Georgia Windshield Replacement Laws: The Definitive Guide

Georgia Windshield Replacement Law

One of the few instances in which Georgia law requires automobile insurers to be generous towards their insureds comes in relation to windshield replacement and repair for vehicles that meet the criteria set forth in Georgia Code § 33-24-50. Under the statute, an insurer "shall promptly provide for payment or reimbursement of loss for repair or replacement of glass, subject to a deductible not to exceed $100, in lieu of a cash settlement" whenever: (1) the loss is caused by a stone, rock , or other flying object which strikes on the glass surface or a portion thereof of a passenger motor vehicle or invalidates the manufacturer’s original equipment windshield; and (2) the estimated cost of repair is equal to or exceeds $200.00. This mandatory "in lieu of a cash settlement" provision expressly states that it "is not to be construed to prevent full cash settlement nor to affect other coverage for which the policy may provide." To put it more plainly, if the insurer can do better for you than simply paying you for the damage, they must do it. The statute also excludes from this coverage requirement vehicles with a gross vehicle weight, as certified by the manufacturer, of 10,000 lbs. or more or any vehicle (such as a semi truck) designated as an "exempted commercial motor vehicle" by 49 C.F.R. § 390.5.

Windshield Replacement Insurance Requirements

When it comes to auto insurance policies in Georgia, windshield replacement is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of the policy, which covers damage not amounting to a collision. In Georgia, however, insurance companies cannot make the policyholder pay a deductible when windshield replacement is required. While the type of coverage for windshield replacement may vary from policy to policy, all Georgia policies are subject to the law prohibiting carriers from imposing a deductible for windshield replacement. There are also limits of $250 glass coverage if full replacements are covered, and $100 in glass coverage for those who have only repair coverage in Georgia. An important fact to know when purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage in Georgia is that it is not mandatory like collision coverage. Carriers may offer a reduction in premiums if a motorist chooses not to purchase comprehensive coverage.

What to Do Following Windshield Damage

If you discover that your windshield is cracked or chipped, your first step should be to assess the severity of the damage. If it is a small, minor chip or crack, it may be possible to repair the windshield. However, if it is more extensive, such as a spider crack (where the damaged area of the glass has spread out from a single impact point), you will almost always have to replace the windshield. Once you determine what kind of damage you are dealing with, you should check your insurance policy to see if it includes coverage for windshield repair or replacement. It is not required to have such coverage, but many policyholders do. Georgia law also states that once a vehicle owner pays for a windshield replacement, the vehicle cannot be repossessed for failing to make premium payments or repay the loan. Otherwise, the law does not require vehicle owners to add windshield coverage to their insurance policies and states that insurers can charge higher premiums to those who do have it.

How to Select a Georgia Windshield Replacement Company

To ensure that you’re getting quality service, it’s important to do your research before choosing a company for windshield replacement. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, has been in business for a while, and has the right experience. Reading customer reviews is an excellent way to know what you’re getting into with a particular glass repair service, and it’ll help you avoid getting ripped off and facing the consequences of a bad installation job .
The Georgia Secretary of State requires companies that perform these types of services to be licensed and bonded before they can work. In order to qualify for a license, a company has to pass an exam and pay a bonding amount of $25,000. Companies should also be able to show proof of employment practices liability insurance and insurance coverage for the vehicle transport they use during the course of business.

Windshield Replacement Law Myths

There are many myths regarding windshield replacement laws in Georgia. The new law gives car owners more consumer protections than ever before, yet it has generated some confusion. Here are a few of the more common myths surrounding the law:
Myth : "Your insurance company must allow you to get a repair or replacement on your windshield only from their approved, favored vendor."
Truth : There is no such rule in Georgia. Insurers may recommend service; however, the law now clarifies that a car owner is never obligated to use a vendor simply because they are on an insurer’s "approved" vendor list. As long as the vendor complies with all legal requirements under Georgia law, the vendor has every right to be included on the insurer’s approved vendor list.
Myth : "If my insurance agent did not give me a list of only approved vendors on the day of the accident, then I have no right to seek replacement or repair from any other vendor."
Truth : Under the new law, an insurer may opt to recommend that the car owner get the windshield repaired or replaced via a preferred or recommended vendor. Nevertheless, if you as a car owner choose not to follow the insurer’s recommendations, you have every right under the insurance policy to select a non-preferred, non-recommended vendor who can accomplish the same work. No one can force you to follow their recommendations if you don’t agree with them. Period.
Myth : "If I do it myself, I can replace my windshield and make a claim to my insurance company by submitting the bill I paid for the work."
Truth : Under the new law, the legislature made it clear that a car owner must be able to demonstrate to his/her insurer that the work was done by either a registered glass repair professional or a registered glass replacement professional (i.e., a "glass technician"). This is a codification of prior reporting and registration requirements that were not mandated by the legislature to fit within the car insurance laws prior to 2018.

Georgia Windshield Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re preparing to get new windshield repair after a recent crack, chip, or break, you probably have a lot of questions. We offer brief answers to some of the most common ones about Georgia’s windshield replacement laws:

1. When won’t my insurance cover my windshield replacement costs?

In Georgia and most other states, windshield replacement coverage is not required by law. Rather, it’s optional and is typically sold as part of comprehensive coverage. If you have a broken windshield but don’t have coverage, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for the repairs.

2. Can a third party cover the cost of my windshield replacement or repair?

General liability insurance covers injuries to third parties and will not apply to broken windshield cases.

3. How do I determine whether windshield repair or replacement is necessary?

If your windshield has chips, cracks, or areas of missing glass, it’s important to have the damage examined by a qualified windshield repair professional immediately. Cracks and chips are sometimes repairable if they haven’t compromised the windshield’s integrity .
Whether repair or replacement is necessary will also depend on whether there are a number of cracks and chips. In most cases, if more than three or four chips are concentrated in an area of just a few inches, replacement of the entire windshield is warranted. The location of the cracks and chips on the windshield is also important. If the cracks and chips are located near the driver’s side view, the chances are low that the windshield can be repaired.

4. Can I sue my insurance company if they don’t approve my claim for a windshield replacement?

Suing your insurance company is usually not an available remedy. While you can sue them for breach of contract, if your insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage for windshield replacement or repair, your claim will likely not be successful. Keep in mind, though, that the insurance horizons are always changing. If you have been denied a recent claim for windshield repair or replacement that you believe should have been covered, there’s no harm in speaking to a Georgia accident attorney about your claim.