TL;DR
- Most Minnesota drivers with full coverage pay nothing out of pocket for windshield repair or replacement due to the state's full safety glass endorsement.
- Windshield damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision, and filing rarely raises your premium.
- In Minnesota, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop; your insurer cannot force you to use a specific vendor.
- Auto Glass Express can file the claim on your behalf. All we need is your insurer name, policy number, vehicle info, and date of damage.
Step 1. Review Your Coverage Before You File
Before contacting your insurer, confirm what your policy covers. This takes five minutes and prevents surprises.
Check your policy declarations page or call your agent and ask:
- Do I have comprehensive coverage?
- Does my policy include a full safety glass endorsement?
- What is my comprehensive deductible?
- Does my policy cover ADAS recalibration costs after windshield replacement?
The last point is increasingly important. Vehicles manufactured after approximately 2015 often include cameras and sensors mounted to or near the windshield that power Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Replacing the windshield without recalibrating these systems can leave them inaccurate or non-functional, creating a safety risk.
Not all insurers automatically cover recalibration. Ask explicitly. If your vehicle requires it, confirm coverage in writing before scheduling the repair.
Step 2: File Your Claim
Contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible after the damage occurs. Most companies accept claims by phone, mobile app, or online portal.
When you file, have the following ready:
- Your insurance carrier name and policy number
- Your vehicle's year, make, and model
- The date the damage occurred
- A description of how the damage happened
Ask your agent:
- Is there a deadline for filing this claim or submitting repair bills?
- Do I need to get an independent estimate before authorizing repairs?
- Is ADAS recalibration covered under my policy?
Let Auto Glass Express File for You
If you'd rather skip the paperwork, Auto Glass Express will contact your insurer directly and set up the claim. We are approved by all major insurance carriers and employ AGSC-certified technicians. All we need is:
- Your insurance carrier name
- Your policy number
- Your vehicle's year, make, and model
- The date the damage occurred
We will handle the claim and bill your insurance company directly.
Step 3: Choose a Qualified Repair Shop
In Minnesota, you have the legal right to take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific vendor or a restricted list.
This right is protected under Minnesota law. However, a few conditions apply:
- Your insurer may ask for one or two estimates.
- If your chosen shop's price exceeds the lowest estimate and your insurer requires a competitive bid, you may be responsible for the difference.
- If your insurer requires more than two estimates, it must pay for the cost of obtaining additional ones.
What to Look for in an Auto Glass Repair Shop
For safety-critical repairs like windshield replacement, look for shops that are:
- A Registered Member Company of the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC)
- Staffed by AGSC-certified technicians trained in adhesive systems, vehicle occupant safety, and custom-cut laminated glass
- Equipped to perform or coordinate ADAS recalibration if your vehicle requires it
AGSC Registered Member Companies undergo random third-party safety audits, maintain continuing education requirements, and abide by federal, state, and local legal requirements. This certification is a meaningful quality signal, not a marketing badge.
Ready to Get Your Windshield Fixed?
If you have questions about your coverage or want someone to handle the insurance process for you, we're happy to help. As an AGSC-certified, BBB A+-rated shop serving the Twin Cities area, we work directly with all major insurers and can typically get you scheduled quickly. Call (651) 494-9252 or send us a message to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing a windshield claim raise my insurance premium?
In most cases, no. Comprehensive claims (which include windshield damage) are typically not classified as at-fault accidents and do not trigger premium increases. However, policies vary. Confirm with your insurer before filing if this is a concern.
Can my insurance company tell me which shop to use?
Not in Minnesota. State law gives drivers the right to choose their own repair shop. Insurers cannot mandate a specific vendor or penalize you for using a shop of your choice, though they may require competitive estimates.
How long does the windshield replacement process take?
Most repairs take less than an hour, with a safe drive time of 1 hour from the time of completion. Some imported vehicles may take a little longer.
Does windshield repair or replacement come with a warranty?
Quality shops offer a warranty on both materials and workmanship.