Florida Windshield Insurance Coverage: Zero-Deductible Law and Your Consumer Rights

Florida drivers with comprehensive auto insurance coverage pay nothing out of pocket for windshield repairs or replacement.

Under Florida Statute §627.7288, the deductible on your comprehensive coverage does not apply to windshield damage. This makes Florida one of the most consumer-friendly states in the nation for auto glass claims.

This guide is part of our State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Series. For comparison with other states, see our California Windshield Insurance Guide, which takes a different approach with strong anti-steering protections but no zero-deductible mandate.

The Zero-Deductible Windshield Law

Florida Statute §627.7288: The Full Text

Florida's zero-deductible windshield law is remarkably clear and direct. The complete statutory text reads:

"The deductible provisions of any policy of motor vehicle insurance, delivered or issued in this state by an authorized insurer, providing comprehensive coverage or combined additional coverage shall not be applicable to damage to the windshield of any motor vehicle covered under such policy."

This single sentence establishes that if you have comprehensive coverage in Florida, your deductible—whether $100, $500, or $1,000—simply does not apply to windshield damage.

What the Law Actually Means

The practical implications are straightforward. If you have comprehensive auto insurance in Florida, windshield repairs and replacements are covered with zero out-of-pocket cost to you. The law applies to all windshield damage, whether from a rock chip, crack, or vandalism.

There is no distinction between repair and replacement in the statute. Both are covered without a deductible. The law applies to policies "delivered or issued in this state," meaning Florida-registered vehicles insured by companies authorized to do business in Florida.

Important Limitation: Comprehensive Coverage Required

The zero-deductible benefit only applies if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive coverage is optional in Florida—the state only mandates liability insurance and PIP (Personal Injury Protection).

If you only carry liability and PIP coverage, you have no windshield coverage at all, and §627.7288 provides no benefit. The law waives the deductible on comprehensive coverage; it does not create coverage where none exists.

History and Legislative Intent

Florida Statute §627.7288 was originally enacted in 1979 (Chapter 79-241) and has been amended several times since. The legislative intent was to encourage Florida drivers to repair windshield damage promptly rather than allowing small chips to become large cracks that require full replacement—ultimately reducing insurance costs for everyone.

Comprehensive Coverage in Florida

Florida does not require drivers to carry comprehensive insurance. State law mandates only:

Minimum Required Coverage: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) at $10,000 and Property Damage Liability at $10,000. Florida is a no-fault state, so PIP coverage is mandatory. Comprehensive and collision coverage remain entirely optional.

However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will almost certainly require comprehensive coverage as a condition of the loan. This means most drivers with newer vehicles will have the zero-deductible windshield benefit automatically.

For practical purposes: if you own your vehicle outright and want free windshield coverage, you must purchase comprehensive coverage. The zero-deductible law then applies automatically.

How to File a Windshield Claim in Florida

Filing a windshield claim under Florida's zero-deductible law is straightforward.

Step 1: Verify Your Coverage

Before filing, confirm that you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Check your declarations page or call your insurer. If you only have liability and PIP, you do not have windshield coverage.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Determine whether your windshield needs repair or replacement. Generally, chips smaller than a quarter and cracks shorter than three inches can be repaired. Larger damage, damage in the driver's direct line of sight, or damage that has spread typically requires full replacement.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer's claims line and report the windshield damage. Inform them you are filing under comprehensive coverage. Because of §627.7288, you will not be asked to pay a deductible.

Step 4: Choose Your Glass Shop

Unlike California, which has explicit anti-steering statutes, Florida does not have a specific law prohibiting insurers from recommending preferred shops. However, you generally have the right to choose your own glass shop. If your insurer strongly pushes a particular vendor, you can push back and request to use a shop of your choice.

Step 5: Schedule the Repair or Replacement

Most glass shops offer mobile service and will come to your home or workplace. Repairs typically take 30 minutes; replacements take 1-2 hours plus adhesive cure time. Your insurer will coordinate payment directly with the shop.

Step 6: Address ADAS Recalibration

If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera mounted on the windshield for systems like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking, recalibration will be necessary after replacement. Inform your glass shop and insurer that ADAS recalibration is required to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

Insurance Company Obligations

Florida Statute §626.9541 defines unfair insurance practices and provides consumer protections for claims handling.

Unfair Claims Settlement Practices

Under §626.9541(1)(i), insurers are prohibited from engaging in unfair claim settlement practices, including: failing to adopt standards for proper claim investigation, misrepresenting policy provisions, failing to acknowledge claims promptly, denying claims without reasonable investigation, and failing to provide reasonable explanations for claim denials.

These provisions apply to windshield claims. If your insurer delays payment, denies a valid claim, or misrepresents your coverage under §627.7288, they may be violating Florida insurance law.

Shop Choice Rights

Florida does not have an anti-steering statute as strong as California's Insurance Code §758.5, which explicitly prohibits insurers from requiring specific repair shops. However, Florida's general unfair practices laws protect consumers from deceptive practices.

In practice, you can choose your own glass shop in Florida. If an insurer refuses to pay a reasonable claim because you did not use their preferred vendor, this could constitute an unfair claims practice under §626.9541.

