, no explicit anti-steering. Arizona's requirement that insurers offer zero-deductible coverage gives Arizona drivers an advantage, provided they elect it.

The Bottom Line for Arizona Drivers

Arizona law gives you the right to zero-deductible windshield coverage—but only if you use it.

Action Items: Check your current policy for the glass waiver. If you do not have it, add it immediately—the premium increase is typically minimal. If you have damage now without the waiver, you will pay your deductible, but add the waiver before your next renewal. File windshield claims without fear—Arizona law (ARS 20-263) prohibits rate increases for no-fault claims. Act quickly on damage—Arizona heat turns chips into cracks fast.

Arizona's unique "must offer" requirement under ARS 20-264 is a significant consumer protection. The key is understanding that you must actively choose this benefit. Do not assume you have it—verify and elect it.

Related Resources

For a comprehensive overview of windshield insurance across all states, see our Complete State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Guide.

For comparison with automatic zero-deductible coverage, see our Florida Windshield Insurance Guide.

For comparison with strong anti-steering protections, see our California Windshield Insurance Guide.

For comparison with a state with no special protections, see our Texas Windshield Insurance Guide.

To understand windshield warranties and insurance fundamentals, read our Windshield Warranties and Insurance Consumer Guide.

Related Technical Guides

Understanding windshield technology helps you make informed decisions about replacement and insurance claims.

Learn how glass quality affects safety in our OEM vs OEE vs Aftermarket Windshields Guide.

If your vehicle has driver assistance features, see our ADAS Calibration Guide to understand recalibration requirements after replacement.

Understand why windshield quality matters for crash safety in our Structural Safety Guide.

For a comprehensive overview of all state laws, see our State Windshield Insurance Laws Hub.