As with most the cost of a windshield repairinsurance companies, whether Progressive will cover your windshield repair or replacement depends on your comprehensive coverage and deductible. Van Go Auto Glass owner Tim Newcomer covers how to navigate deductibles, the claims process, and insurance pushback.
Which Progressive Policies Cover Windshield Repair & Replacement?
Like with any insurance company, auto glass coverage comes down to the details of your policy, specifically your comprehensive coverage. Many vehicle owners don’t realize they have two separate deductibles: one for collision and one for comprehensive.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage applies when your vehicle is damaged as a result of:
- A collision with another vehicle
- A collision with a stationary object (a tree, pole, garage wall, etc.)
- A single-car accident, like a rollover or sliding into a ditch
If your windshield is broken in one of these situations, your collision deductible applies – though at that point, your windshield is probably the least of your concerns.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage applies to damage that isn’t caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, including:
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters, like hail and lightning
- Animal collisions, like hitting a deer
- Falling or flying objects, like tree branches or road debris
Most windshield damage – chips and cracks from rocks, hail, or debris – falls under comprehensive. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll be paying out of pocket. If you do, it comes down to your deductible. A $500 deductible, for example, is often more than the cost of a windshield repair or even a replacement, meaning you’d still front the full bill.
That’s why I always recommend keeping your deductible between $0 and $100 – it can save you a lot out of pocket when hail season hits. likely to fail during
Expert Tip: If you’re not sure what your comprehensive deductible is, call your insurance company and ask – then ask how much it would cost to lower it. We’ve seen customers bring a high deductible down to $0 or $50 for as little as $24 per year.
How to File a Claim with Progressive for Windshield Damage
If you have comprehensive coverage, filing a claim is as easy as a phone call — and we’ll help with that too!
We’ll hop on a three-way call with you and Progressive, make sure they have everything they need, and stay close by to answer any questions that come up. If your insurer tries to deny coverage or steer you toward cheaper glass, we’ll call them directly to advocate for the right repair.
How Van Go Auto Glass Helps with Insurance Pushback
Filing a claim through Progressive is usually pretty straightforward – but if they try to push back on coverage, here are three ways we can help.
Pushing for OEM Over Aftermarket Glass When Needed
Sometimes aftermarket glass is fine; other times, it’s not. We help you understand what will work for your situation and advocate for OEM glass when it’s the right call.
If your insurer still refuses, we’ll help you understand whether it’s worth paying the cost difference out of pocket.
Expert Tip: Progressive doesn’t want to pay for your windshield twice. If they push for aftermarket glass on a newer vehicle, you can make the case that aftermarket glass is more likely to fail during calibration – and Van Go will attest.
Advocating for Your Right to Choose Your Own Shop
Like all insurance companies, Progressive has its preferred vendors, and they’ll often try to steer you toward using one instead of an independent shop like Van Go. We advocate for your right to go where you want to go.
Expert Tip: This isn’t a business-by-business decision – it’s the law. Forcing you to use a preferred vendor is against Colorado law. You have a legal right to choose an auto glass shop that works for you, not your insurance company.
Pushing Back Against “Wear and Tear” Insurance Claims
Every once in a while we see insurance companies deny a legitimate claim – like storm damage – by calling it “wear and tear.” We’ll push for coverage and provide the documentation they need. If they still deny it, it might be time to find a new insurance company.
Expert Tip: Many insurers follow the dollar bill rule: if a crack is longer than the width of a dollar bill, they’ll cover it. Take a photo of the crack next to a dollar bill, tell them it’s broken, and they’ll often approve the claim.
Will Filing an Auto Glass Claim with Progressive Raise My Premiums?
This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear. Because windshield damage is a comprehensive claim – not a collision claim – it won’t raise your rates on its own.
That said, Colorado drivers are seeing surging insurance premiums across the board. So while your rates might go up in the coming months or years, it won’t be because of a single comprehensive claim.
Don’t let that fear keep you from using coverage you’re paying for.
How Long Does it Take to File a Windshield Claim with Progressive?
If all goes smoothly, we can get your claim approved in as little as 10-15 minutes. Other times, Progressive will say they need 24 hours to verify coverage before calling back. Either way, once we have approval, we can source and install your windshield that same day.
Expert Tip: That 24-hour window is when insurers most commonly push for aftermarket glass or their preferred vendor. If it happens, give us a call – we’ll help you navigate it.
Does Progressive Cover Mobile Windshield Repair & Replacement?
Yes! Progressive doesn’t care whether the work is done in our shop or in your driveway – as long as the repair or replacement is done properly, using the right glass and Van Go provides calibration methods.
Van Go provides mobile windshield repair and replacement throughout Westminster, Broomfield, and the greater Boulder and Denver Metro areas.
If you need help with a Progressive windshield claim, we’re here to help.
We Make the Insurance Approval Process Easy
Van Go Auto Glass helps you get the right glass covered – and installed the same day.
