If you're driving around Kentucky with a cracked windshield and putting off the fix because you're worried about the bill, here's some good news that a lot of drivers don't know: in Kentucky, your comprehensive auto insurance is required to cover glass repair and replacement with no deductible.
Not a reduced deductible. Not "after you pay the first $250." Zero. Kentucky is one of only a few states in the country with a law like this on the books, and it can be the difference between a windshield that gets fixed today and one that keeps spreading across your field of view for months.
Here's exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how to actually use the benefit.
The short answer
If you carry comprehensive coverage (sometimes called "full coverage" or "other than collision") on your vehicle, Kentucky law says your insurer has to cover a glass-only claim — repair or replacement — without applying your deductible. That's true even if your regular comprehensive deductible is $500 or $1,000. For glass, it's waived.
What the law actually says
This isn't a company policy or a promotion — it's state law, under Kentucky Revised Statute 304.20-060. The statute requires that any auto policy providing comprehensive coverage must, when the claim is for motor vehicle glass only, provide full coverage for the repair or replacement of that glass without regard to any deductible.
A few important details people miss:
- It covers replacement, not just repair. A small chip repair and a full windshield replacement are both included.
- It covers all your vehicle's glass — not only the front windshield. Side windows and back glass count too, as long as it's a glass-only claim.
- It's a Kentucky-specific benefit. Only a short list of states — Kentucky among them — waive the glass deductible this way. Drivers who move here from other states are often surprised it exists.
Who qualifies
The one requirement is comprehensive coverage. Here's the quick breakdown:
- You have comprehensive coverage → your glass is covered with no deductible. This is you if you have "full coverage," or if you're still making payments on a financed or leased vehicle (lenders almost always require comprehensive).
- You only carry liability insurance → unfortunately, glass damage isn't covered, because liability only pays for damage you cause to others. You'd be paying out of pocket — but we'll still get you a fair, honest price.
Not sure which you have? Look for "comprehensive" or "other than collision" on your declarations page, or just call us with your insurance info and we'll help you figure it out in about two minutes.
The one catch worth knowing about: ADAS
Most vehicles built in the last several years have cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield that run safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. This is called ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), and after a windshield is replaced on an equipped vehicle, those systems have to be recalibrated to work correctly.
This matters for two reasons. First, a proper replacement on an ADAS vehicle isn't finished until it's calibrated — skipping it can leave those safety systems reading the road wrong. Second, it's worth confirming calibration is included when you compare shops, because not every shop can do it. Rite-Way does, and we'll walk you through whether your specific vehicle needs it.
How to use your zero-deductible benefit
It's simpler than most people expect:
- Call the Rite-Way location nearest you (or start a quote online). Have your insurance information handy.
- Tell us it's a glass claim. We file it as a glass-only comprehensive claim — the kind the deductible waiver applies to.
- We handle the paperwork with your insurer directly, so you're not stuck on hold with the insurance company.
- We do the work — mobile, if that's easier, since we come to you anywhere in our Kentucky service area.
One more thing worth knowing: you get to choose the shop. Your insurance company may suggest a specific glass provider from their network, but the choice is yours — you're never required to use theirs. If you want Rite-Way, just say so.
"Should I repair it or replace it?" — a quick word
Because the deductible is waived either way, the decision comes down to the damage itself, not the cost. As a rough guide: a chip smaller than a quarter, or a crack shorter than a few inches and out of the driver's direct line of sight, can often be repaired — which is faster and keeps your original factory glass. Larger cracks, anything spreading to the edge, or damage right in front of the driver usually calls for replacement for safety. When in doubt, we'll take a look and give you the honest answer.
The bottom line
If you've got comprehensive coverage and a cracked windshield in Kentucky, there's very little reason to wait — the law is on your side, and in most cases it won't cost you a dime out of pocket. Cracks only spread, and a small chip today is a full replacement (and a real safety issue) tomorrow.
Rite-Way has served Kentucky drivers for over 75 years across Lexington, Louisville, London, Morehead, and Burlington — and we handle the insurance side for you from start to finish.
Ready to use your benefit? Get a free quote or call your nearest Rite-Way location. We'll confirm your coverage and get you back on the road — often the same or next day.
This article is general information for Kentucky drivers, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage specifics can vary by policy, so confirm the details with your insurer or with our team.
Sources: KRS 304.20-060 (Kentucky Legislature) · Progressive — Free Windshield Replacement States