Texas Windshield Insurance Coverage: What the Lone Star State Does and Does Not Require

Texas drivers should not expect free windshield replacement or repair.

Unlike Florida, which mandates zero-deductible windshield coverage, or California, which has strong anti-steering protections, Texas law provides no special windshield insurance benefits. Your coverage and costs depend entirely on your policy terms and your insurer's practices.

This guide is part of our State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Series. For comparison, see our Florida guide (zero-deductible law) and California guide (strong anti-steering protections).

The Reality: No Zero-Deductible Law in Texas

Texas does not have a statute requiring insurers to waive deductibles for windshield repair or replacement. This means if you file a windshield claim under your comprehensive coverage, you will typically pay your full deductible—whether that is $100, $250, $500, or more.

Some websites and glass shops incorrectly claim that Texas law requires deductible waivers for windshield repairs. This is not accurate. There is no Texas statute mandating free repairs or replacements.

What some Texans experience as "free" windshield repair is actually a voluntary insurer practice or a benefit of optional glass coverage endorsements they purchased—not a legal requirement.

What Texas Law Actually Requires

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires only liability insurance. The minimum coverage, known as 30/60/25, includes $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability. Neither comprehensive nor collision coverage is required by Texas law.

Comprehensive coverage—which covers windshield damage from rocks, debris, hail, and vandalism—is entirely optional. If you do not carry comprehensive coverage, you have no windshield insurance coverage at all, regardless of how the damage occurred.

Windshield Vision Requirements

Texas Transportation Code §547.613 prohibits operating a vehicle with objects or materials on the windshield that obstruct or reduce the operator's clear view. While this statute does not specifically mention cracks, law enforcement interprets it to include windshield damage that impairs driver visibility.

Driving with a cracked windshield is not automatically illegal in Texas. However, if the crack is in your line of sight and impairs your vision, you can receive a citation at the officer's discretion. Additionally, significant windshield damage can cause your vehicle to fail the annual Texas state inspection.

How Windshield Coverage Works in Texas

Standard Comprehensive Coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage on your Texas auto policy, windshield damage from non-collision events (rocks, hail, vandalism, falling objects) is covered. However, you will pay your comprehensive deductible before insurance covers the remaining cost.

Example: Your windshield replacement costs $400. If your comprehensive deductible is $500, insurance pays nothing and you pay the full $400. If your deductible is $250, you pay $250 and insurance pays $150.

This is why many Texas drivers with high deductibles pay out of pocket for windshield replacement rather than filing a claim—the deductible exceeds the repair cost.

Optional Glass Coverage Endorsements

Many Texas insurers offer optional glass coverage endorsements that reduce or eliminate your deductible for glass claims. These endorsements go by various names: Full Glass Coverage, Zero-Deductible Glass, Glass Buyback, or similar terms.

If you add this endorsement to your policy, you will pay a higher premium, but windshield repairs and replacements will have a reduced or zero deductible. This is the only way to get "free" windshield coverage in Texas—by paying for it through increased premiums.

If you drive frequently on Texas highways, especially through construction zones or on rural roads where rock chips are common, a glass coverage endorsement may be worth the added cost.

Insurer Practices: Repair vs. Replacement

Many insurers, though not required by law, voluntarily waive the deductible for minor windshield repairs as a business practice. Repairing a small chip costs insurers far less than replacing an entire windshield, so they have financial incentive to encourage prompt repairs.

This is insurer policy, not Texas law. Your insurer may waive the deductible for repairs, but they are not legally required to do so. Always confirm with your specific insurer before assuming any repair will be free.

Full windshield replacements almost always require paying your deductible in Texas, unless you have purchased optional glass coverage.

Consumer Protections Under Texas Insurance Code

While Texas lacks special windshield laws, Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541 provides general consumer protections that apply to all insurance claims, including windshield damage.

Unfair Settlement Practices (§541.060)

Under Texas Insurance Code §541.060, insurers are prohibited from engaging in unfair settlement practices. These include misrepresenting material facts or policy provisions relating to coverage, failing to attempt in good faith to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement when liability is reasonably clear, failing to provide a reasonable explanation for claim denial, and refusing to pay a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation.

If your insurer denies your windshield claim without proper investigation or explanation, they may be violating Texas law.

Prompt Payment Requirements (§542)

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542 requires insurers to acknowledge, investigate, and pay claims within specified timeframes. Insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 days, accept or reject claims within 15 business days after receiving all necessary information, and pay accepted claims within 5 business days.

If your insurer unreasonably delays your windshield claim, they may owe you the claim amount plus 18% annual interest and attorney fees.

Shop Choice in Texas

Texas does not have an explicit anti-steering statute like California's Insurance Code §758.5. However, Texas Insurance Code §541.060(a)(7) prohibits insurers from refusing to pay a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation.

In practice, you can choose your own glass shop in Texas. If your insurer refuses to pay a reasonable claim because you did not use their preferred vendor, and they have not conducted a proper investigation of the claim and pricing, this could potentially constitute an unfair practice.

That said, Texas consumer protections in this area are weaker than California's explicit prohibition on requiring specific repair shops.

