Auto glass damage is incredibly common in Arizona. With our rocky highways, extreme temperatures, and monsoon season, it’s not a matter of if your windshield will get damaged—it’s when. Fortunately, many Arizona drivers have zero-deductible glass coverage, making windshield replacements seemingly hassle-free.
But does filing a glass claim affect your insurance? The short answer is it depends. While Arizona law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates due to glass claims, carriers are still finding ways to offset their losses—and drivers should be aware of how their claims may impact them long-term.
At 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass, we believe in honesty, transparency, and helping our clients make the best decisions regarding auto glass claims. This blog will break down the myths vs. facts about windshield replacement claims and what you should know before filing.
📞 Need help filing a claim? Call us at 602-423-0040!
Does Filing a Windshield Claim Increase Your Insurance Premium?
Myth: Filing a glass claim will automatically raise your rates.
Fact: Insurance companies in Arizona cannot raise your premium due to a windshield claim alone.
Arizona is a zero-deductible auto glass state, meaning that if you have comprehensive coverage with full glass replacement, you can get your windshield replaced at no out-of-pocket cost. However, just because your rates can’t legally be increased due to a glass claim doesn’t mean insurance companies aren’t finding ways to compensate for their losses.
How Insurance Companies Are Getting Around the Law:
🚨 Shorter Policy Terms – Some insurance carriers have moved from 12-month to 6-month policies. This allows them to adjust your premium more frequently, often citing “market conditions” or other factors rather than explicitly stating it’s due to your claims history.
🚨 Non-Renewal for “High-Risk” Clients – While your rates may not increase immediately, too many glass claims within a short period could put you at risk of non-renewal. Some insurers have begun dropping clients after multiple glass claims, despite the law.
🚨 Blaming Premium Increases on Other Factors – Insurance companies may claim rate hikes are due to inflation, increased claim costs, or changes in the risk pool—when in reality, they are trying to balance out the financial impact of excessive glass claims.
💡 Bottom Line: While one or two glass claims are unlikely to cause an issue, frequent claims could put your policy at risk for non-renewal or higher rates upon renewal.
Why Arizona Has Zero-Deductible Glass Coverage & How It’s Being Exploited
Arizona is one of the few states that offers full glass coverage with no deductible for drivers with comprehensive insurance. The intention behind this law is simple:
✔ Protect drivers from high out-of-pocket costs for windshield replacements.
✔ Ensure vehicles stay safe on the road by encouraging prompt repairs.
✔ Prevent cracks from worsening and leading to accidents.
However, some auto glass companies have exploited this system for profit, engaging in cash-back incentives and lawsuit schemes that have significantly increased the cost of auto glass claims.
How Bad Actors Are Hurting Arizona Drivers
🚨 Cash-Back Incentives – Some companies offer cash rewards to customers for filing a glass claim, often making it seem like “free money.” In reality, these shops:
✔ Overbill insurance companies for inflated costs.
✔ Push for full windshield replacements instead of cheaper repairs to maximize their profits.
✔ Encourage excessive claims, increasing the financial strain on insurers.
🚨 Suing Insurance Companies for Triple the Cost – Many fraudulent shops bill insurance companies for inflated costs and then file lawsuits to collect more money, adding legal fees, interest, and damages on top of the original bill.
🚨 Increased Policy Cancellations & Rate Hikes – Because of the high volume of fraudulent claims and lawsuits, insurance carriers are losing money—and finding ways to recover it through higher rates or policy cancellations.
💡 Bottom Line: Avoid any auto glass shop offering cash-back incentives—they don’t have your best interest in mind, and using them could put your insurance coverage at risk in the long run.
How to Check If You Have Auto Glass Coverage
Not all Arizona drivers have zero-deductible glass coverage—and if you purchased your policy online without an agent’s help, you may not have the coverage you think you do.
Steps to Check Your Coverage:
✔ Review Your Policy – Look under “Comprehensive Coverage” for terms like “Full Glass,” “No Deductible Glass,” or “Auto Glass Replacement.”
✔ Check Your Deductible – Some policies may require a deductible payment, while others may cover glass at zero cost.
✔ Call Your Insurance Provider – If you’re unsure, call and ask:
✅ Do I have zero-deductible auto glass coverage?
✅ Will my policy cover chip repairs and full replacements?
✅ Are there limits on how many claims I can file before non-renewal?
✔ Work with a Reputable Auto Glass Shop – 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass can help you verify your coverage before you file a claim.
🚨 Warning for Geico & Progressive Customers:
These companies often exclude full glass coverage by default, requiring drivers to manually opt-in when purchasing a policy online. Many drivers don’t realize they don’t have glass coverage until they need it.
📞 Not sure if you have coverage? Call 602-423-0040—we can help you check!
Choosing the Right Auto Glass Shop: What to Look For
Not all auto glass shops have your best interest in mind. Some prioritize profits over quality—which can cost you more in the long run.
A Trustworthy Auto Glass Shop Will:
✅ Encourage repairs over replacements when possible.
✅ Never offer cash-back incentives for filing a claim.
✅ Confirm the correct windshield and features using your VIN.
✅ Use high-quality materials and proper installation techniques.
✅ Help you navigate your insurance claim without pushing unnecessary services.
At 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass, we do things the right way. We focus on quality, integrity, and customer safety—not shady business practices that harm Arizona drivers.
📞 Need a windshield replacement? Call 602-423-0040 today!
Final Thoughts: Be Smart About Windshield Claims
Arizona’s zero-deductible glass coverage is designed to help drivers stay safe on the road—but exploitation of the system is making it harder for honest drivers to maintain affordable coverage.
✔ A single windshield claim likely won’t impact you, but excessive claims could put you at risk of non-renewal.
✔ Be cautious of shops offering cash incentives—it’s a red flag for inflated billing and lawsuits.
✔ Work with a reputable auto glass company that prioritizes repairs over replacements whenever possible.
Need Auto Glass Repair or Replacement? Trust the Experts at 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass!
✔ Veteran-owned & family-operated business
✔ High-quality materials & proper installation
✔ We help you navigate your insurance claim the right way
📞 Call 602-423-0040 today to schedule your auto glass service!