Auto Glass and windshield replacement FAQ

Replacement parts must be of the same kind and quality, and the repair should restore the vehicle to its original value.

There is nothing unique about windshields in Alaska. O.E.M. parts versus aftermarket parts or repair shops.

There is an optional "full glass" or "safety equipment" coverage available in Arizona (AZ), which covers windshield repairs without a deductible. Insurers can use aftermarket parts, but they must provide written notice. Depending on the situation, you may choose who repairs and whether replaced or repaired [according to suntecautoglass.com/faqs.htm].

Arkansas (A.R.) has no windshield-specific laws. Insurers can use aftermarket parts if they have a clause in their contract that says they must fit, perform, and be warranted, the same as O.E.M. parts. An insurer cannot require that a particular repair shop perform the repair. [Source: R&R 43 § 10 c]

The repair can be done anywhere in California (C.A.). A consumer is entitled to an estimate that specifies whether parts are new, used, aftermarket, reconditioned, or rebuilt. Aftermarket parts are only allowed if they are at least equal to the O.E.M. parts (kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance) [source: section 2695.8(g) of Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations].

Colorado (C.O.) – Nothing unique to windshields. No information about O.E.M. vs aftermarket parts or choice of repair shops.

Connecticut (C.T.) – Has an optional "Full Glass Coverage" option that covers broken safety glass (including windshields) with no deductible. [Source: Connecticut Insurance Department] You can choose where to have your car repaired (but you may have to pay the cost difference). Connecticut allows insurers to use aftermarket parts and used ("recycled") parts but must inform you in the estimate. [Source: Connecticut Insurance Department F.A.Q.].

Delaware (D.E.) – Nothing unique to windshields. You can choose where the repair is done (but you may have to pay the price difference). Aftermarket or used parts can be used in a repair, but you can insist on O.E.M. parts (if you pay the difference). [Source: Delaware's Insurance Commissioner's Guide]

Florida (F.L.) – If you have comprehensive insurance, there is no deductible (no charge to you), per Florida Statute 627.7288. Insurance companies do not have to use O.E.M. parts, but replacement parts must be "of same fit, quality and performance".

Georgia (G.A.) – An insurer may use aftermarket parts, just so long as they are on the estimate and the guarantee is also on the estimate. You can use O.E.M. parts, but you will have to pay the price difference. You can choose where to have the repair done, but you may have to pay the difference between where you want it done and where the insurance company would have the work done. [Source]

Hawaii (H.I.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Hawaii is a no-fault state. No information about O.E.M. vs aftermarket parts or choice of repair shops.

Idaho (I.D.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use used parts if they are "like kind and quality" (you can insist on O.E.M. parts but may have to pay the difference). [Source: Idaho Department of Insurance F.A.Q.] Aftermarket crash parts may be used if mentioned in the estimate. [SOURCE: Idaho Code § 41-1328D].

Illinois (I.L.) – Nothing unique to windshields. You can choose to use O.E.M. parts but may have to pay the difference. If aftermarket parts are used, the insurance company must inform you in writing, and this must appear on the estimate. [Source: 215 ILCS 5/155.29]

Indiana (IN) – Nothing unique to windshields. You can choose O.E.M., aftermarket, or used parts for vehicles under five years old. [Source: I.C. 27-4-1.5-8]

Iowa

Iowa (I.A.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Aftermarket crash parts (specifically excluding windshields) may be used if they are "at least equal in kind and quality … in terms of fit, quality and performance, or that the part complies with federal safety standards" if mentioned in the policy (you can insist on O.E.M. parts, but may have to pay the difference). [Source: Iowa Adm Code 191-15.45(507B)]

Kansas (K.S.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may only use aftermarket parts (defined as "sheet metal or plastic parts") if they disclose this to the consumer on the estimate. [Source: K.S.A. 50-660] The insurer may use used or salvaged parts of "like kind and quality". [Source: State of Kansas Department of Insurance F.A.Q.] Note: Insurers may insist on a specific repair shop! [Source: Kansas UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES MODEL REGULATION Section 9] It also appears that consumers cannot insist on O.E.M. parts, even if willing to pay the difference.

