How Arizona’s No-Fault Glass Law Saves You Money on Windshield Replacement

Most Arizona drivers have no idea that two state laws are quietly working in their favor every time a rock hits their windshield. Between ARS §20-263 and ARS §20-264, Arizona has some of the strongest windshield replacement protections in the country — and the vast majority of drivers with comprehensive insurance are leaving money on the table because they don’t know these laws exist.

If you’ve been putting off replacing a cracked windshield because you’re worried about cost or rate increases, this is worth a few minutes of your time.

ARS §20-264: The Zero-Deductible Glass Law

Let’s start with the one that saves you the most money upfront.

Under Arizona Revised Statute §20-264, any insurance company writing private passenger automobile insurance that includes comprehensive coverage must offer the policyholder 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, as well as the glass, plastic, or other material used in the lights of a motor vehicle.

In plain English: if you carry comprehensive coverage and you opted into the zero-deductible glass provision (which most Arizona policies include by default), your insurance company pays the full cost of your windshield replacement. You pay nothing.

This isn’t a loophole or a promotional gimmick. It’s Arizona law. And it applies to every insurance carrier operating in the state.

The catch — and it’s a small one — is that you need to have actually selected the zero-deductible glass option when you set up your policy. Most carriers include it automatically or offer it for a few extra dollars a month. If you’re not sure whether your policy has it, your insurance company can tell you in a two-minute phone call. Or you can call an auto glass shop that handles insurance claims regularly, and they’ll verify it for you.

ARS §20-263: Your Rates Cannot Go Up

This is the one that surprises people the most.

Arizona Revised Statute §20-263 states 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, gravel kicked up on the freeway, monsoon storms, or construction zones is not something you caused. It’s a no-fault event. That means filing a glass claim under your comprehensive coverage cannot legally result in a premium increase.

The statute goes further. If an insurer does raise your premium after a no-fault claim, they are required to notify you of the reason. And the Arizona Department of Insurance can order that insurer to refund the premium increase and impose a civil penalty of up to $300.

This matters because fear of rate increases is the number one reason Arizona drivers avoid filing glass claims. They assume that any claim — no matter how small — will flag their account and lead to higher premiums at renewal. Under ARS §20-263, that assumption is wrong. The law specifically exists to prevent that exact scenario.

Why These Two Laws Work Together

Here’s how the pieces fit.

ARS §20-264 eliminates the cost. Your comprehensive policy covers the full replacement with no deductible. ARS §20-263 eliminates the risk. Filing the claim won’t raise your rates.

Together, they mean that an Arizona driver with comprehensive coverage can get a cracked windshield replaced at zero out-of-pocket cost, with zero impact on their insurance premium. There is no financial downside to filing the claim.

This is also why auto glass cash-back programs exist in Arizona. Because insurance covers the full replacement cost, reputable shops are able to pass a portion of their margin back to the customer. Clear View Glass & Tint offers up to $350 cash back on windshield replacement through approved insurance — one of the highest cash-back offers in the state.

What You Should Know Before Filing a Claim

A few practical details worth understanding before you pick up the phone.

You don’t need to call your insurance company first. Most auto glass shops — including Clear View — will contact your carrier, verify your coverage, and file the claim on your behalf. You make one call, and the shop handles the rest.

Repair vs. replacement depends on the damage. Small chips can often be repaired without a full replacement. If the crack is longer than about six inches, in the driver’s line of sight, or at the edge of the windshield where it compromises structural integrity, replacement is typically the standard recommendation. Your insurance carrier and the technician will determine which route is appropriate.

ADAS calibration may be required after replacement. Many newer vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted near the windshield that power advanced driver assistance systems like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and adaptive cruise control. After a windshield replacement, these systems often need professional recalibration to function correctly. Clear View offers ADAS calibration as part of the replacement process so everything works the way it should when you drive away.

Not all shops are equal. Arizona has hundreds of auto glass companies, and the quality of workmanship varies significantly. Look for shops with AGRSS certified technicians, a physical location you can visit, a lifetime warranty on installations, and a track record of verified reviews. A windshield isn’t just a piece of glass — it’s a structural safety component of your vehicle, and the installation needs to be done right.

Stop Driving Around With a Cracked Windshield

Arizona gives its drivers a genuine advantage when it comes to windshield replacement. The laws are clear, the coverage is strong, and the financial risk of filing a claim is zero. If you’ve been putting it off, there’s no reason to wait.

Clear View Glass & Tint provides windshield replacement in Phoenix and windshield replacement in Tucson with free mobile service, AGRSS certified technicians, and a lifetime warranty on every installation. We handle your insurance claim from start to finish and offer up to $350 cash back on qualifying replacements.

Call or text the Phoenix shop at 480-656-0432 or the Tucson shop at 520-393-3930 and we’ll verify your coverage in minutes.