What is a deductible in car insurance?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
A deductible is the amount you pay toward a covered claim before the insurer pays the rest. On a glass claim, you pay the deductible to the glass shop and the insurer pays the balance. Common glass deductibles are $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. For a chip repair, many insurers waive the deductible. Coverage is set by your policy, so confirm yours with your insurer.
How does a car insurance deductible work
A deductible is your share of a covered loss. On a glass claim, it is paid to the shop that does the work.
- 1
Damage happens
A rock chips your windshield or a side window is broken. If the cause is covered, a claim can be opened.
- 2
The claim is opened
Skyview confirms your coverage before any work starts and files the claim with your insurer at no charge.
- 3
You pay the deductible
You pay your deductible to the glass shop. Common glass deductibles are $100, $250, $500, or $1,000.
- 4
The insurer pays the rest
The insurer pays the balance of the approved claim directly to the shop. You pay only what your policy says you owe.
Do I pay the deductible to the glass shop
How a deductible plays out depends on the cost of the job compared with your deductible.
| Job | Typical cost | What you might pay |
|---|---|---|
| Chip repair | $75 to $150 | Often waived — many insurers waive it |
| Windshield replacement | $200 to $500+ | Your comprehensive deductible |
| Door glass replacement | $180 to $400 | Your comprehensive deductible |
| Back glass replacement | $200 to $500+ | Your comprehensive deductible |
If the job costs less than the deductible, paying yourself usually costs less. Your policy decides what applies, so check it with your insurer or agent.
A chip repair often costs less than the deductible
Chip repair runs $75 to $150. If your comprehensive deductible is $250, $500, or $1,000, paying for the repair yourself usually costs less than filing a claim. Many insurers still waive the deductible for a chip repair — ask yours. Door glass at $180 to $400 and back glass at $200 to $500+ are more likely to clear a lower deductible, so a claim can make sense for those larger jobs. See our comprehensive deductible guide.
More questions about deductibles
Do I pay the deductible to the glass shop?
Yes. On a glass claim, you pay your deductible to the shop and the insurer pays the balance. Common glass deductibles are $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. Your policy decides what applies, so check it with your insurer.
How does a car insurance deductible work?
It is your share of a covered loss. You pay it, and the insurer pays the rest of the approved claim. On glass, Skyview files the claim at no charge and bills the insurer directly; you pay what your policy sets.
Is there a different deductible for glass?
Some policies carry a separate, lower glass deductible, and some add full glass coverage that lowers or removes it. See our separate glass deductible guide. Check yours with your insurer or agent.
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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