Kentucky (K.Y.) – Nothing unique to windshields. You can choose where repairs are done, but you may have to pay the difference. You can choose O.E.M. parts but may have to pay the difference. [Source: Kentucky Department of Insurance]

Louisiana (L.A.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use non-OEM "aftermarket crash parts" if mentioned on the estimate. [Source: R.S. 51 § 2424] The maximum comprehensive deductible is $250. [Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance]

Maine (M.E.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers can use aftermarket or used parts (unless you are willing to pay the price difference). You may use the repair shop of your choice (but may have to pay the price difference). [Source: State of Maine Bureau of Insurance]

Maryland (M.D.) – Nothing unique to windshields. An insurer may use aftermarket parts if they are of "like kind and quality" (used parts are acceptable). A separate endorsement may be purchased (before the loss) that requires the insurer to use O.E.M. parts. You may use any repair shop of your choice (but you may have to pay the price difference).[Source: Maryland Insurance Administrator Guide]

Massachusetts (M.A.) – If you have comprehensive insurance, the repair or replacement is either at no cost to you or with a $100 deductible (only if you opted into it), regardless of your normal comprehensive deductible. You can have O.E.M. parts if your car has less than 20,000 miles (15,000 for policies from 2003 or earlier).

Michigan (MI) – Insurance companies' unreasonably restrict' you from using a particular repair shop [Source: Section 500.2110b], although you may have to pay more if the cost is more than where the insurance company would have you go [Source]. Aftermarket parts can be requested (???) by the insurance company but must be identified on the estimate and have a notice on the estimate [Source: Section 257.1363].

Minnesota (M.N.) – Insurance companies are required to offer optional Full Glass Replacement coverage; if you have this, there is no cost to repair or replace a windshield. [Source: Minn. Statutes § 65B.134] Insurers may use aftermarket parts for windshields (but not for any other part, although they can use used O.E.M. parts). [Source: Minn. Statutes § 72A.201, subd 6, clause (7)] You can choose a repair shop, but you may have to pay the difference. [Source: Minn. Statutes § 72A.201, subd 6, clause (7)]

Mississippi (M.S.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may require aftermarket parts, but the state discourages this practice. [Source: Mississippi Insurance Department] Aftermarket Crash Parts ("nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts") if the insurer states so on the estimate. [Source: Mississippi Code of 1972 § 63-27-5] Insurers may not require the repair at a specific repair shop, but the insurer may have to pay the difference. [Source: Mississippi Code of 1972 § 83-11-501] Windshield Replacement Get 3 Local Offers in 10 sec

Missouri (MO) – Nothing unique to windshields. "Aftermarket parts" may be used if stated on the estimate, and the parts are "at least equal in like, kind and quality in terms of fit, quality and performance". [Source: 20 CSR 100-1.050 2(D)2] insurer may designate a specific repair shop. [Source: 20 CSR 100-1.050 2(F)]

Montana (M.T.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may not require a specific repair shop for windshield repairs. [Source: Sec 33-18-221 M.C.A.] No laws regarding O.E.M. or aftermarket parts.

Nebraska (N.E.) – Nothing unique to windshields. The insurer may require the use of a specific repair shop. [Source: "Title 210 Chapter 60″009.04] No laws regarding O.E.M. or aftermarket parts.

Nevada (N.V.) – Nothing unique to windshields. An insurer may not require the use of a specific repair shop, but the consumer may have to pay the difference. [Source: N.R.S. 690B.016 1] No laws regarding O.E.M. or aftermarket parts.

New Hampshire (N.H.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers using aftermarket parts must disclose such in writing on the estimate. [Source: R.S.A. 407-D:4] Aftermarket parts must be of like kind and quality [Source: R.S.A. 407-D:3]. Consumers may choose a repair shop and insist on O.E.M. parts for vehicles less than two years old with less than 30,000 miles on them. [Source: State of New Hampshire Insurance Department Bulletin No. Ins. 99-014-AB

New Jersey (N.J.) – Nothing unique to windshields; unknown if aftermarket parts are treated differently than O.E.M. parts. The standard comprehensive deductible is $750.