ADAS Recalibration Coverage

Texas has no specific statute addressing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) recalibration after windshield replacement.

Modern vehicles with forward-facing cameras mounted on the windshield require recalibration after replacement to ensure systems like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control function correctly. This recalibration can add $150-$500 or more to the replacement cost.

Coverage for ADAS recalibration depends on your policy terms and insurer practices. When filing a windshield claim, document that your vehicle has ADAS features and that recalibration is necessary to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

Some insurers include ADAS recalibration as part of the windshield replacement claim; others may require separate justification or limit coverage. Ask your insurer directly about ADAS recalibration coverage before authorizing the replacement.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Glass in Texas

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

Most insurers will default to 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 curvature—which can affect ADAS sensor performance.

If you want OEM glass, request it explicitly when filing your claim. Be prepared for the possibility that your insurer will only pay the aftermarket price, leaving you to pay the difference.

For vehicles with ADAS systems, OEM glass is often recommended by vehicle manufacturers and may be necessary for proper sensor function after recalibration.

Hail Damage: A Texas-Specific Concern

Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims. Severe hailstorms can damage windshields along with the rest of your vehicle. If your windshield is damaged by hail, it is covered under comprehensive coverage.

Important: If hail damages both your windshield and your vehicle body, you typically pay only one comprehensive deductible for the entire claim, not separate deductibles for each type of damage.

After major hail events, glass shops and body shops in Texas become extremely busy. Schedule repairs promptly to avoid long wait times, and be cautious of storm-chasing contractors who may not provide quality work.

Filing a Windshield Claim in Texas

Step 1: Verify Your Coverage

Check your policy declarations page to confirm you have comprehensive coverage. Note your deductible amount and whether you have optional glass coverage.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Determine whether the damage can be repaired or requires replacement. Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks shorter than about six inches may be repairable. Larger damage, damage in your line of sight, or damage that has spread typically requires replacement.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurer

File a claim through your insurer's claims line or app. Ask specifically whether they waive the deductible for repairs (many do) and whether ADAS recalibration is covered.

Step 4: Choose Your Glass Shop

While your insurer may recommend a preferred vendor, you can choose your own glass shop. Get quotes from multiple shops, especially if you want OEM glass or have ADAS features that require recalibration.

Step 5: Confirm Costs Before Proceeding

Before authorizing the repair or replacement, confirm your out-of-pocket cost. Ask whether your deductible will apply, whether ADAS recalibration is included, and whether OEM glass is available and at what cost.

Step 6: Document Everything

Keep records of all communications with your insurer, invoices from the glass shop, and photos of the damage. If disputes arise later, documentation protects your rights under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541.

Common Misconceptions About Texas Windshield Coverage

Myth: Texas law requires free windshield repairs.

Fact: Texas has no zero-deductible law. Any "free" repairs are voluntary insurer practices or benefits of optional coverage you purchased.

Myth: Insurance companies must waive the deductible for small chips.

Fact: Many insurers choose to waive deductibles for repairs because it saves them money, but they are not legally required to do so.

Myth: I have to use the glass shop my insurer recommends.

Fact: You can choose your own glass shop in Texas. Insurers may recommend preferred vendors, but you are not required to use them.

Myth: A cracked windshield is illegal in Texas.

Fact: Cracked windshields are not automatically illegal. However, if the crack obstructs your vision, you can be cited, and significant damage can cause your vehicle to fail state inspection.

Myth: Filing a windshield claim will raise my insurance rates.

Fact: Comprehensive claims typically do not raise rates because they are considered "no-fault" claims. However, frequent claims of any type may affect your rates at renewal.

Comparison: Texas vs. Florida vs. California

Understanding how Texas compares to other major states helps illustrate what Texas drivers are missing—and what they have.

Zero-Deductible Law: Florida has it (§627.7288), California and Texas do not. Florida drivers with comprehensive coverage pay nothing out of pocket for windshield damage. Texas drivers pay their full deductible.

Anti-Steering Protections: California has strong explicit protections (Insurance Code §758.5), Texas has only general unfair practices provisions, Florida has general protections. California drivers have absolute right to choose their repair shop without payment penalties. Texas drivers have weaker protections.

Parts Disclosure: California requires written disclosure for aftermarket parts (BPC §9875.1), Texas and Florida do not have equivalent requirements.

Consumer Claims Rights: All three states have unfair claims practice laws. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541 is comparable to protections in other states.

The Bottom Line for Texas Drivers

Texas provides no special windshield insurance protections. You will pay your deductible for windshield replacement, and insurers are not required to waive it for repairs.

To minimize out-of-pocket costs: Purchase comprehensive coverage with a low deductible, or add optional glass coverage. Repair chips promptly before they spread—many insurers voluntarily waive deductibles for repairs. Get quotes from multiple glass shops before choosing. Document everything if disputes arise.

Know your rights under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541. If your insurer denies your claim without investigation, delays payment unreasonably, or fails to explain denials, you may have recourse.

Texas may not offer free windshield replacement, but understanding your coverage and rights helps you navigate the claims process effectively.

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 zero-deductible state, see our Florida Windshield Insurance Guide.

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.

For comparison with a strong anti-steering state, see our California 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.