A rock chip on the way to work. A crack that spreads overnight in a Minnesota winter. A shattered door window in a parking lot.
Auto glass damage happens fast, and when it does, most drivers have the same two questions: does my insurance cover this, and how complicated is the claims process going to be?
Thankfully, auto glass claims are among the simplest insurance claims you can file, especially when you work with a shop that organizes the paperwork alongside the repair.
Ryan & Gordy’s Glass has been helping drivers across the Twin Cities, Hastings, Red Wing, and western Wisconsin manage auto glass insurance claims since 1972, and we make the process as simple as the repair itself.
What To Do If You Have Auto Glass Damage
- Check the size and location of the damage
- Take a photo for documentation
- Avoid waiting if the crack is spreading
- Contact a local glass shop before calling insurance
- Ask about repair vs replacement options
Does Your Insurance Cover Auto Glass?
For most Minnesota and Wisconsin drivers, the answer is yes, at least partially. Auto glass repair and replacement is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage handles damage caused by events outside of a collision, including road debris, weather, vandalism, and theft.
A few things worth understanding before you file:
Deductibles vary by policy
Some drivers carry a separate, lower deductible for glass claims specifically. In Minnesota, insurers are required to offer a zero-deductible glass endorsement as an optional add-on, which means some policyholders pay nothing out of pocket for a windshield replacement. Check your policy or call your agent to confirm what applies to you.
Chip repairs are often fully covered
Many insurers waive the deductible entirely for chip repairs because fixing a small chip is far less expensive than replacing a full windshield later. If you have a chip that has not yet cracked, filing a claim now may cost you nothing and save you a full replacement down the road.
Filing a glass claim typically does not affect your rates
In most cases, a comprehensive glass claim is not treated as an at-fault accident and does not trigger a rate increase. That said, policies and insurers vary, so it is worth a quick check with your provider if you are uncertain.
How the Claims Process Works at Ryan & Gordy’s Glass
We work with all major insurance companies and manage the claims process directly on your behalf. Here is what the process typically looks like when you bring your vehicle to us or schedule a mobile service call:
Step 1: Contact us first. Before calling your insurer, reach out to Ryan & Gordy’s Glass. We can assess the damage, confirm whether repair or replacement is the right call, and walk you through what your insurance is likely to cover. Many customers find it easier to let us initiate the claim conversation directly with the insurer.
Step 2: We contact your insurer. Once we have the details of the damage and your policy information, we talk with your insurance company to verify coverage and get approval for the work.
Step 3: We complete the repair or replacement. Our AGA-certified technicians perform the work using premium Sika adhesives and OEM-quality materials. Whether it is a chip repair that takes under an hour or a full windshield replacement, we complete the job to manufacturer safety standards.
Step 4: We settle the claim directly. In most cases, we bill your insurer directly and you pay only your deductible, if one applies. No chasing reimbursements, no out-of-pocket surprises.
“Jay and his team helped me with my insurance claim and got me in very fast and back on the road. Service is excellent. I dropped my car off at 8AM, they had a loaner vehicle I could use, and I had a text by 10:30 that my vehicle was ready.” — Stephanie Larson.
Repair or Replace? Getting It Right Matters
Not every chip or crack means a full windshield replacement. Here is how we assess the damage:
Repair is usually possible when:
- The chip is smaller than a quarter
- The damage is away from the windshield edge
- It falls outside the driver’s primary sightline
Replacement is typically needed when:
- The crack is longer than six inches
- The damage is near the edge of the glass
- The driver’s sightline is affected
Getting this right matters because your windshield is a structural component of your vehicle. It supports roof integrity in a rollover and airbag deployment in a collision. It also affects how your insurer classifies the claim, and we help you work through that distinction accurately.
Mobile Service Across the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin
We know that a cracked windshield does not wait for a convenient time. Ryan & Gordy’s Glass offers mobile service throughout the greater Twin Cities area, including Hastings and Red Wing, and across western Wisconsin.
We come to your home, your workplace, or wherever your vehicle is parked, and we handle the insurance claim the same way we would at either of our two shop locations.
If you have auto glass damage and want to understand your insurance options, call Ryan & Gordy’s Glass for a free estimate. We have been doing this since 1972, and we make the claims process as easy as possible for every customer we serve.
Auto Glass Claims FAQs
Will filing an auto glass insurance claim raise my rates?
In most cases, no. Comprehensive glass claims are generally not classified as at-fault accidents and do not trigger rate increases. However, policies vary by insurer, so it is worth confirming with your provider before filing if you have concerns.
Does Minnesota require insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage?
Yes. Minnesota law requires auto insurers to offer a zero-deductible glass endorsement as an option on comprehensive policies. If you are not sure whether you have this coverage, check your policy documents or call your agent.
How long does a windshield replacement take?
Most windshield replacements take one to two hours in the shop. After installation, Sika adhesives require a safe drive-away time before the vehicle should be driven, which our technicians will confirm at pickup. Ryan & Gordy’s Glass also offers loaner vehicles at shop locations to keep your day moving while work is completed.
Can you repair a windshield chip instead of replacing the whole windshield?
Often yes. Chips that are smaller than a quarter, located away from the windshield edge, and outside the driver’s primary line of sight are typically good candidates for repair. We assess each situation individually and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.