Usually, yes, at least partly. But "covered" can mean anything from "free" to "you pay the first $1,000," so it's worth knowing what to look for before you file.
Quick note: we install glass, we don't sell insurance. Your policy is the final word, and your agent can tell you exactly what you've got. This is just how it generally works.
Glass usually falls under comprehensive
Most auto policies split physical damage into two parts. Collision covers you hitting something. Comprehensive covers pretty much everything else: rocks, hail, falling branches, vandalism, a break-in.
A rock chip or a cracked windshield almost always goes under comprehensive. If you only carry liability (the minimum Colorado requires), your glass isn't covered and you'd be paying for it yourself.
Check your deductible
If you've got comprehensive, the next question is your deductible. If it's $500 and the windshield costs $380, there's no point filing a claim.
Some people have what's called full glass coverage, which means no deductible on glass at all. It's an add-on with some insurers, and plenty of people have it without knowing. Look at the declarations page (the summary page at the front of your policy) or just call your agent and ask.
Chip repairs are often free
A lot of insurance companies will pay for a rock chip repair with no deductible. It makes sense for them. A $90 repair today is a lot cheaper than paying for a $700 windshield after that chip turns into a crack.
So if you've got a chip and you carry comprehensive, it's worth asking. There's a decent chance it won't cost you anything.
Will it raise my rates?
Comprehensive claims usually aren't treated like at-fault accidents, and glass claims in particular don't tend to move rates much. Every company handles it a little differently, though, so if you're worried about it, ask your agent before you file.
You pick the shop
Your insurance company may point you toward a shop they work with. That's fine if you want to use them, but you don't have to. It's your car. Your insurer can tell you how much it'll pay, but you choose who does the work.
How it works when you call us
Tell us who your insurance is with when you call. For most companies we can handle the billing directly, so you're not stuck in the middle chasing paperwork. If you're paying out of pocket, we'll give you the price on the phone, and that's what you'll pay.
Give us a call at (719) 467-3190 and we'll help you figure out whether filing makes sense.