New Mexico (N.M.) – Insurers may use aftermarket parts if the quality is comparable to the manufacturer's parts. [Source]

New York (N.Y.) – Insurers may offer policies with no deductible for glass. Aftermarket parts may be used if they are "equal or exceed the comparable O.E.M. crash part in terms of fit, form, finish quality and performance", and if used, must appear on the estimate. [Source: State of New York Insurance Department]

North Carolina (N.C.) – Aftermarket parts must be "equal to the original parts in fit, quality, performance and warranty", and the insurer must write on the estimate that they are using such parts. consumers may choose where to repair. [Source: § 58-36-95]

North Dakota (N.D.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use aftermarket parts if "the quality is comparable to the manufacturer's parts." [Source: North Dakota Insurance Department]

Ohio (O.H.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use aftermarket parts, but you can specify that O.E.M. parts are used (if you pay the price difference or prove that the aftermarket parts are inferior). You have the right to choose where the shop does the work. [Source: Ohio Department of Insurance Guide]

Oklahoma (OK) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may require a specific repair shop. [Source: 365:15-3-8 (g)]. Insurers may use "Aftermarket Crash Parts" (nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts) if mentioned on the estimate. [Source: O.S. §15-955].

Oregon (OR) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use "aftermarket crash parts" ("sheet metal or plastic") if it is "at least equivalent to the replaced part", which is defined as "at least the same quality concerning fit, finish, function and corrosion resistance". [Source: ORS 746.287, 746.292] An insurer may not require a specific repair shop. [Source: ORS 746.280]

Pennsylvania (P.A.) – Nothing unique to windshields. You are not required to use any specific repair shop. [Source: Pennsylvania Insurance Department Website] No information about aftermarket parts.

Rhode Island (R.I.) – Aftermarket parts may be used but must be "at least equal in kind and quality" to the O.E.M. parts. [Source: 27-10.2-3] It must be specified in writing if aftermarket parts are used on a car less than 30 months old, the consumer must give their consent, and the consumer must receive notice that they are entitled to O.E.M. parts. [Source: 27-10.2-2]

South Carolina (S.C.) – There is no deductible for windshields for private passenger vehicles if you have comprehensive insurance. [Source: South Carolina Department of Insurance F.A.Q.; law here]

South Dakota (S.D.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers may use "aftermarket crash parts" ("nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts") if mentioned in the estimate. [Source: ] Insurers may not require a specific repair shop. [Source: SL 58-33-67]

Tennessee (T.N.) – Nothing unique to windshields. There do not appear to be any laws regarding the choice of repair shop or O.E.M. vs aftermarket parts.

Texas (TX) – Nothing unique to windshields. Insurers can use used and aftermarket parts in some cases if the parts are "of like, kind, and quality" [sic]. [Source: Texas Department of Insurance] An insurer cannot require you to use a specific repair shop. [Source: Texas Department of Insurance]

Utah (U.T.) – You can use a repair shop of your choice but may have to pay the difference. [Source: Utah Insurance Department] Insurers may use "aftermarket crash parts" ("nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts") but must disclose that they are doing so.[Source: UC 31A-22-319]

Vermont (V.T.) – Nothing unique to windshields; insurers may use aftermarket or used parts, just so long as they are "like kind and quality". You have the right to decide who does the repairs. [Source: Guide from Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration]

Virginia (V.A.) – Nothing unique to windshields. Aftermarket parts can be used if they are "at least equal in like kind and quality in terms of fit, quality and performance", and a statement appears on the estimate. [Source: VA §38.2-510 C]

Washington (W.A.) – Nothing unique to windshields. You may have your car repaired at a repair shop of your choice. Insurers can use aftermarket or used parts if they are "like kind and quality". You can insist on O.E.M. or new parts but may have to pay the difference. [Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner]. No information on O.E.M./aftermarket parts or choice of repair location.

West Virginia (W.V.) – For cars less than three years old, insurers must use O.E.M. replacement parts unless the consumer agrees in writing. [Source]

Wisconsin (W.I.) – Insurers may use aftermarket parts. You can insist on O.E.M. parts but may have to pay the difference. [Source: State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance] You may choose a repair shop but may have to pay the difference. [Source: Same]

Wyoming (W.Y.) – Nothing unique to windshields. No information on O.E.M./aftermarket parts or choice of repair location.