ADAS Recalibration Coverage

Florida has no specific statute mandating ADAS recalibration coverage after windshield replacement. However, standard insurance principles support coverage.

Modern vehicles increasingly rely on cameras and sensors mounted on or near the windshield. Systems like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control require precise calibration. After windshield replacement, recalibration ensures these safety systems function correctly.

The argument for coverage: Insurance should restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition. If ADAS systems were functional before the windshield damage, they should be functional after the repair. Recalibration is part of a complete windshield replacement on ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Recommendation: When filing your claim, document that your vehicle has ADAS features and that recalibration is necessary. Obtain a written estimate that includes recalibration costs. Most insurers will cover recalibration as part of the windshield replacement, though this may require communication with your adjuster.

Parts Requirements: OEM vs Aftermarket

Florida does not have a specific statute requiring written disclosure before aftermarket glass can be used, unlike California's Business & Professions Code §9875.1.

In practice, most insurers will use aftermarket glass unless you specifically request OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass. Aftermarket glass meets federal safety standards but may differ slightly in thickness, tint, or fit—which can affect ADAS sensor performance.

If you want OEM glass, request it explicitly when filing your claim. Some insurers will provide OEM glass at no additional cost; others may require you to pay the difference between aftermarket and OEM pricing. For vehicles with ADAS systems, OEM glass is often recommended to ensure proper sensor function.

Common Misconceptions About Florida Windshield Coverage

Myth: All Florida drivers get free windshield replacement.

Fact: Only drivers with comprehensive coverage benefit from the zero-deductible law. If you only have liability and PIP, you have no windshield coverage whatsoever.

Myth: Florida law requires insurers to replace any damaged windshield.

Fact: Insurers can still require repair rather than replacement for minor damage. The law only waives the deductible—it does not mandate replacement for all damage.

Myth: Insurance rates always increase after a windshield claim.

Fact: Comprehensive claims, including windshield damage, typically do not increase your rates in Florida because they are considered "no-fault" claims (damage not caused by your driving). However, this varies by insurer and your claims history.

Myth: I can only use the glass shop my insurer recommends.

Fact: While Florida lacks California's explicit anti-steering statute, you can choose your own glass shop. Insurers may recommend preferred vendors, but you are not legally required to use them.

Myth: ADAS recalibration is optional after windshield replacement.

Fact: If your vehicle has ADAS features, recalibration is necessary for safety. Driving without recalibration can cause safety systems to malfunction. This is not optional—it is a necessary part of a complete windshield replacement on modern vehicles.

Filing Complaints

If you experience problems with your windshield claim, you have recourse through Florida's regulatory system.

Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS): For complaints about unfair claims practices, contact the Division of Consumer Services at 1-877-693-5236 or file online at MyFloridaCFO.com.

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR): For complaints about insurers, visit FLOIR.com or call (850) 413-3140.

Document everything: Keep records of all communications with your insurer, dates of contact, names of representatives, and any written denials or explanations.

Comparison: Florida vs California

Florida and California represent two different approaches to windshield insurance consumer protection.

Florida prioritizes cost elimination. Under §627.7288, comprehensive coverage holders pay nothing out of pocket for windshield damage. The focus is on removing financial barriers to prompt repair.

California prioritizes consumer choice. Under Insurance Code §758.5, California has the nation's strongest anti-steering protections, prohibiting insurers from requiring specific repair shops. However, California has no zero-deductible law—drivers pay their comprehensive deductible for windshield replacement.

Key Differences:

Zero-Deductible: Florida has it (§627.7288), California does not. Anti-Steering: California has strong protections (§758.5), Florida does not have equivalent explicit protections. Parts Disclosure: California requires written disclosure for aftermarket parts (BPC §9875.1), Florida has no equivalent requirement.

For Florida drivers: Your primary benefit is zero out-of-pocket cost. For California drivers: Your primary benefit is absolute freedom to choose your repair shop without payment penalties.

Summary

Florida's Zero-Deductible Advantage:

Florida Statute §627.7288 eliminates the deductible for windshield damage under comprehensive coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, you pay nothing out of pocket for windshield repair or replacement.

What You Need to Know:

Comprehensive coverage is required to benefit from the zero-deductible law. The law covers both repair and replacement. You can choose your own glass shop, though Florida lacks California's explicit anti-steering statute. ADAS recalibration should be included for vehicles with forward-facing cameras. File complaints with Florida DFS at 1-877-693-5236 if you experience unfair claims practices.

Bottom Line: If you have comprehensive coverage in Florida, you have one of the best windshield insurance situations in the country. Take advantage of it—repair chips promptly before they become cracks, and never hesitate to file a windshield claim.

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 a state that has no special windshield protections, see our Texas Windshield Insurance Guide, where drivers pay their full deductible with no statutory relief.

For comparison with Arizona's unique "must offer" approach (insurers must offer zero-deductible, but drivers must elect it), see our Arizona Windshield Insurance Guide.

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

For comparison with a state that takes a different approach, see our California Windshield Insurance Guide, which has strong anti-steering protections but no zero-deductible law.

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.