If you drive a vehicle in Florida with comprehensive auto insurance, there is a law on the books that most drivers either don't know about or don't fully understand — and it could save you several hundred dollars the next time a rock cracks your windshield. Florida Statute 627.7288 requires insurance companies to replace your windshield at absolutely zero cost to you, with no deductible applied, no premium surcharge, and no impact on your driving record. Here is everything you need to know about how the law works in 2026.
What Florida Statute 627.7288 Actually Says
Florida Statute 627.7288 was enacted specifically to protect Florida drivers from being charged deductibles on windshield glass claims. The statute reads, in relevant part, that any motor vehicle insurance policy providing comprehensive coverage must provide coverage for replacing or repairing a damaged windshield without requiring payment of a deductible. This applies to every insurance company licensed to sell auto coverage in the state of Florida — no exceptions.
The statute covers windshield replacement and repair but not all auto glass. Side windows, rear windshields, and sunroofs may not be covered under the same zero-deductible requirement depending on your specific policy language. If you have a damaged side window or rear glass, check your policy or ask your insurer directly. The zero-deductible mandate specifically applies to the front windshield under the majority of policy interpretations.
Who Qualifies Under Florida Statute 627.7288?
The key requirement is comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Liability-only and collision-only policies do not include windshield replacement. If you have a full coverage policy or a policy that specifically includes comprehensive coverage, you are entitled to a free windshield replacement under Florida law.
Comprehensive coverage is the component of an auto insurance policy that covers damage not caused by a collision — including theft, vandalism, fire, weather events, and glass damage from road debris. In Florida, virtually every full-coverage policy includes comprehensive as standard. If you're unsure whether your policy includes comprehensive, look for it on your declarations page or call your insurer's customer service line before scheduling a replacement.
There is no vehicle age restriction, no mileage limit, and no requirement that you file a police report for a windshield claim. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, you qualify — whether you're driving a brand new vehicle or a ten-year-old sedan.
Will a Windshield Claim Raise Your Insurance Rates?
This is one of the most common concerns Florida drivers have about filing a glass claim, and the answer is no — filing a windshield replacement claim in Florida will not raise your insurance premium. Florida law prohibits insurers from surcharging your premium as a result of a glass-only claim. The glass claim is processed as a no-fault comprehensive claim, which means it does not affect your at-fault accident history, your claim count for purposes of rate calculation, or your driving record.
Insurance agents and consumer advocates consistently confirm this. Some drivers have been told by out-of-state call center representatives that glass claims "could affect your rates" — this is either a misunderstanding of Florida law or an attempt to discourage valid claims. If an insurer does surcharge your premium following a Florida glass claim, that is a violation of state law and can be reported to the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Keywords Drivers Search and What They Mean
When people search for "free windshield replacement Florida" they are looking for confirmation that what they've heard is true. It is. When they search "Florida Statute 627.7288" they are trying to read the law themselves — which is always a good idea. When they search "windshield replacement Tallahassee insurance" they are trying to find a local provider who can process the insurance claim for them. And when they search "does windshield claim raise insurance Florida" they are worried about filing — they don't need to be.
The bottom line for every one of these searches is the same: Florida law is clear, the benefit is real, and you can use it without penalty.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Windshield Claim in Florida
Filing a windshield claim in Florida is straightforward, and many auto glass providers — including us — will handle most of the process for you. Here is how it typically works:
- Contact a licensed auto glass provider. Call us or submit a quote request. We verify your insurance coverage and confirm your zero-cost eligibility before scheduling any work.
- We contact your insurer. We open the glass claim on your behalf with your insurance company. This typically takes 15–30 minutes. You may need to provide your policy number and confirm the claim by phone or app, depending on your carrier.
- We order your vehicle-specific glass. Once the claim is approved, we order glass matched to your vehicle's year, make, and model. Most glass is available for next-day service.
- We come to you. Our mobile technician arrives at your home, office, campus, or any convenient location. The replacement takes 60–90 minutes.
- You drive away. We handle the billing with your insurer directly. You receive zero invoice, zero deductible charge, and zero paperwork to submit yourself.
What If My Insurer Refuses or Tries to Charge a Deductible?
Occasionally, insurance call center representatives — particularly those working out-of-state — are unfamiliar with Florida's specific glass statute and may attempt to apply a deductible or claim that glass replacement is subject to your standard deductible. This is a compliance issue, not a final answer. You have several options:
- Quote Florida Statute 627.7288 directly to the representative and ask for a supervisor.
- Request a written explanation of why the deductible is being applied to a Florida glass claim.
- File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers) if the insurer refuses to comply.
- Contact your auto glass provider — we deal with this situation regularly and can advocate on your behalf.
Common Questions About the Florida Windshield Law
Does the law apply to leased vehicles?
Yes. Florida Statute 627.7288 applies to the insurance policy, not the ownership status of the vehicle. If your leased vehicle is covered by a comprehensive policy (which most lease agreements require), you are entitled to a free windshield replacement under Florida law.
Does the law apply to commercial vehicles?
It depends on the policy type. Personal auto policies with comprehensive coverage are clearly covered. Commercial auto policies vary — check your policy or ask your commercial insurance agent. Fleet vehicles operated by state agencies in Tallahassee may have specific procurement processes for glass replacement.
What if I just moved to Florida from another state?
Once your vehicle is registered in Florida and covered by a Florida-licensed insurer, the zero-deductible requirement applies. If you recently moved and still carry an out-of-state policy, you may have a grace period, but you should update your registration and insurance to comply with Florida requirements — at which point the glass law applies to your policy.
If you have a damaged windshield right now and you have comprehensive coverage in Florida, there is no reason to wait. Call us or submit a free quote request and we'll take care of the rest.