Does Insurance Cover Windshield Scratches?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
It depends on the cause. Scratches from wiper wear are usually treated as wear and tear, not a covered loss. Scratches from vandalism or an accident may be covered under comprehensive or collision, subject to your deductible. Compare the deductible with the shop price before you file. Confirm with your insurer or agent what applies.
Does insurance cover a scratched windshield?
Whether insurance covers a scratched windshield depends on what caused the scratch. Wiper blades that have worn down to the arm, or debris caught under the blade, leave arc-shaped scratches across the sweep. That is gradual wear, and it is usually treated as wear and tear rather than a covered loss. See our guide on removing scratches from a windshield.
Scratches from vandalism — a key dragged across the glass, for example — are a different matter. Vandalism is a comprehensive loss, so the scratch may be covered under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. The same is true of scratches from a collision, which fall under the collision claim.
The practical step is to compare the deductible with the shop price. A windshield replacement runs $200 to $500+, and common deductibles are $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. If the deductible is close to or above the shop price, paying yourself usually costs less. Confirm with your insurer or agent before you file.
Wiper wear versus vandalism
Wiper scratches
- Arc-shaped marks across the wiper sweep.
- Caused by worn blades or debris under the rubber.
- Usually treated as wear and tear.
- Generally not a covered loss.
Vandalism or accident scratches
- A key mark, a drag, or collision damage.
- Vandalism is a comprehensive loss.
- Collision scratches fall under the collision claim.
- Subject to the matching deductible.
The cause of the scratch decides whether it is wear and tear or a covered loss. Confirm with your insurer or agent.
What to do about a scratched windshield
- Note what caused the scratch — wiper wear, vandalism, or a collision.
- Photograph the damage before you touch the glass.
- Compare your deductible with the shop price before you file.
- Try a scratch-removal guide first for light surface marks.
- Ask your insurer or agent whether the cause is covered.
More questions about scratches and coverage
Does wiper scratch insurance cover the glass?
Usually not. Scratches from worn wiper blades are gradual wear, treated as wear and tear rather than a covered loss. Vandalism or collision scratches may be covered, subject to your deductible. Confirm with your insurer or agent.
Is a scratched windshield covered by comprehensive?
When the scratch is from vandalism, it may be, subject to your deductible. Wiper wear is usually excluded as wear and tear. Compare the deductible with the shop price before you file.
Can I fix windshield scratches myself?
Light surface marks sometimes respond to a polish. See our guide on removing scratches from a windshield. Deeper grooves usually mean replacement.
Related guides
More in Insurance and claims
- Does a windshield chip repair count as an insurance claim?
- What happens if you chip the windshield on a rental car?
- Is it worth paying cash for a windshield instead of filing a claim?
- Does insurance cover windshield replacement?
- Does liability insurance cover windshield damage?
- What is full glass coverage?
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