If you’ve lived or driven around Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills, or Warren, you know how unpredictable our roads can be. One day, you’re cruising down M-59, the next a stray rock smacks into your windshield.

Your first thought: “Great, how much is this gonna cost me?”
Your second thought: “ Will my Michigan insurance cover it ?”

The answer? It depends—mostly on your deductible.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect—and how Save On Auto Glass can often help you pay nothing out of pocket.

What’s a Deductible and Why Does It Matter?

An auto insurance deductible is what you pay before your insurance kicks in.

Example: If your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $800, you pay $500, your insurance covers the remaining $300.

When it comes to auto glass coverage, your deductible can be the deciding factor in whether you:

File a claim through insurance
Or just pay for the repair yourself

Many Michigan drivers with higher deductibles skip filing a claim for small chips or cracks, simply because the deductible costs more than the repair.

Michigan Auto Glass Coverage—The Rules

Michigan runs on a no-fault auto insurance system, which is one of the most misunderstood parts of our state’s insurance laws.

Here’s the truth

No-fault coverage is mainly designed to handle medical bills and lost wages after an accident.
It does not automatically mean all damage to your car—like a cracked windshield—is covered for free.

When it comes to auto glass repairs in Michigan, most drivers rely on their comprehensive insurance policy. This is an optional add-on that steps in when the damage isn’t caused by a collision.

Common examples include

Rocks and road debris kicked up while driving down I-75 or M-59
Hail, snow, or ice damage, especially during Metro Detroit’s unpredictable winters
Vandalism or break-ins
Fallen branches after a storm

Here’s why this matters

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’re paying for that new windshield completely out of pocket.
If you do have it, your deductible still decides what you’ll owe. For some, that could be $0. For others, it could be $250, $500, or more—sometimes more than the cost of the repair itself.

That’s why knowing the exact terms of your policy before damage happens can save you a lot of frustration when you’re already dealing with the stresses of cracked glass.

Common Misconceptions

When it comes to Michigan auto glass coverage, a lot of drivers have the wrong idea—and those misunderstandings can cost you money.

Two of the biggest myths we hear all the time:

“No-fault means my windshield gets fixed for free.” ❌
Nope. Michigan’s no-fault system is designed to cover injuries and certain expenses after an accident, not automatically replace or repair your auto glass. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll still be paying for that new windshield yourself.
“The cheapest Michigan car insurance is always the best deal.” ❌
It might look great on paper, but low-cost, bare-bones coverage often leaves out comprehensive insurance. That means no help with damage from road debris, storms, or vandalism. In the long run, one stray rock on M-59 could end up costing you far more than the extra $10–$15 a month you might have paid for better coverage.

Bottom line: A little extra coverage now can save you hundreds (or even thousands) later, especially with how unpredictable Michigan roads and weather can be.

Do You Always Pay a Deductible for Auto Glass Repair?

Not necessarily.

It depends on your coverage and the size of the damage:

Small repairs: Many insurance companies waive the deductible because fixing a chip now costs less than replacing the whole windshield later.
Full replacements: You’ll usually pay your comprehensive deductible, unless your repair shop helps cover it.

How Save On Auto Glass Helps You Pay $0

We know a cracked windshield is stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to stress about paying for it too.

That’s why:

We waive your deductible for many auto glass services.
If you have zero-deductible auto glass coverage, we give you an instant rebate of up to $100.
We work directly with your insurance company, so you don’t have to deal with back-and-forth phone calls.

The result? You get your glass repaired or replaced fast—and in many cases, without spending a dime.

Real-Life Example in Metro Detroit

Let’s say you’re driving at 70 through Auburn Hills on your way to Great Lakes Crossing and a dump truck kicks up gravel. Crack across your windshield.

Your deductible is $250.
The total replacement cost is $350.

Normally, you’d owe $250.

With Save On Auto Glass, we work with your insurance to waive that deductible, so you pay $0.

If you had zero-deductible coverage, we’d even hand you a check for up to $100.

Tips for Faster Auto Glass Repairs with Michigan Insurance

Want your repair done quickly and painlessly?

Have your insurance policy number ready – We can verify coverage faster.
Ask about free mobile service – We’ll come to your driveway in Sterling Heights or your office in Warren.
Choose an insurance-preferred shop – We’re certified, trusted, and recognized by major insurance providers.
Don’t wait – Michigan winters are brutal on small chips. They turn into big cracks in no time.

Why Staying Local Matters

We’re a Metro Detroit auto glass company, not a national call center.

That means:

We know the local roads that cause the most damage.
We can get to you faster if you’re near Van Dyke Avenue or out by Hall Road.
We’ve built relationships with Michigan insurance agents to speed up claims.

Before You Hit the Road…

In Michigan, whether you pay a deductible for auto glass repair all comes down to your insurance policy—and knowing your options can save you serious money. With Save On Auto Glass, you don’t have to settle for paying more than you should.

We often waive your deductible entirely, so you could pay $0 out of pocket.
If you have zero-deductible coverage, we’ll give you an instant rebate of up to $100.
You’ll always get fast, certified, and local service anywhere in Metro Detroit—if you’re in Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills, Warren or anywhere in between.

Don’t let a cracked windshield slow you down. Call Save On Auto Glass today—we’ll handle the insurance claim, take care of the paperwork, and get you safely back on the road without the stress or extra cost.