You may have seen ads on Florida highways offering “free windshields.” These ads are about Florida’s unique law on auto glass replacement, which stipulates that windshield replacements may be done at no charge to vehicle owners under certain circumstances. How many windshields in Florida are free? And what does the word “free” mean?
Understanding Florida’s Windshield Replacement Law
Florida is among the few states with a law that eliminates deductibles for windshield replacements and repairs. If your windshield is damaged, the insurance company must cover the entire cost of replacement without charging you any deductible. This law applies to all car owners in the state who have comprehensive insurance.
Technically, any driver who has comprehensive coverage and suffers windshield damage can receive a “free replacement”. The term “free”, however, is misleading as your insurance rates will cover the cost. Your rates may even increase after filing a claim.
How Many Free Windshields Are There?
In Florida, there is no specific number of “free” windshields available because availability is linked to the number of insured vehicles that have comprehensive coverage. According to recent estimates, Florida has millions of insured vehicles. The windshields of each vehicle could be replaced for free if necessary.
Insurance companies will monitor claims that are made repeatedly. Insurance companies may raise premiums for frequent claims or conduct investigations to verify the validity of those claims.
The Role of Auto Glass Companies
To capitalize on the law, many auto glass companies in Florida advertise that they will replace your windshield for free. Many auto glass companies offer cash back and gift cards as incentives to get drivers to use their services. It may sound appealing, but it is important to choose a reputable provider to avoid problems like substandard installations or fraud.
Is It Really Free?
It’s important to look at the big picture, even though the replacement doesn’t cost anything. These replacements are funded by the premiums that policyholders pay. Insurance costs could rise if there are repeated claims or widespread abuse of the system.
As long as you are covered by comprehensive insurance, Florida allows for an unlimited number of “free” windshields. The replacement of the windshield is free when it is done at the service location, but the final cost will be borne by the insured driver through their insurance premiums. Choose a reputable service for auto glass and consider the long-term impact on your insurance rates.
This post was written by a professional at At Home Auto Glass. At Home Auto Glass is your prime destination for auto glass services, catering to a diverse array of vehicles and needs. We work with insurance companies to get your new windshield today! Specializing in windshield repair and replacement, we ensure clarity and safety for every drive. Our expertise doesn’t end there; we also offer back glass replacement, side window replacement, and cater to specific needs for RV glass, commercial vehicles, luxury vehicles, and classic cars, ensuring that every vehicle type is serviced with precision and care. Proudly serving Florida, our reach extends across Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Ocala, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. Call us now to get your quote for your Windshield replacement Fort Myers.
